A mobile closed circuit television unit is operating now in the city, and in conjunction with police will be used in hot spots as a tool to identify perpetrators of crime and help in successful prosecutions.

Work has commenced on a large section of roadworks on Prince Street, and work continues – and has been extended – on Cargo Road from Ploughmans Lane to Whitton Place. I appreciate residents’ concerns with delays and dust, but unfortunately there will always be some inconvenience when undertaking roadworks.

The Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival got under way on Saturday, with a visit to ‘Nerang’ the former property of Banjo’s grandparents towards Cudal. The early morning breakfast at Banjo Paterson Park on Sunday was very well attended, and enjoyed by all.

Special thanks to Elizabeth Griffin whose enthusiasm has worked to see this special event happen on February 17 – Banjo’s birthday. A special early morning breakfast supplied by Rotary, and an oral history and poems from a number of attendees were well received, while Markas, the bush poet, was a real hit, and I would encourage everyone to attend some of the events on this week at various venues.

I have been busy preparing for the mayoral section of the poetry competition to be held next Saturday. Poetry on the Pavers will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings in the area near the library, gallery and museum.

Saturday’s Gnoo Blas Classic car show saw over 600 vehicles displayed at Sir Jack Brabham Park. Thousands enjoyed the milder weather and the beautifully prepared grounds to display their incredible range of cars, motorbikes, trucks and dragsters. Happily, most accommodation in Orange was booked out.

A civic reception was held for the guests which included Mark Webber’s parents, Vern Schuppan and his wife, Gary Rogers, and Spencer Martin. The dinner at Orange Ex-Services’ Club had nearly 400 attendees, who were treated to some excellent banter between the emcee Michael Croke and the special guests.

The National Serviceman’s Memorial Service was held on Sunday at Newman Park. Thank you to the Kinross Wolaroi School’s cadets and the Scottish and Orange Brass Bands for their valuable contributions to the occasion.

Recently Orange City Council was represented at the Mining and Energy group of councils in Sydney, and the regional cities forum in Sydney. Council’s representation on these two peak lobbying bodies is well invested time to keep up with a range of ever-changing issues that affect larger regional cities.

I have just addressed the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Rural Health at the Royal Far West Children’s Home headquarters at Manly. I was honoured to be asked to address the group about rural health issues on behalf of country cities and towns.

I also met with the CEO of the Country Women’s Association at their headquarters at Mascot.