NEARLY 150 seniors filled the Moree Services Club auditorium on Wednesday to celebrate the 2026 Seniors’ Festival, with Mungindi’s Laraine Nolan named Moree Plains Shire Senior Citizen of the Year.
“I’m absolutely amazed to be recognised like this – really stunned,” Mrs Nolan smiled.
“I didn’t know until four days ago that I’d even been nominated, and didn’t expect to win anything like this.”
Mrs Nolan’s resume is impressive.
Every Monday, she volunteers at the Mungindi Library, shelving books, greeting visitors and helping travellers discover local attractions.
On Tuesdays, Mrs Nolan runs the weekly Mungindi Bingo, organises prizes, co-ordinates the event and joins participants for a friendly morning tea.
Every second week, she organises and drives the community bus to larger towns, giving residents without transport a chance to shop, socialise and enjoy a day out.
She also co-ordinates regular trips to Goondiwindi for movies and to Pallamallawa for market days and community visits.
Mrs Nolan’s commitment extends across multiple local organisations, including the Mungindi Progress Association, the Mungindi Hospital Auxiliary and the Mungindi Show Auxiliary.
A talented crafter, she exhibits her work at the Mungindi Show and encourages others to get involved.
“It just keeps me busy, that’s all, and winning this has really blown me away,” Mrs Nolan smiled.
“I do what I do for fun. It keeps me sane, off the streets and out of trouble – I love what I do.
“I moved to Mungindi 30-odd years ago. I met my husband, Pat, there and sadly, he’s since passed away.
“Mungindi is a great town, I love it,” she said.
“We go to Moree once a month and also Goondiwindi once a month, as well as trips to the movies.
“We also do trips away. We went to Tasmania for 12 days and we’ll go to Cairns in May.
“It’s a just a group of Mungindi locals, there’s no name for us or anything like that – just a group of friends and anybody is welcome to come along.
“Bingo in Mungindi started the same way – just friends and whoever wants to jump on board and have fun,” she said.
Mrs Nolan received the award from Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse.
“Mrs Nolan is a much appreciated and highly active member of the Mungindi community, known for creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone around her,” Cr Pearse said.
“Each week, she volunteers countless hours to ensure residents stay connected, supported and able to access the services they need.
“Mungindi is a stronger, kinder and more connected community because of Mrs Nolan and the selfless way she supports those around her,” Cr Pearse said.
“Moree Plains Shire Council thanks Mrs Nolan for her dedication to the Mungindi community.”
This year’s nominees included Rhonda Gallagher, Margi Kirkby, Frank Crump, Margaret Young, Ron Clissold, Doris Davis, Wendy Long, Jeff Greenaway, Meryl Dillon, Julie Johnson, Marlene Howard and winner Laraine Nolan.
“Seniors’ Week is a great way to honour our senior citizens across the Moree Plains who are valued members of our communities and are often the backbone of many of our local organisations,” Cr Pearse said.
“No-one understands the importance of community more than our seniors, who have seen the shire through both bright and tough times, and who understand the need for local people to support local people.
“With that in mind, Council congratulates the very high calibre of nominees this year and thank them all for their service to our shire,” she said.
“Each and every nominee – names that are well known across our shire – have made such a positive impact,” Cr Pearse said.
