Sylvia Broderick, owner of Sylvia’s Fabrics and dedicated volunteer for many local causes, has been named the Moree Plains Shire Senior Citizen for 2023.
Awarded yesterday at the Senior Citizens luncheon, Mayor Mark Johnson had the privilege of honouring Sylvia for her tireless efforts in the community.
“It gives great me great joy to recognise your generosity, your contribution and commitment to our community and the Shire”, Mayor Mark Johnson said.
Sylvia’s heart has always been in the Shire. She moved to Moree as a 6-month-old, where her father pursued a long-standing career in shearing within the Moree district. Attending St Philomena’s Catholic School, Sylvia’s legacy extended into the family’s future generations with her children, grand and great-grandchildren attending the school also.
She remains connected to St Philomena’s as she is part of the Women’s group for the Catholic Church, where they continue to raise funds for local initiatives.
In 1976, Sylvia set up her long-standing shop ‘Sylvia’s Fabric’, on Heber Street, where she still currently works, ably supplying our community with beautiful materials and sewing equipment.
In addition to running a small business, Sylvia has been a wonderful ambassador for the Moree Plains and an avid volunteer. She coordinates ticket sales for community events such as plays, debutante balls, and concerts. Her many years of voluntary service to the community include 40 years with The Evening View Club, 30 years with Line Dancing, and 22 years with the Community Visitors Scheme which involves visiting the residents at Widdon Moree on a weekly basis.
During the heavy lockdowns of COVID-19, Sylvia still took it upon herself to check in with Widdon residents to support and care for their well-being via telephone.
Sylvia has received recognition for her support for local initiatives including the St Philomena’s Spring Fair, Moree on a Plate, Community Choir, RSL Nasho’s and the Church Choir. She has also received a number of customer service awards and last year was added to the Elder’s Honour Roll.
The ‘Senior Citizen of the Year’ is presented annually as part of the NSW Seniors Festival. NSW Seniors Week celebrates the valuable contribution of our seniors to local communities.
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