In 2011 Orange lost its dedicated palliative care service when the Orange Base Hospital closed and hospital services were relocated to the Orange Health Service, minus a palliative care ward.

The Orange Push for Palliative Care's 10,000-signature petition for a dedicated palliative care facility in Orange, which was debated in the Legislative Assembly, gathered momentum for the return of dedicated palliative care services for the Orange community.

Ultimately the dedication, passion and cohesion of so many people in the Orange community pressured a reluctant government into delivering the dedicated palliative care facility our community demanded be returned to them.

On Monday, March 25 this year, Uniting Care's newly refurbished Parkwood palliative care facility opened its doors to provide a purpose-designed four-bed public-private funded trial palliative care service.

Since opening, Parkwood's team of dedicated, caring and compassionate staff have been receiving and caring for patients in their final weeks and days, accommodating patients' loved ones to gather closely in their final moments together.

Whilst I recognise the staff who are caring for palliative patients around the clock at Parkwood for going above and beyond in their roles, I also recognised the special people and organisations who have given, and continue to give, their time and efforts to support this vital service for patients and their families.

Unfortunately, there are too many names to mention here (which is a true sign of a great community!) but the four minute video acknowledging all those involved is on my Facebook account.

If we are to cement this trial service into permanency, this service requires continued support.

On behalf of the Orange community I wish to thank all of you who support this service.

The City of Orange Eisteddfod is in full swing with a record number of performers this year.

By the time the Eisteddfod is concluded in two weeks just over 6000 competitors will have taken to the stage for speech and drama, dance and vocal and instrumental sections in the month-long event.

Orange should be very proud of its Eisteddfod, as it attracts entrants from all over the state - many of whom stay during the competition, injecting dollars into the local community.

I would like to extend my thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard to make this event possible, and in particular the Eisteddfod committee who work year-round to ensure the success of the event.

Orange City Council is also to be congratulated on the support it provides for the staging of the Eisteddfod every year.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 NSW Women of the Year Awards, recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution that women across NSW are making to their communities, businesses and society.

I encourage you to go to: https://facs.smartygrants.com.au/wotya and nominate woman who you believe deserves the recognition.