EACH year, a small group of volunteers get together to organise the annual Seniors’ Festival in Moree – and each year, this dedicated group led by Lorraine Bartel delivers in spades.
The Seniors’ Festival, a statewide initiative held each March, celebrates the role and contributions of older adults in local communities, with this year’s theme Live Life in Colour highlighting free and low-cost events, creativity, new connections and active ageing.
This week in Moree, Mrs Bartel and her team have been busy organising daily events for Moree seniors.
The week started with Bingo and morning tea at Pius X on Monday, followed by a screening of The Thursday Murder Club at Moree Community Library on Tuesday.
At Moree Services Club yesterday, nearly 150 patrons were treated to a special lunch and live entertainment from The Seekers’ founding member Keith Potger, who regaled audiences with stories and songs from a golden age of music in Australia.
Mungindi’s Laraine Nolan was named Moree Plains Shire Senior Citizen of the Year, from a list of exceptional nominees, including Rhonda Gallagher, Margi Kirkby, Frank Crump, Margaret Young, Ron Clissold, Doris Davis, Wendy Long, Jeff Greenaway, Meryl Dillon, Julie Johnson and Marlene Howard.
Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, congratulated Mrs Bartel and her team for again delivering the Seniors’ Festival to the Moree community.
“I have to say a massive thank-you to all those involved in organising the Seniors’ Festival in Moree and making this event a reality, especially Lorraine Bartel,” Cr Pearse said.
“Lorraine and her helpers’ contributions and unwavering dedication in organising a week filled with festival fun for the senior citizens of our shire is incredible.”
Mrs Bartel, along with Lynne Churchland, Sue Carter, Kaye Berger, Helen Palmer, Jo Shaw and Sharon Wilde, spend weeks organising and co-ordinating events across Moree to celebrate the Seniors’ Festival.
“The week would not be possible without the contributions of many organisations and individuals, especially my husband, Robert, who has helped me organise events throughout the whole week,” Mrs Bartel smiled.
She said Moree Services Club each year provides the venue and covers all entertainment costs at the mid-week lunch.
“The club also provides staff, who are always helpful and look after all our needs,” Mrs Bartel said.
“The club covers the cost of entertainment every year as well, and I’m sure everyone agrees the last couple of years have been great.
“Regional Australia Bank also helps with a contribution from the Community Partnership program,” she said.
“Last year, we received $10,125, which helped cover the cost of meals and food, and this year they donated prizes for raffles.
“Moree Plains Shire Council donated $1000 to help cover costs and a special thank-you goes to Jacqui Moore, for all her work during the festival, and Yasmine Purcell, who organised our morning tea and movie at the library.”
Mrs Bartel also thanked Pius X, Moree Community Library, Moree Care, Moree Lions Club, Whiddon Moree and Moree Ukelele Band.
Moree Services Club CEO Rob Shields said the club is only too happy to support the Seniors’ Festival in Moree.
“We do it every year. It’s a great event, and brings a lot of our older people together. It’s a pleasure to be involved,” Mr Shields said.
“There was a great roll-up for the lunch on Wednesday. The auditorium was chock-a-block, and the entertainment was very good – one of the original Seekers – and all sponsored by Moree Services Club.”
Mr Shields said the festival wouldn’t get off the starting blocks without the enthusiasm of Lorraine Bartel and her group of volunteers.
“Lorraine does a great job, and things simply wouldn’t get done without her involvement,” he said.
Seniors’ Festival continues in Moree today, with lawn bowls at Moree Services Club from 6pm.
“The bowls night is a great opportunity for anyone to come along and have some fun,” Mrs Bartel said.
“We have bowls available to use and people to show newcomers how to play. We just ask for everyone to have their name in by 5pm,” Mrs Bartel said.
Tomorrow, there will bingo and lunch at Moree Care from 10am. The week-long celebrations close on Saturday with a relaxing lunch in the gardens of Rob and Lorraine Bartel’s home on Gwydirfield Road.
“Moree Lions Club cook the barbeque lunch and Moree Ukulele Band provide some great entertainment – it’s a great afternoon,” Mrs Bartel said.
Moree Plains 2026 Seniors’ Festival
Thursday, March 12: From 6pm bowls at Moree Services Club. Names must be in by 5pm
Friday, March 13: 10am bingo and lunch at Moree Care
Saturday, March 14: From 11am barbecue lunch by Moree Lions Club with entertainment by The Moree Ukulele Band at 363 Gwydirfield Road
