Optimism and Community Shine as RaboTruck Rolls into Moree

Anna Hall, Wee Waa, Mare, Angus and Jock Hunter, Garah, and Jono Phelps, Wee Waa, enjoy the festive season.

The RaboTruck delivered a wave of optimism and pride to Moree recently, as community gathered in the picturesque “Beela” orange grove for an end-of-year celebration.

Dick Estens, owner of Beela orchard and Vitonga Farms, where his orchard supplies juice for the family’s vertically-integrated Grove Juice, was thrilled to host the event - which included Rabobank Australia and New Zealand CEO Mark Wiessing, Group Executive, Country Banking, Marcel van Doremaele, and NSW State Manager, Toby Mendl.

A highlight of the evening was the thought-provoking panel discussion led by Area Manager Felicity Taylor, featuring local role models GP Dr Maelle Morgan, creative Heidi Morris, and tech founder Tim Cassegrain.

Each shared personal stories of building careers in Moree, challenging the notion of a “regional professional drain”, and showcasing the opportunities in rural communities.
 

Dr Maelle Morgan with Rabobank’s Felicity Taylor and fellow panellists, Heidi Morris and Tim Cassegrain.

Dr Morgan, who grew up on the Gold Coast, admitted she’d never stepped onto a farm before moving to Moree - and only ever intended to work in the region temporarily.

However, as she explained, thanks to the community, lifestyle, and career opportunities, she, husband Blake and their two young daughters now well-and-truly call Moree home.

“Professionally, Moree is one of the only hospitals where you can train and develop in specialisations such as obstetrics and anaesthetics, and as a rural general practitioner the work is exciting and challenging.”

“I also love the continuity of care that a rural community affords – from pregnancy through to treating those babies through childhood, supporting their grandparents with aged care – there’s a lovely circularity that is unique in a community like this.”
 

Grace and Max Dillon with baby Rosie.

Lamenting the lack of doctors in rural regions, Dr Morgan is hopeful that a shift is occurring.

“If you don’t know regional and rural Australia it can be a daunting prospect, and it was for me, yet you soon realise you aren’t isolated – we’re an hour from Sydney by air with daily flights, we’re surrounded by wonderful, generous people, the cost of living is far more attractive than in the city, and with technology today we are so well supported professionally, I can be connected to a major hospital team via video link up within minutes if I need.”
 

Gingham Road girls, Wendy Thompson and May Winter.

Gurley’s Libby Smith was one of the 150 strong crowd, and believed the event demonstrated Rabobank’s commitment to Moree, and showcased the exceptional spirit that underpins the community.

“Without events such as these, Moree is just a town, and we've got to have a community where people get together, gather, and connect – and Moree people certainly do that well.”

“Essentially, evenings like the one we enjoyed are very important, and I love the idea that the RaboTruck can be taken all around the country and not only unite communities, but also show people in the cities what farmers do.”

Guests enjoyed live music from Rachel Cubis, catering by Smoking BBQ, and Josephines Drinks, and a visit from Santa created a family-friendly atmosphere that celebrated Moree’s vibrant and diverse spirit.
 

Santa came bearing gifts to very happy children, Margie Humphreys, Frances Poole, Jack Estens and Will Pollard.

Area Manager Felicity Taylor smiles that after the recent bumper harvest there’s little excuse for celebration across the Moree region, and the RaboTruck marked further cause for cheer.

She says the evening also demonstrated Rabobank’s ongoing commitment, and deep roots, in the region.

“We’re so proud to have a strong local team, all passionate about the Moree community and our clients, and the fact that Mark, plus a number of the executive team were in attendance, speaks volumes.”

“Moree is an agricultural powerhouse, our clients are progressive and innovative and with our Moree branch’s 30 year anniversary fast approaching, Rabobank has helped underpin much of the region’s growth and scale.” 
 

Rabobank Australia and New Zealand CEO Mark Wiessing enjoying meeting clients and community in Moree.

It was a welcome return to the region for CEO Mark Wiessing, who also took the opportunity to visit a number of clients on-farm.

“We have a culture of staying close to our clients – meeting them at home, at the kitchen table, or at events like the one we've just enjoyed – the long-term and trusted relationships we so value is our key differentiator.”

“Our goal is to help farmers not just make a living, but create wealth for their families.”

“As a bank created by farmers for farmers, we also want to contribute to the vibrant rural regions in which our clients and staff live, and when we do that we help move, as Libby said, from a town to a genuine community, and that's what makes a real difference to people’s lives.” 
 

Emily and Harry Cush, Paul and Lisa Slack, and Lucy Cush toast the Moree season.

The formalities of the evening concluded with NSW State Manager, Toby Mendl, also highlighting the importance of community, and the bank’s contribution through the Rabo Client Council.

“Supporting rural communities remains at the heart of what we do and some of our local initiatives this year included launching the Rabobank Community Hub Improvement Program, with grants provided to Rowena Community Hall, as well as contributions to Gwydir Industries and the Croppa Creek bus run.”

“Knowledge sharing continues to be a cornerstone of our contribution to community, and industry, and we hosted multiple knowledge sharing initiatives this year - including our knowledge tour to Brazil which a number of locals attended.

“The insights gained – and the conversations on the tour bus – were invaluable. Farmers sharing ideas, mapping Brazilian trends back to their own businesses, and building of networks is where the magic happens.”