I had a full house over the Christmas period with in-laws (but being an alternate year, none of our immediate tribe), and an old friend – a teacher – visiting from Japan with her young son. Last time she was here with her son and mother following the tsunami in Japan a number of years back.

The exchange of students and staff between Orange and Ishiku has been ongoing for a number of years now, and certainly our household has hosted many students and teachers, and my wife has taken a number of school groups there. I have entertained a number of their mayors, but have never visited Japan. One day.

I mention this as it reinforced just how many great things our city has to offer visitors. Orange Regional Museum, the library, Orange Regional Art Gallery (including the grassed roof – all our visitors were impressed), Lake Canobolas, Borenore Caves, Ophir, Lucknow, Cook and Robertson parks, and of course the wineries, dining establishments and sporting venues.

The list goes on, but with our visitors being from Sydney, Brisbane, Japan and Singapore it was encouraging to hear outsiders’ points of view, as sometimes we all take for granted what we have and the life style we enjoy. That is why there is there is so many more people moving to Orange than moving away.

But that is not to say that we should rest on our laurels. There is so much more to be done, which is only possible when we all pull in the same direction.

Orange City Council welcomes constructive criticism and possible solutions. We are blessed in having so many people who actively put into our community in a positive way, so many strong and devoted community groups, and I believe very strongly that we should all give greater recognition to what they bring to our community.

The state and federal governments need to be constantly reminded, as without their ongoing work and support this community would not be the vibrant, sustainable and great place it is.

Let’s concentrate on the positives of 2018: a strong economy, a construction boom, unemployment figures below cities of similar size, a number of new business to Orange, tourism numbers increasing annually, and increase in sporting and cultural events … the list goes on.

I wish you all a healthy and prosperous new year,and look forward to representing you to the very best of my ability. Remember those heartfelt words from an old song … “always look on the bright side of life”.

Here’s to 2019: a year to keep building on our solid foundations.