A NEW chapter of Moree’s rich history was written in April when the Moree Plains Museum was officially opened.
The museum was gifted to Moree and District Historical Society in 2019 when Moree Plains Shire Council acquired the historic Lands Office building from the NSW State Government.
Adam Marshall, at the time Member for Northern Tablelands, along with society president Neville Campbell and Moree mayor Mark Johnson, officially opened the museum before a huge gathering.
Special guests included Bruce and Alison Amos, who were instrumental in restarting the local historical society back in 1977, and former Moree mayor Katrina Humphries.
Mr Campbell thanked everyone involved in getting the museum’s doors open to the public.
“A number of society members, in particular our past president Stephen Ritchie and our vice-president James Pritchard, lobbied with our local member Adam Marshall for the building to be passed on to the historical society,” Mr Campbell said.
“This lobbying ultimately proved successful when the building was handed over to the local council under the condition it be used by the society to establish a museum.”
The building was established as the State Government Lands Office in 1893-94 and continued in that role until 2015.
“Initially the building was on the ground and was subsequently raised to its present height in the early 1900s,” Mr Campbell said.
“The building was also damaged by fire in the early 1980s and repairs were carried out by the department of public works in 1982.”
The ground floor is now used for record-keeping and research and the upper floor is a museum dedicated to displaying Moree’s historical treasures.
“Naturally, the museum is a work in progress and our displays will of course change and evolve from time to time. In the meantime, society members hope the people of Moree and district, as well as visitors to our town, enjoy what we have done so far,” Mr Campbell said.
Mr Campbell paid a special tribute to James Pritchard, who passed away just days before the museum’s opening.
“James was a very active and enthusiastic member of the society. He carried out research requests and helped set up the museum. He also did general maintenance work as well as help with the reconstruction of the stairs. I’m sure he is here with us in spirit.”
Adam Marshall saluted former society president Stephen Ritchie, who was instrumental in the building’s handover and reincarnation.
“Stephen, or Stitchie as he is known, is a very passionate man – a very dogged man – and he was very passionate about getting this museum open and operational,” Mr Marshall said.
“I would also like to acknowledge former mayor Katrina Humphries and former general manager Lester Rodgers, because the story of the transfer of this building back into community hands didn’t happen by accident,” he said.
At the time, policy stated the building could not be handed to the society from the State Government, and needed council to purchase the building.
“The council did exactly that for the princely sum of one-dollar,” Mr Marshall said.
“Moree Council did not have to step up to the plate but they did, to make sure this vision became a reality.
“The best way to preserve beautiful, heritage buildings like this, is to use them. This is a perfect re-use of an historical Moree building to show off and celebrate the rich and diverse history of this wonderful and strong community,” he said.
Moree Plains Museum is open each Saturday from 10am until 3pm (times may vary) and will also be accessible on Mondays and Tuesdays when members are at the building doing odd jobs and undertaking research.
Words and Image: Bill Poulos
