We had 100 mothers from Sydney Church of England Grammar School for the weekend. They really enjoyed our restaurants, shopping, and autumn gardens. It was a great initiative of a local mum, who has plans more visits in the future.

Last week the O'Brien Centre celebrated 20 years helping people living with a mental illness, and it was a pleasure to be there, as I was when it began. This is a fantastic group of supportive people making a huge difference to people's lives. I thank you on behalf of the Orange community.

Saturday saw the 13^th edition of the Orange and District Relay for Life. It was an honour to take the oath and to join in for a number of laps. It was a time to reflect on dear ones who have succumbed to the disease, and to those survivors, carers and health professionals all working to see an eventual cure and eradication of all forms of cancer. Once again, much of the organisation was done by volunteers.

Daylight saving has come to its lengthy conclusion, and I must say I think it is about six weeks too long. But lots have no problem - that's democracy.

'Pink is the new Orange' was an April Fools Day joke organised by the McGrath Foundation. It was great publicity Australia-wide on television, and was picked up by the majority of radio stations, and, of course, the various forms of social media. It was for a good cause, did not cost the ratepayers money, and it will help raise awareness of breast cancer.

VIDEO: Orange to become truly Pink?

In October we will be joining with a number of towns to raise funds and awareness. Former cricket great and founder of the organisation Glenn McGrath will be visiting, and I am sure there will be a number of activities to involve the whole community. A big thank you to all who took part.

I would encourage all to lobby both our state and federal members to make sure they support all the various projects we have going to further develop our vibrant city. If it is transport links, water, sporting or cultural needs, health, education or something else, it is their role to support Orange City Council and their constituents.

Orange will be very busy over the next week with all the FOOD Week functions and events, and my wife and I will enjoy the visit of our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson from Singapore, with a number of friends visiting Orange also.​