Debbie Hayes - Moira’s star achiever

By Gabriel Garcia and Jared Loughnan

Apr 23, 2024

Invaluable: Debbie Hayes has been described as an invaluable member of the Tungamah community.

Exactly how she finds the time is still something of a mystery.

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But for her prolific volunteering in the Tungamah community Debbie Hayes has been named the Moira Shire Star Achiever of the Year Award recipient for 2024.

The 2024 Moira Achiever Awards were held last Thursday, April 18 in the Cobram Civic Center, with Ms Hayes among 33 individuals, groups, projects and events recognised with nominations for their contribution to local communities.

Ms Hayes is a well-known member of her community, and her knowledge of Tungamah is said to be matched only by her commitment to the town and its population.

She often shares the town’s history through volunteering at the Historical Society and said visitors were fascinated about the town’s vibrant past.

“We recently had a group of school kids come through and listen about the town's past,” she said.

“They sat there for an hour, captivated, and did not move.”

Ms Hayes’ dedication to education also extends to volunteering to help tidy up at the local primary school.

Like many across the region, Ms Hayes has a strong passion for sport and her local sporting club, Tungamah.

This passion has seen Ms Hayes make invaluable contributions to the local football and netball club, where she has played, coached and umpired.

She has also served as the club’s secretary and president.

Ms Hayes’ volunteering spirit extends to other sports too, and she has contributed significantly to the growth of the local tennis club.

Asked how she managed all the volunteering, Ms Hayes said her family was invaluable.

Considering her nomination, the judging panel described Ms Hayes as exemplifying resilience, community spirit and an unwavering dedication to the betterment of the Moira Shire.

In their judgement, the panel said Ms Hayes was the quintessential model citizen.

The award winner said she was surprised to win and said those nominated for the award probably did more than her.

Like all volunteers, Ms Hayes strongly believes that volunteers receive just as much as they give and that helping the community allowed one to grow as a person.

“You learn how to get along with people, talk to people and share ideas,” she said.

As for anyone considering volunteering, Ms Hayes said it made a real difference in people’s lives.

Chair Administrator John Tanner AM congratulated the people, projects and events nominated for the awards, stating that they showcase the many strengths of local communities across the shire.

“Each year, Moira Shire Council’s Achiever Awards hold a spotlight to those who have gone above and beyond in contributing to our communities,” Mr Tanner said.

“Whether it’s through their achievements, dedication to causes, or many hours of volunteer work, these individuals, groups, and projects exemplify the spirit of community service.”

Moira Shire Council CEO Matthew Morgan oversaw the formalities of the evening, with Administrators John Tanner AM and Dr Graeme Emonson PSM presenting the awards to recipients. Member for Shepparton, Kim O’Keefe MP and Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy were in attendance.