The private function was held at Guy Gaeta’s orchard, just outside Orange, and gave members the chance to meet The Nationals’ leader one on one and ask questions.

Mr Gaeta said the main concerns raised were council amalgamations, water and ructions at Orange Health Service between medical professionals and staff.

“It was quite a good little get-together – everyone went away in a good mood and we hope he sticks to his guns and doesn’t become a puppet for the Liberals,” he said.

While Mr Gaeta believed many of the members in attendance supported council amalgamations after residents on Cabonne’s eastern side made submissions to join Orange in 2011, he was encouraged boundary adjustments were still an option.

“I’m really happy that the government is going to look at it and they haven’t closed the door,” he said.