Since March 1975, when John and June Atkins opened the doors to Moree’s newest stock and property agency in the Pastures Protection Board building on Balo Street, the business now known as Raine & Horne Moree has become a fixture in north-western New South Wales, as enduring as the region’s fertile black alluvial soil plains.

What began as John S Atkins & Co, a stock and station agency 50 years ago, evolved into Raine & Horne Moree in 1988 when the successful independent agency joined forces with the real estate super brand.

Over the years, the business has weathered challenges, including droughts, fluctuating wheat, sheep, and cattle prices, and even a bomb blast that severely damaged its original office space on Balo Street. A disgruntled leaseholder with grievances against the Pastures Protection Board was to blame. According to Ms Kelly Atkins, daughter of John and June, and now Principal of Raine & Horne Moree, her parents simply cleaned up the mess and got on with their real work in real estate. 

In 2012, history repeated when a fire swept through Raine & Horne Moree’s premises at 35 Albert Street, Moree. “It was an absolute nightmare cleaning up and rebuilding the office, but the team pushed through despite the disruption,” recalled Ms Atkins. Her parents both died in 2020, within six months of each other.

Celebrating 50 years of real estate excellence

This month, Raine & Horne Moree celebrates 50 years in business, and Ms Atkins is proud to continue her family’s legacy. “After my parents passed away, I felt it was time to place my stamp on the business, so I undertook renovations to the office with nods to the past—I sit at what was my mother’s desk every day,” she said.

“We also had a fabulous mural painted on the side lane of our building last year in the lead-up to our 50-year celebration.”

A special celebration took place on March 20, 2025, at the Moree Town & Country Club, with long-standing community members invited to mark the occasion, while Raine & Horne Executive Chairman, Mr Angus Raine, was on hand to celebrate the 50-year milestone with Ms Atkins and the Moree team. 

Ms Atkins credits her parents with teaching her integrity, the importance of embracing technology, and surrounding herself with good people. “Mum and Dad instilled in me the idea of treating people how you’d like to be treated and always having a valued team by your side,” she said. 

That’s exactly what Ms Atkins has today, with Brittany Madden, Karen Biggs, Brianna Harborne, and newly appointed Loren Burgmann forming a strong and capable team. “I’m very lucky to have such a great group of people around me,” Ms Atkins said.

Having witnessed dramatic changes in the Moree real estate market over the decades, Ms Atkins highlights the relentless march of technology as one of the biggest shifts. “I can remember life before mobile phones,” she said. “Now, how we use mobile technology is phenomenal, and AI-generated software is revolutionising how we manage rent trust accounts and property listings.” 

Reflecting on Raine & Horne’s long-standing presence in Moree, Ms Atkins said, “We’re proudly locally owned and operated, with the added benefit of vast resources as part of the Raine & Horne network. 

“The Raine & Horne name is a super brand, well regarded and established, and we’re thrilled that Angus joined us for the celebrations.” 

Looking ahead, Ms Atkins remains optimistic about Moree’s real estate market’s prospects for 2025. “The recent RBA decision on interest rates was positive news for property investors. Moree is a very wealthy agricultural hub and continues to offer solid returns and affordable opportunities,” she said.

One unique opportunity currently available is the former Presbyterian Church at 25 Railway Parade, Garah, 50 km from Moree. Built in 1929, this historic property features a masonry structure with a tiled roof, timber floors, a tessellated tile entrance, a bell tower, a vestibule, and magnificent stained-glass windows.

Zoned RU5 (Village), the 2,023-square-metre property is listed for a ‘godly’ price of $120,000.

To arrange an inspection of this exceptional property or for any real estate sales or property management enquiries, contact Raine & Horne Moree at 02 6752 3600 or visit their modern office at 35 Albert Street, Moree.