We had visitors from Coonamble, Dubbo and Victoria who all enjoyed the functions they attended and accommodation, restaurants, hotels and coffee shops were kept extremely busy.

Once again congratulations to the organising group and the community of Orange for making the thousands of visitors welcome.

The emergency services Thank You day held in Robertson Park on Saturday was very successful with children (and adults) being able to experience close hand fire trucks, helicopters and a range of other activities that are part and parcel of emergency services.

It was fascinating to watch the coverage that was made of the Mount Canobolas Fire on a big screen that was set up in the park. It really showed just how lucky we were with damage kept to a minimum.

A special thank you to Kennards Hire who organised the day, provided equipment and their staff voluntarily again showing their community involvement at the highest level. I believe they also raised around $1500 that will go towards a community cause.

The Paddock to Plate exhibition at the Museum is proving to be an outstanding success with over two thousand visitors in the first week. I have been several times now and I am still finding little “gems” on the important role our region played and still plays in food, fibre and wine production.

I entertained the US Consul General Valerie Fowler last week, and she was very impressed with our vibrant community and was very complimentary on our library/art complex and civic precinct.

The Paddock to Plate exhibition highlighted to her our diversity of agricultural production, and she purchased the exhibition booklet (a must for every coffee table) and the photographic expose of Orange for her office.

Last Friday as part of FOOD Week Orange Race Club hosted a memorial to the late Ned Dougherty the well known racing personality.

It was great to be part of the day organised by Gay Stone and her family.

Visitors included Kevin Langby, Malcolm Johnson ,Tony King ,Terry Bailey and a host of other racing officials, jockeys,trainers and owners.

The day also saw Racing NSW present which gave me the chance to discuss Orange’s future as a Racing Centre.

Congratulations to all the participants from our region at the recent Commonwealth games including Ben Emms, Kurt Furnley and Edwina Bone you did us all proud! A special mention also to David Hayward on his recent success at the deaf Bowling Championships held in Tasmania. A well deserved champion.

The winter sports season has commenced,and considering how hot and dry it has been the regions sporting fields are holding up quite well. Duntrleague had another three day tournament as part of FOOD week.I was told by all of them that they will be back with their friends.

Just a reminder that Council’s meetings are live streamed now. Most of the community advisory committees have started, and I thank people who have volunteered their time towards these invaluable resources of council.

Orange went exceptionally well at the National Tidy Towns awards held in South Australia recently( two out of six of the awards),and a highly commended.Thank you to our Tidy Towns Committee for their ongoing commitment and hard work.Another Seniors week has come and gone with numerous activities.I visited the Seniors games at the Police Boys Club,and with teams from Dubbo,West Wyalong,Bathurst and Orange This was a fun event for our seniors ,again a special thank you to the organisers and participants.

 The Pink Pig Push that started from Orange last weekend has made it to Boorowa and from all reports raised many thousands of dollars towards The Country Education Fund.

I am pleased I only had to start it off from Robertson Park as it was quite hot all week, and there are no shortage of hills between here and Boorowa.

Development is still running hot in Orange,and the housing market would possibly be at an all time high, with some homes close to the CBD bringing record prices.

Quest apartments are well underway, and hopefully we will see the new private hospital complex started shortly.

 With school holidays on please drive safely and keep very aware of Children .