WHEN a few young people closely connected to the Moree agriculture industry get together and say they’re going to throw a party to raise a bit of money and hand out a few scholarships, it’s wise to sit up and listen.
That’s what happens when some like-minded young aggies go about their business quietly and efficiently and organise a major fundraiser – the end result from the 2024 Gold Rush Ball exceeded everyone’s expectations.
After the wash-up, when the last few coins were counted, a grand total of $100,052 was raised at an event that brought together 500 people from across the Moree district and wider communities.
The staggering amount is $30,000 more than last year and will be distributed among seven local beneficiaries and four scholarship recipients.
Ball committee president Sophie Venz said hard work and commitment paid blue-chip dividends.
“It was a lot of hard work, but thanks to our wonderful committee full of new faces and fresh ideas, we pulled it off,” Ms Venz smiled.
“We were astounded by the generosity and support we were shown from our community and further afield.
“With more than 60 wonderful sponsors and the 500 young aggies that travelled near and far, made this our most successful ball yet.
“The support from our sponsors, and guest contributions toward the raffle and auction, far exceeded our expectations.
“We can now proudly announce, we raised a massive $100,052 from the 2024 Gold Rush Ball,” she beamed.
Money raised will be passed onto Moree and district organisations as well as the annual Young Aggies rural scholarships.
This year’s recipients are Andrew Ammann, Jennifer Corderoy, Grace Hoey and Caitlyn Coutts.
“The scholarships will give these four tertiary students the ability to complete work placement in the Moree district without financial burden,” Ms Venz said.
“It also gives them the chance to experience the rich agricultural industry Moree has to offer and to gain connections, and possibly even job opportunities, in the future.”
Community recipients include:
Jule Jarner to develop a space for educational and creative development and introduce community projects and art installations to Moree;
Garah Community Fundraiser to help raise money for transport and accommodation of sick residents to get any help they require;
Can Assist to support the cancer patients of Moree, and provide financial support for patients to travel so they can get the treatment they require;
Moree Homes for the Aged to update their footpaths to warrant safe travel of the elderly residents from unit to unit;
United Hospital Auxiliary to help fund an ophthalmologist’s machine to help provide treatment for muscular degeneration as well as help the upgrade of the nursing quarters;
Moree Tennis Club to contribute to current grants and programs the tennis club is involved in to benefit members and the wider community; and
Moree Junior Soccer Club to help fund coaching clinics for more than 300 junior soccer members.
“These are all wonderful causes doing wonderful things for the Moree community,” Ms Venz said.
Ms Venz said one of the Young Aggies’ main goals was to support young people in the agricultural industry.
“We run professional development events as well as provide a safe place for people to network,” she said.
“But we also strive to support the Moree community, to help and give back to the people that are trying to make a difference.
“At Last year’s Gold Ball, we made a massive $70,000 which was divided up and injected back into the Moree community.
“As a small group, we understand the challenges when seeking support and spreading awareness. That’s why most of the money we raise is given back to the community groups in Moree and the district, to say thank-you for doing something that counts,” she said.
Images courtesy Jaz Morrison, JM Styling Photography
