The challenge was launched in April and provided an opportunity for home renovators to make the most of being required to #stayathome and support local businesses at the same time, Council's acting economic development/grants manager Susannah Pearse said.

"When COVID-19 restrictions kicked in, our local retailers really felt the blow acutely," she said.

"Many had already endured an incredibly tough few years of trade due to the unprecedented drought and this was another cruel setback.

"However it was very impressive to see just how many businesses pivoted quickly and implemented initiatives from moving online to free home delivery, takeaway and click and collect services in order to keep looking after their customers and continue providing a service to the community."

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With residents doing the right thing and #stayingathome, the My Moree team launched the My Moree Makeover Challenge to urge residents to support local businesses whilst ticking off some of those neglected jobs around the house and garden, with the incentive of a prize pool of Love Local Gift Cards up for grabs.

Entries closed on Sunday, May 24 and were judged by a panel, including members of the Moree Chamber of Commerce and Mungindi Progress Association, on their creativity, popularity on Facebook and Instagram, and how well they showcased Moree Plains businesses.

"Well done to all entrants in the My Moree Makeover Challenge on the mammoth effort that went into their makeovers," council's integrated planning and reporting manager Libby Carter said.

"It was clear that a lot of hard work and many hours had gone into some of the entries and we thank everyone for supporting our local businesses in this challenging time."

Prizes were awarded in both an indoor and outdoor category.

The indoor first prize winner was Bree Pring for a kitchen renovation with supplies from D&M Kitchens, Harvey Norman Moree, Dipper's Timber and Hardware, Andersen's Moree and Tim Grant Painting. Ms Pring won a $500 Love Local gift voucher.

The indoor runners up were Claud May for an office renovation and Dimity Smith for a cosmetic kitchen renovation, who each won a $250 Love Local gift card.

Kelly Abrahamson won a $500 Love Local gift card as the outdoor winner for her backyard renovation, with supplies from N J Davis Building, DD's Engineering and Fabrication, Moree Landscaping Supplies, Dipper's Home Timber and Hardware and Mitre 10 Moree.

Runners up were Leigh Carroll for a porch renovation and Tanya and Troy Fitch for a backyard renovation. They each won a $250 gift voucher.

Moree Chamber of Commerce president Dibs Cush applauded council's efforts in instigating the initiative to encourage local expenditure in trying conditions, as well as providing some incentives for community members to get involved.

"It was such a pleasure to review the entries and see the businesses of the Moree Plains celebrated all across social media," she said.

To check out the winning entries, search for #mymoreemakeover on Facebook and Instagram.