Two of Moree’s very own locals are semi finalists in the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards, a prestigious accolade that recognises the invaluable contributions of locals in their community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Linda Maidens and Matthew Priestley have each been nominated for their distinctive service to Moree.
Newell Advocacy manager Ms Maidens will move forward in the Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award for her involvement in the people living with a disability community.
“Newell Advocacy speaks up for people with a disability and provides advocacy for people with all types of issues. It also provides assistance to people experiencing issues with NDIS,” Ms Maidens said.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
Ms Maidens has stuck with the not-for-profit organisation for more than 17 years, 14 of which as coordinator.
“I am a firm believer that people with a disability have the same rights as everyone else. I am a strong advocate and campaigner for the rights and equitable treatment of people with a disability,” Ms Maiden said.
During Ms Maidens time with Newell Advocacy, she has helped the organisation grow from servicing three districts to 10 shires.
“Instead of just helping around 30 people a year, as we did prior to 2001, we are now assisting 214 a year. The assistance we provide is more specialised,” the support advocate said.
Matthew Priestly
Moree East Public School senior leader Mr Priestley will progress to the next stage of the iCare Connecting Communities Award, for his involvement in the Aboriginal community.
“In the past few years I have known Matthew, his knowledge and passion is unparalleled. His knowledge seems to be a walking encyclopedia, and he is always willing to share the knowledge he has,” Mr Priestley’s nominator said.
Mr Priestley is North West One Regional Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) president, Association Management Committee board member for the State Committee of the AECG and Language and Culture Nest chairman to name a few of his positions in the community.
“Matthew’s skills are exemplary,” the nominator said.
“He is one of the friendliest people I know and he always arrives with a smile on his face and a happy greeting to whoever he meets.”
Ms Hope praised Mr Priestley’s commitment to educating colleagues, committee members and students. She said he worked to create important social and cultural dialogue with people in remote communities through charitable organisations like Desert Pea Media.
“Our Original Nations People continue to suffer huge disadvantages, both culturally and socially as a direct consequence of our shameful history of racism and violence. Matthew is director of Desert Pea Media and has used the process of contemporary storytelling to genuinely engage and empower participants,” the nominator said.
“Since I have known Matthew, not once have I heard a negative comment about him. I am blessed to be able to speak about Matthew for the nomination of this award, the value of knowing this man is priceless. From having Matthew in all our lives we are all better people because of him.”
Mr Priestly said that he was initially surprised that he made it this far in the awards.
“When I heard someone was nominating me, I just though okay go ahead. I didn’t think about it again until now.”
Mr Priestley said he fell into the department of education as it was a tool to connect young people with their culture.
He said Moree East Public School was one of the few education centres in Australia that worked Aboriginal culture and language into the school syllabus.
“It gives balance to children who live in the urban environment and teaches them about the traditional practices in their culture. Education doesn’t just further their horizon, but gives the community a brighter future.”
The finalists will be determined on September 26 and the winners announced at an Awards Gala Presentation Dinner on November 16.
