These are very difficult times and the requirements are often changing daily. We meet regularly with Health Services, police and other relevant groups and authorities. All information is updated daily onto council's website.

We all need to "share" in the work of trying to control COVID-19. We as a community know what we need to do! While the government (all levels) deliver the regulations, the orders and the health services, it is the community that can deliver the outcome. The best advice is listen to the experts and authorities.

We are a very resilient community and by working together we will come out stronger and able to move forward successfully.

Water: yes the district has had very good rainfall and the landscape looks a picture, including all parks and gardens, sporting fields and home gardens, but it has not resulted in any substantial run off into our storage so restrictions still exist and further substantial rain I am sure will see much needed run off.

Council has a new on line directory for businesses. A centralised place for consumers to see what businesses are open and what services are currently available during the COVID-19 crisis.

The "one stop shop" with a description of the business, contact details,opening hours,offerings,and payment options,along with any other details that will encourage support for the local community.

A big thank you to the various voluntary groups that are "out there" supporting people in need.

I would like to mention a couple here firstly the excellent work Clontarf is doing (through Canobolas Rural Technology High School) who is getting much needed food hampers to those in need. Also the generous offer made by Harris Farms, Orange, supported by local business man John Swain (who has made available a shop next to Harris Farms). Fresh fruit and vegetable hampers are being made up five days a week, (Orange Council staff do the packing) and these are distributed by those volunteer organisations such as FoodCare,The Benevolent Society, Veritas House, Mission Australia, Housing Plus, Bernardos, Birrong, Orange Family Support, Choices at Home/Meals on Wheels to name but a few. Thanking all those wonderful community groups for their community spirit.

As you can see all council project work is continuing with roadworks, a toilet block, water infrastructure, a Cricket Centre of Excellence to name but a few and work continues at the private medical precinct and the DPI site.

One wonders with the announcement recently of the new Super Department, the Department Of Regional NSW (which will encompass Primary Industry, Local Land Sevices, Resources and Geo-science and Regional Co-ordination) what the title of the new building will be.

Private building around Orange appears to be buoyant and council is very busy processing many development applications.

I would hope that we can get the support of State Government for the last part of the funding needed for the Conservatorium and supports the Mountain Biking proposal.

Tuesday night's council meeting will go ahead, but in a different format with councillors video conferencing. This will be recorded for community access, and council us working on a ways to have "the public forum" section continued and I'd there is a away of public streaming ... a work in progress. Remember we have an obligation to our staff, and fellow councillors and the public in social distancing and the direction of meetings of no more than two people indoors or out.

Finally, it is tough. I miss my grandchildren, friends and social interaction but I remember confinement at home with measles and mumps (the younger generation would not eve know what they are now!) but science and medicine has moved us forwards as will happen with the present crisis.

Keep well, keep in contact ( the various ways ) with friends and family,and keep smiling!

If you know of anyone in need, please let us know.