Volunteering and dedication to community development are qualities still thriving in the town of Moora – made evident this month when the statewide
title of Rural Community Achiever was given to a Moora resident for the second year in a row.
Desmond (Des) Seymour OAM, who farmed at Miling for most of his life, was the humble recipient of the 2016 award, announced on Monday 26 September at
the Royal Agricultural Show. Des was nominated by Central Midlands Agricultural Society, represented by President David Hall, in recognition of his many contributions to the Moora community over the years. In his nomination David said, “We believe that throughout his life, Des has shown the values required to be a recipient of such an award. His dedication to local projects, sporting groups, local council, farming groups, schools, agricultural societies and much more has left a legacy for all to be envious of. Des’s family are continuing in his footsteps in their everyday endeavours, being involved in everything from local school, sporting and shire representation. We thank Des for his work over the many years and wish him well.”
Co-incidently, last year’s winner, Cynthia McMorran, is also from Moora. Cynthia is a Freeman of the Moora Shire and has an extensive list of accomplishments including: serving as a Shire councillor, holding positions with the WA Country Health Service, Moora Frail Aged Lodge, and the town’s hospital auxiliary to name a
few. Cynthia prides herself on her long association with agricultural shows as both an exhibitor and a judge. Cynthia was at the presentation to congratulate Des, alongside his wife, Jean, Central Midlands Ag society Patron, Michelle Cockman, President David Hall and Megan Brassington.
A third generation farmer himself, Des was born in Moora hospital in 1938 and raised on the family farm in Miling. He still takes an active interest in the wheat and sheep farm’s operation, which is now run by his sons. He makes the trip to Miling twice a week from South Perth where he has now retired.
Des has been involved in many local projects, sporting groups, local council, schools and agricultural societies and was made a Freeman of the Shire in 2006. Perhaps one of his most memorable contributions was his involvement in the co-ordination of local farm labour in the Miling/ Bindi Bindi area to assist with the building of the pipeline supplying water to the area from the Mundaring Wier.
Des is passionate about supporting local community and aims to support members working together to promote growth and the survival of small country towns.
Des is a ken supporter of both the Moora Frail Aged Lodge which provides a facility for the elderly to remain close to family and friends, and the Moora Men’s
shed which is giving men in Moora and the surrounding district a place to gather and work on projects or just meet for a chat.
Des acknowledged the great support of his wife Jean with whom he shares four sons and a daughter – and now 14 grandchildren. They are hoping to see a fifth generation take on the farm at Miling – a worthy legacy indeed. Congratulations Des, an award much deserved.
