Australia Day committee chairwoman Helen Corby said she was delighted with the attendance at the celebration, which included performances by Orange music groups, dance shows, markets and children’s rides.

“I think this would be the largest crowd we’ve ever had and people stayed so long. I reckon at any given time there could have been 2000 to 3000 people in the park,” she said.

The most popular themes in this year’s speeches by Mrs Corby, member for Orange Andrew Gee and mayor John Davis were freedom and opportunities.

“January 26 is a time to celebrate and reflect our national pride and all the things we love about Australia, it’s freedom and diversity we enjoy,” Mrs Corby said.

The themes were also reflected in the life of Orange’s Australia Day ambassador David Bitton who arrived in Australia with just two suitcases and now has a successful business and high profile as a chef.

“No one should be jealous of anyone who works hard,” Cr Davis said.

This year’s citizen of the year was Shirley Sugden, while Jessica McLean was awarded young citizen of the year, Cancer Care Western NSW won community group of the year and the event of the year went to the Orange East Village Markets.

This year there was also a one off award for Glyn Carpenter who along with Russell Turner raised the first Australia Day flag on Cargo Road and went on to be a key player with the awards from 1982 and was chairman of the committee from 1990 to 2001.

Due to ill health Mr Carpenter was unable to attend so his wife Liz collected the award on his behalf.