Wine week was very busy, concluding with a very well attended evening in Robertson Park and the forecourt area of the Civic Centre. Closing of Byng Street between McNamara Lane and Lords Place was welcomed and enjoyed by the organisers and patrons.

There was a big crowd at the Rotary markets and Sustainability Expo in the Northcourt area. Workshops were held and parents and children were entertained and educated on 'the war on waste'.

Continuing drought conditions saw numbers slightly down at the 68th Australian National Field Days but exhibitors all agreed the show must go on through the good and the bad times, and the voluntary committee have always ensured that happens over that 68 years. Well done and the efforts are appreciated by the councils of this region and the expansive rural businesses.

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Duntryleague held their ladies veterans golf tournament over four days last week, with the final day being a 'pink' day. Well done ladies.

The weekend also saw an archaeological dig take place at the Templars Mill site at Banjo Paterson Park. This will expose the bluestone foundations of the old mill and further proposed development will see a series of paths around the site with interpretative signs explaining the history and significance of the site.

Cr Hamling and I visited the Minister for Educations offices in Sydney on Friday to gain support for Cr Hamling's proposal to see 'drown proofing' lessons available to all young people, and eventually to see it incorporated into the school range of activities. An excellent idea, which council fully supports, and we will be having ongoing meetings with school authorities, the department of sport and recreation and Life Saving NSW to endeavour to get a trial in Orange.

There was much-needed rain in our catchment on Sunday and congratulations to all on keeping Orange's consumptive use of potable water to well-below 160 lites per person per day.

Council is in detailed discussions with Government in regards to a number of initiatives, and I am sure that will see us through this dreadful time the majority of the state is facing.

We have two megalitres of treated effluent coming from Cadia mine (that will be used for enviromental flows that are required). Fact sheets have been distributed on level 5 restriction requirements, the information is on council's website. Orange is tracking well at this stage and I thank everyone for their support.

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Finally this week I had the honour of meeting with two gracious young persons who do our city proud in two very different ways.

Phoebe Litchfield, at just 16, is playing in the women's Big Bash Cricket with the Thunder. She has been performing exceptionally well and certainly has promoted Orange at every opportunity.

The other young lady is Jade Hanson who recently received the council's Youth of the Month Award. Jade is amazing and has shown that whilst having a disability, nothing holds her back from being involved in her community and volunteering to help others; both young ladies a credit to their families and their community.