ONE of Moree’s best-kept secrets – the town’s amazing generosity – was put on show last Friday night when 250 people attended Gather for Gwydir at idyllic Tarrawingee Farm, west of Moree.
“Overwhelming” was the only way Gwydir Industries board president Bill Crawford could describe the event, which raised in excess of $325,000 for Moree’s most cherished organisation.
Incredibly, one lot offered at auction went under the hammer for $102,000, with all 17 lots bringing $326,620.
A final tally will be announced soon, with all money raised helping Gwydir Industries establish services for clients and update and current services, gardening, IT training, cooking, art, recycling, peg production, trophy engraving, installing an art room as well as new computer programmes.
“What an incredible night,” Mr Crawford said.
(from left) Scott Carrigan, Gwydir Industries board president Bill Crawford, Sally Glynn, Jodie Crowe, Sophia Mulligan, Peter Burey and Paul Kelly at the Gather for Gwydir fundraiser (Image: Eliza Watts).
“This was more than a fundraiser. It was a moment of unity, and a reminder of what we can achieve together.
“On behalf of Gwydir Industries, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made our Gather for Gwydir fundraiser at Tarrawingee Farm such a success.
“Together, with the support of our generous sponsors, the amazing Moree community, and everyone who contributed on the night, we raised more than $300,000,” he said.
“This result is beyond what we hoped for and reflects not just Moree’s generosity, but belief in Gwydir Industries, belief in our mission, and belief in the future of children and young adults living with disability in our region.”
More than 50 local, regional and corporate sponsors answered the call to support Gather for Gwydir, with donations of auction items and raffle prizes worth more than $100,000.
“Thank-you everyone for stepping forward and leading the way,” Mr Crawford said.
“And to our incredibly kind community – thank-you for giving so generously and showing what makes Moree so special.
“To the staff, board, sub-committee, and employees of Gwydir Industries, thank-you for your tireless efforts, both on the night and every day.
“Because of these wonderful people, Gwydir Industries will continue to grow,” Mr Crawford said.
“We’ll expand programs, invest in new opportunities and building pathways that support inclusion, independence and dignity,” he said.
Three tradies for a day sold for $6400 at the Gather for Gwydir fundraiser last Friday (Image: Eliza Watts).
Gwydir Industries provides employment training and real work experience for people with disabilities and has proudly been a support organisation the Moree region since the early 1960s.
What began as a dream by parents wanting a better future for their children, has grown to a community-driven organisation dedicated to training, empowering clients and delivering meaningful employment.
Gwydir Industries relies heavily on major fundraisers and the incredible generosity of local residents, and business houses and industry was put on show at Tarrawingee Farm last Friday night.
“From all of us at Gwydir Industries . . . thank-you,” Mr Crawford said.
And the winning bids were . . .
2025 HWS bunker broom attachment donated by Heavy Welding Specialists Moree sold for $12,000; New Kubota T2290-48KW ride-on mower sold for $12,500; Milwaukee chainsaw, blower combo with extra batteries and charger sold for $2020; Contract picking donated by Ball Group and Taubro sold for $102,000; Contract planting donated by Ball Group sold for $19,000; Three cartons of cube rolls donated by BJA sold for $3200; 10,000L of diesel donated by Boland Petroleum sold for $28,000; Tandem axle trailer donated by BOSS Engineering sold for $31,000; Three tradies for a day donated by Crawford Constructions sold for $6400; Three tradies for a day donated by Crawford Constructions sold for $6400; Mosa GE11000 240v generator donated by Compressed Air Light and Power sold for $5000; Firepit and wood box built by Cobb Mainweld donated by Kenway and Clark sold for $4800; Pallet of round module cotton wrap donated by Polytex sold for 16,000; 1000-litre shuttle of Round Up. 1000L donated by B&W Rural sold $9000; John Deere Z720E mower donated by RDO sold for $30,000; Brooker Trading Co dinner for eight donated by Brooker Trading Co sold for $12,300; and a Lake Eyre and Birdsville flight donated By P&J Harris & Sons sold for $27000.
