Of note was the NSW Touch Football Junior Regionals with over 1000 players (from outside our region), and probably as many if not more parents, siblings, relations and friends.

Accommodation was certainly at a peak and eating establishments and shops busy. Well done to the organisers.

Ex-Wallaby Phil Kearns was in Orange for the weekend and made it to Endeavour Oval with his family and friends for a break from the touch championships.

He was most impressed with the Emus Rugby facilities and the standard of the game between Emus and Cowra.

Orange Regional Gallery opened its latest exhibition called Here-Now.

It is an excellent exhibition of over a 100 local artists (painting, etchings, sculpture, photography to name just a few of the mediums) I had a sneak preview on Friday morning and it is a must-see.

Perhaps combine this with a visit to the latest exhibition at the Regional Museum (another must see for adults and children) of Orange and region in the 50-60s.

The library is also a favourite spot for so many children in the holidays, so all-in-all the precinct has lots to offer for families and children in the holidays.

This week I will be attending the drought summit in Dubbo on Thursday where I'll display what we have done as a community to ensure our sustainability and voice the strategies we have in place to get us through those severe drought times.

Please note we have an incredibly low potable water use per-person (arguably the lowest in Australia) and we are always looking at improved efficiencies.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with their much appreciated sponsors held their Outstanding Business Awards evening and it was a huge success, with record numbers in attendance.

The Orange Councils Tourist Information Centre and staff claimed an award as well - congratulations to all concerned.

The private medical development is getting close to completion and the interest from businesses to lease has been terrific.

The redevelopment of what was known as the Myer building is progressing as well.

It will be great to see building finished and we wish them every success. I am sure the naysayers will eventually be quietened.

The Women's Corum Group is well underway and they have appointed a committee and are planning an activity for later in the month.

Also the Mums4 was recently granted some support funding from council and the group has a terrific forum well in the planning stages, which will be open in the near future.

Results of a study on the relevant economic boost tourism-sporting events bring to Orange is nearing release and I am sure in the future there will be some very interesting facts available.

The Winterfest is coming up in early August and there is a range of activities on the cards. Get involved.

The new toilet facility for Robertson Park will be positioned on the northern end opposite the Civic Centre.

A development application will be presented to council very soon, we are also looking at improving the signage to help folk find the many public facilities that exist in the Central Business District.