FLASHBACK FRIDAY: She’s got a heart of gold – the heart of a Lion.
Beth Hearn was lost for words – almost – at Jellicoe Park last year when Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse presented the Moree Lions Club cornerstone with the 2025 Australia Day Mayoral Award.
“This award is not just for me, but for everyone who helps in their own way,” Ms Hearn said.
“Just by helping one person a day, means you’ve helped 365 people in a year. I encourage everyone to try and help someone, to make that person feel great.”
The Mayoral Award is reserved for someone who exemplifies selflessness, dedication and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others – Beth Hearn has been leading the race for many, many years.
“Beth is a true pillar of the Moree community,” Cr Pearse said.
“She has been a devoted volunteer with Moree Lions Club for a long time and embodies the spirit of service, always putting the needs of others before her own, and doing so without any expectation of recognition or praise.
“Beth has been instrumental in countless Lions Club projects across the Moree Plains Shire. From spearheading initiatives to enhance our community to supporting the local markets, Beth is always looking for ways to improve and bring people together,” she said.
“At the monthly Moree Markets, you’ll find her checking in with stall-holders, gathering feedback and working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success.”
Ms Hearn’s contributions to Moree and district communities have been recognised at State level, with acknowledgement in NSW parliament of the Lions Club’s invaluable work under her guidance.
“Beyond her work with Lions, Beth’s kindness and generosity extend into her everyday life,” Cr Pearse said.
“She never hesitates to lend a helping hand, whether it’s bringing coffee to office staff during appointments, painting park shelters or assisting someone in need.
“Beth recently stepped in to help a homeless young woman, offering care and support until the woman could return home to her family overseas.
“Beth’s efforts, big and small, have left and indelible mark on this community, and now is the time to say ‘thank-you’ and celebrate the incredible person she is,” Cr Pearse said.
While Beth Hearn demonstrates how one person can make a difference, LifeHouse Pantry Moree demonstrates how a group of people can shine a beacon of hope across an entire shire.
The Moree support service was named Volunteer Group of the Year at the Australia Awards ceremony on Sunday, a fitting acknowledgement to an organisation that fosters compassion and care in the Moree community.
Moree LifeHouse Church’s Suzy Simpson told the Australia Day gathering the organisation was ‘family’.
“I speak on behalf of all the volunteers when I say we are so blessed,” Mrs Simpson said.
“Walking into the Lifehouse Care store is like walking into family. They are such beautiful people who want to extend that sense of family into the community.
“They want people to feel loved and cared for. They are genuine in their interaction with everyone, with each other, and with the community.
“On behalf of the Lifehouse community and its volunteers, I say ‘thank-you’ for this recognition,” she said.
LifeHouse in Moree operated a food pantry to ensure families in need have access to essential groceries, and provides clothing and furniture to the people who need it most.
Moree Plains mayor Susannah Pearse said Lifehouse Moree’s efforts are extraordinary.
“At Christmas, they organise the Under the Tree gift-giving program, bringing joy to children and families, and they distribute Christmas hampers to brighten the holiday season,” Cr Pearse said.
“They are there for our community in times of crisis, offering flood and fire relief and ensuring that no-one is left behind.”
Cr Pearse said the LifeHouse Moree team’s approach makes the organisation truly exceptional.
“They bring not only practical support but also compassion, confidentiality and encouragement to every interaction,” she said.
“Their selfless dedication to meeting the needs of Moree citizens reflect the very best of our community spirit.”
Moree Shire residents are encouraged to nominate local legends – individuals and groups – for the Moree Plains 2026 Australia Day Awards.
The awards are due recognition of Moree Shire’s remarkable individuals and community groups who go above and beyond to support, enrich and improve life across the black-soil plains.
Nominations can be lodged online HERE or by using the QR code embedded in this story.
Council staff and volunteers will also be set up at an information stall with hardcopy forms in different locations on Balo Street in the coming days.
Hardcopy forms can also be collected over the counter at Council’s Customer Service in the Max Centre.
Nominations for all categories have been extended until 5pm, January, 20.
