THREE Moree sporting icons, a rising academic and the local historical society were last week recognised in State Parliament by Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan.
Senior cricketers Alf Newman and Darrel Smith, rugby league player Tileah McGrady, Moree Secondary College student Maverick Noakes and Moree and District Historical Society were congratulated for recent milestones.
Alf Newman and Darrel Smith recently played in an Australian Aboriginal over-55s cricket side against New Zealand, a collaboration between Veterans Cricket Australia Over-50s Board and the Australian Aboriginal team committee played at Mackay, Queensland.
“The competition enables cricketing veterans to continue their sporting journey, to celebrate competitors’ unique heritage, for the enjoyment of players and spectators alike,” Mr Moylan said.
“I congratulate Alf and Darrel on their successful selection, with Alf opening the bowling at the series and Darrel named vice-captain for the national Aboriginal team.
“The pair have a long history of playing cricket and have tested success, playing in an all-Indigenous team in Moree in the early 1990s,” he said.
Maverick Noakes was earlier this year named recipient of the prestigious Tom Harvey Award, provided and presented by the Australian Youth Trust, along with the NSW Attorney General.
“Maverick has been a fine ambassador for his school, Moree Secondary College, and students alike, through his various leadership roles,” Mr Moylan said.
“He is a member of the Student Representative Council; Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group; and his school’s Sustainability Council.
“Additionally, Maverick ably represented his school at a state level, at the Student Voice Council –known as DOVES – in 2023.
“Maverick is an inspiration to his peers and the wider community, with such attributes putting him in good stead for a life-held dream of politics, and I am sure he will have every success in Parliament,” Mr Moylan said.
Tileah McGrady is the first Moree Boars female to play 100 club games and was part of the winning team of the first ladies tackle team against Dungowan Cowboys in the Group 4 competition.
“Since starting with the Boars in 2014, Tileah has scored an amazing 36 tries, kicked three goals and has won two premierships in League-Tag previously,” Mr Moylan said.
“I commend Tileah on her hard work and commitment to her team and sport and, importantly, on being a leader and inspiration to her fellow team members and to each of the younger players coming through.”
Moree and District Historical Society has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the history of Moree and surrounding districts from their new home on Frome Street, Moree Plains Museum.
“I congratulate all involved in providing this community legacy, as well as on celebrating their first anniversary of the new home, the Moree Plains Museum,” Mr Moylan said.
“Behind the scenes, volunteers are dusting, polishing, cataloguing memorabilia, artefacts and records, maintaining the building and displays, as well as ensuring the museum evolves and continues to impart our history,” Mr Moylan said.
“I commend all involved with this very important initiative, for their foresight, hard work and dedication to the museum.
“In doing so, they provide the opportunity for visitors to learn about history significant to our people and region,” he said.
