The Minister recently announced two daily coach connections to each of the Bathurst Bullet train services.

While that's certainly an improvement and I'm always pleased to see the Government take action - particularly given the extensive lobbying I've done alongside the Orange Rail Action Group over the last two years - there is still more that can be done.

As I've said before, the Orange community needs easy, affordable transport both to and from Sydney, seven days a week as it is vital for the economic and social well-being of our community. It is the job of the Government to ensure this happens.

The extended coach service is good progress, but there is still no reason why the bullet cannot be stabled here in Orange, where existing infrastructure can be upgraded with relative ease.

The current set-up, with the train being stabled in Lithgow, then travelling practically empty of passengers to Bathurst for its early morning pick-up, only to go back in the other direction to Sydney, is not efficient.

Stabling of the bullet in Orange is really a no-brainer.

This coach connection is an interim measure which should complement rail services to and from Orange, but I'm still pushing the Government to do better.

I won't be giving up on improving passenger rail services for the Orange electorate.

We are now a step closer to seeing this project realised, and I can't over-emphasise the benefits of this project for our region.

The Mountain Bike Trail proposal will involve construction of 11 trails amounting to nearly 117 kilometres of single track mountain bike terrain, supported by infrastructure at both the trail head and summit.

After responding to my invitation to visit the mountain to see for himself, and then to discuss the benefits to our region, the Environment Minister Matt Kean signed off on approval for the trails to go ahead.

The next step will be for environmental impact studies to be conducted, but we are well on our way.

This is a great step towards not only ensuring a fantastic bike trail for the physical well-being of our community, but also towards attracting more tourism.

This benefits small businesses, flows on to strong employment and a stronger local economy. Let's keep Orange thriving!

Hats off to this group who have been meeting and knitting for over a decade now.

A weekly social gathering occurs at the Orange Library every Thursday morning, where the group knits and yarns (pun intended!) over a delightful morning tea.

This group has donated thousands of knitted wraps, and this year they've already made 428 which they've donated to organisations including Lyndon Women's Program, Ronald McDonald House and Mission Australia's Benjamin Gove Aged Care.

They also produce specific items for those suffering brain injuries and send neck warmers, beanies and other wearable items to the Middle East via Wrap With Love.

The Orange Purlers are a wonderful group and will gladly take donations to assist in purchasing much needed wool to keep knitting these items for those in need.

Keep up the great work!