Incumbent deputy Cr Gryllis was initially unsure, but confirmed yesterday he would stand again, saying there was a need for consistency as councils awaited the outcome of the state government’s Fit for the Future program.

“I think [mayor John Davis and I] have established a very good team and it’s been working well for the last two years,” he said.

“These 12 months will be a very unusual 12 months because, on the one hand, there are a number of jobs we’ve undertaken in the last three years and we’re mindful that major changes could take place.”

After last year’s failed attempt surprised some councillors, Cr Hamling will again put his name forward.

“Probably after the disappointment of last year, I just wanted to have a go and hopefully councillors will see fit to put their hands up in my favour,” he said.

“I’ve been there for 12 years and people know who I am and what I stand for.” 

It will be also be the second attempt for Cr Munro, who also unsuccessfully contested the position last year. He will also contest the mayor’s position on Tuesday.

Councillor Kevin Duffy may throw his name in the ring, as could councillor Neil Jones, who said he would wait to see who else stood before he made a decision.

“I’m very much of the belief that we do need to give younger people the opportunity to have leadership roles on council,” he said.

“We possibly need to step back and take stock of what we’re doing and refocus on getting basic services and meeting the community’s expectations.

“We waited 15 years for a new museum and we mustn’t do everything at once.” 

AS councillors put their hands up for leadership positions ahead of Tuesday’s vote, one former mayor will not be among them.

Councillor Reg Kidd said he would not stand for either mayor or deputy mayor because he intended to retire at next year’s council elections, although he wanted to remain chair of the infrastructure policy committee for his last 12 months.

Cr Kidd, who served the 2012-13 year as mayor, said it was time for a break.

“I’ve been there for 25 years and it’s a lot of time spent away from family and I’ve got children and grandchildren and I want to spend more time with them,” he said.

“It’s like anything, I’ll miss it.”

After being sanctioned earlier this year for a code of conduct breach, Cr Kidd said it had not contributed to his decision.

“These things happen and that’s democracy,” he said.

“I’ve worked with some wonderful people including councillors and council staff and some great things happened in Orange over that time.”

Cr Kidd said he was most proud of his contributions to waste collection and lobbying to raise the Suma Park Dam wall.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au