INVERELL icon Brian Baldwin has been recognised in state parliament by Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan for his continuing contribution to Inverell and the wider community.
Mr Baldwin, universally known as Spike, was recognised alongside Mungindi local Laraine Nolan and Moree singer Kyla-Belle Roberts.
Mrs Nolan was recognised for her significant contribution to the Mungindi community, and for generously volunteering her time and expertise to community groups and organisations to improve the lives of others.
Kyla-Belle was recognised for her impressive musical achievements during the past two years.
Mr Baldwin, who turns 90 in September, is well-known in the Inverell region and beyond.
“Spike is fittingly described as an Inverell icon,” Mr Moylan said.
“He was born in Manilla, moved to Inverell in 1958 and his long and distinguished career in stock and station and auctioneering commenced first with national agencies, and then his own.
“He sold at the Inverell Saleyards for 60 years. For many of those years, he would be on the radio the next day summarising the sale, and farmers in the region often sought his advice on market expectations.
“I congratulate Brian as undoubtedly his greatest legacy is his community work through Apex, Rotary, St Vincent De Paul, the Catholic Church, Holy Trinity School, and the racing industry where he held executive positions and called races for decades,” Mr Moylan said.
“To emphasise Spike’s concern for others, for numerous years he visited the sick in the Inverell Hospital on a Sunday morning, for many the only visitor they received.
“I commend Brian on his many accomplishments and for his lasting legacy, two of those being named Inverell Citizen of the Year in 2011 and for receiving a widely applauded OAM in 2013.”
Mr Moylan congratulated Mrs Nolan for being named the 2026 Moree Plains Shire Senior Citizen of the Year for her longstanding dedication to her local community.
“Laraine was recognised for providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone around her, with her outstanding volunteering, assisting in the residents of Mungindi to stay connected and supported,” Mr Moylan said.
“Laraine actively volunteers across various groups, including Mungindi Progress Association, Mungindi Hospital Auxiliary and Mungindi Show Auxiliary.
“She gives her time weekly to the local library, organises and runs Mungindi Bingo, as well as organises and drives the community bus to larger towns. She also puts up her hand to drive residents to medical appointments, typically many hours away, ensuring distance never prevents access to essential healthcare.
“I commend Laraine on her many accomplishments, outstanding commitment and dedication to her community, positively impacting the lives of many.
“Laraine’s kindness and care for her community is inspirational, and she indeed is our outback gem,” he said.
Mr Moylan also recognised Moree singer Kyla-Belle Roberts on her impressive musical achievements. “From writing her own, original songs through to her onstage performances, Kyla-Belle has propelled her musical excellence and recognition within the music industry,” Mr Moylan said.
“I congratulate Kyla-Belle on her latest single Took A Turn, being a piece in collaboration with acclaimed Indigenous artist Nooky of First Nations hip-hop group known as 3%.
“The song has been added to Triple J and Triple J Unearthed, while also landing on major Spotify and Apple Music playlists, including Big Ancestor Energy, Heaps Country and New Music Daily, highlighting its broad appeal.
“In recent years Kyla-Belle has appeared at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and advanced to the finals of School Spectacular, with her rise in success recognised when she received the Outstanding Achievement in Creative and Performing Arts Award, at the 2025 Nanga Mai Awards,” he said.
“I commend Kyla-Belle on her hard work and commitment to music, as well as for taking up challenges and opportunities.
“Kyla-Belle sets a strong example of what can be achieved through persistence and creativity and is a wonderful inspiration to her peers and to our broader community,” Mr Moylan said.
