IT was a full house at the town hall for this year’s Reconciliation Gala Awards, with 320 guests far exceeding expectations.
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Sold out, the Reconciliation Committee added 70 extra guests to meet demands.
“It's our version of the academy awards in Moree,” committee member Cathy Duncan said.
“It's really good to see unsung heroes who devote themselves to reconciliation in Moree to be recognised.”
Executive Director of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation in the Department for State Development and former local Nerida Saunders made the long trip from South Australia to be the keynote speaker.
Thirty awards were given out on the big night to businesses, organisations and locals of all ages. Cathy said she believed the judges looked for those who were good role models for reconciliation in their everyday lives.
“I think a lot of people unconsciously work in reconciliation everyday in Moree. It’s just good to see people rewarded for their kindness, generosity and their contribution to what makes Moree a great place to live in,” she said.
“It was a marvellous thing, a great event for Moree actually,” Non-Aboriginal Male Elder of the Year, Peter Glennie said.
Like many recipients, he was a little overwhelmed by the attention for the honour he shared with Linda Barnett, for doing what he always does; treating everyone the same.
Lloyd Munro and Janelle Boyd were the Citizens of the Year for their leadership and commitment to the community.
Lloyd was proud, and said reconciliation was about building bridges and creating a strong community together.
Donna Cutmore was the unanimous winner of Aboriginal Employee of the Year, for her impressive 25 years with Coles. Employer Julie Harris believed this made her one of, if not the longest serving Indigenous employee of the franchise.
Donna will be travelling to Sydney to speak to her fellow long-serving Coles employees next week.
“It was really good. It was the best thing ever,” Donna said.
She was blown away by the recognition. Leigh Smith was the non-Aboriginal winner.
Judges couldn’t choose between Lloyd Benge and Stan Smith for the Aboriginal Male Elder of the Year, giving the honour to both.
Zona Moore was the Female Elder.
Lloyd said Moree had come a long way in the past 60 years.
“Reconciliation doesn't end after the awards, you know. It’s day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year,” Lloyd Munro said.
