TREE CHANGE: Two of Orange’s newest recruits Alexandra Whithead and Marcus Payne enjoy the open space at the Botanic Gardens during the barbecue on Sunday.
After one hour in Orange Bec and Kris Fraser decided this was the city where they wanted to raise their children.
The couple grew up in Sydney and wanted their children to grow up around parks, farms and be able to ride bikes to school. They spent months researching the perfect place to relocate their young family.
“We had been talking about moving for a really long time and I love cool climate regions,” said Mrs Fraser.
“When we saw Orange we decided it was perfect.”
Mrs Fraser is a registered nurse and Mr Fraser is a marketing manager. The couple has found it a little difficult to meet people outside of work.
“I’ve joined a soccer club and my wife has joined a gym but there is a long process involved when making friends,” said Mr Fraser.
Orange City Council’s evocities committee organised a free barbecue for anybody who has moved to the region in the last 18 months on Sunday.
“I think it is a really great idea and with young children it is really hard to get out and meet people,” she said.
About 90 people attended the barbecue and mayor John Davis said he was pleased with the turnout.
“The evocities campaign is starting to really work and we can see more and more families making the move,” he said.
Mr Davis said the gradual influx of city-siders to the region will put a strain on some services.
“We will have to expand and upgrade some facilities like the adventure playground for example,” he said.
“It will put some pressure on childcare centres however more facilities will be opening due to the greater demand.”
Mr Davis said he was very pleased to see people from all over the region at the barbecue.
“Some people have come from Molong and other areas and everybody is really positive and enthusiastic.”
nicole.kuter@ruralpress.com
