Over 18,000 people passed through the gates in a wonderful show of support for the agricultural sector and a major boost for the Orange economy. 

I spent three days at the field days talking to folks about local issues. As usual the highlight for me was visiting the CWA stand and sampling some of their famous scones.

I also stayed around for the Fashion at the Field Days parade, which was once again organised and hosted by local fashionista, Fiona Schofield. 

What did I learn? White long pants go with everything this season. I’m just not too sure that this applies to blokes. As near as I can tell, white pants (or “slacks” as we call them in the fashion parade) for blokes haven’t been in since the days of Miami Vice and Don Johnson. So I’m just not sure I’ll be sporting that look this season.

Congratulations and thank-you to field days chairman Robert Armstrong, administration manager Jayne West and the entire field days committee and hard-working volunteers.

Can I give a particular shout out to the team who ran the exhibitors’ car park who were unfailingly helpful and cheerful through three long, hot days in the sun. 

WELL done to the five apprentices from the Orange electorate who were awarded NSW government Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships this week.

The scholarships are part of a $2.4 million program introduced by the NSW government designed to assist apprentices who face significant challenges and barriers in completing their qualifications. 

I caught up with one of the scholarship recipients, David King, at Appledale Processors on Monday to present him with his cheque and certificate. David is currently in his third year of a mechanical trade certificate III. 

Other recipients alongside David include Sammantha Devlin and Jacob Astill-Kelly, from Orange, Katie Small, from Mudgee and Lincon Stanley, from Wellington. 

While we could not provide all applicants with a scholarship, I am pleased to be able to provide Blake Hutchinson and Angus Clarke-Longford with a one-off encouragement payment of $5000.