Thursday, 16 July 2026
A host of quiet achievers from across the Northern Tablelands have been honoured on the floor of NSW Parliament.
Inverell’s recently retired bus driver Nelson Zell, Guyra’s Dot Vickery and Moree veterinarian Charlie Bunce all received Community Recognition Statements, delivered by Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan.
“It is incredibly important to highlight the achievements of our region’s modest and selfless individuals who play an important part within their communities on a day-to-day basis,” Mr Moylan said.
“It is very humbling to hear the stories of people from across the Northern Tablelands and an honour to take them to the floor of Parliament to be etched in history through Hansard, the official Parliamentary record.”
Mr Zell spent 56 years driving school buses in Inverell and its surrounding villages.
“To spend more than five decades in the same profession is a testament to Mr Zell’s dedication and commitment,” Mr Moylan said.
“For 42 of those years, he drove the Delungra bus route, delivering generations of local children to and from school safely.
“Country communities rely on people like Mr Zell to connect them with education and services and his contribution deserves recognition.”
If there’s a community organisation in Guyra, there’s a good chance Dot Vickery has been part of it.
Mr Moylan highlighted Ms Vickery’s years of service after she announced she will be stepping down from the treasurer position on the board of the Guyra Neighbourhood Centre after 20 years.
“Dot is a pillar of the Guyra community and has had an enormous impact on so many lives across the region for many years,” he said.
“She has dedicated an incredible amount of time to many community roles including local government councillor, Guyra Historical Society, the Guyra Show, Guyra Garden Club, Kolara Aged Care, local health advisory committee, local Cancer Council representative and many more.”
Long-standing Moree veterinarian Charlie Bunce has decided to call time after nearly 50 years.
“Dr Bunce grew up in Inverell and began work as a vet in 1975 in Western Australia before opening his practice on the Mungindi Road in 1978,” Mr Moylan said,
“Since then, Charlie has provided excellent care to our pets, horses and livestock all-year round despite the long hours on the road in a wide-spanning area.
“Charlie’s community spirit not only includes looking after our animals but it includes involvement across a broad range of areas like rotary, Moree Pony Club, serving on the board of Fairview and Whiddon Retirement Village, as well as being very involved in the racing, both as an owner and serving on the Moree Race Club committee.
“It was an honour to share his dedication and commitment to the Moree community in Parliament.”
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