Nurse Melanie McDonell, 39, was named to head the ticket during an event at Robertson Park on Friday morning.

She was joined at the launch by current Greens councillor Stephen Nugent and local members of the Greens.

Ms McDonell listed among her key priorities council's climate change policy, better footpaths so people can walk and ride bikes into town, and affordable housing.

She also wants to see Indigenous Australians and more women on council.

Born in Leeton, she moved to Orange as an eight-year-old.

After attending Calare Public School and Kinross Wolaroi School she studied music for a time in Canberra before homesickness got the better of her.

She later completed nursing studies and has worked in Sydney at Westmead Hospital and various places in Orange including Dudley Private Hospital.

The 2020 election was pushed back a year due to the COVID pandemic.

Cr Stephen Nugent is currently the only Greens representative on Orange City Council.

After three attempts Cr Nugent was elected in 2017.

He said he would not be standing at the 2021 election due to personal reasons.

Greens party members in Orange, who Cr Nugent said number less than 100, vote on preselection in the months leading up to the official announcement.

To have a box "above the line" in council elections a party or group must have six candidates.

Cr Nugent said he was confident the Greens would present six candidates.

Cr Nugent pointed to the climate change strategic policy and the motion to phase out council's reliance on single use plastic as among the issues he was proud to have contributed to during his term.

"In terms of grassroots democracy," he added, "I'm proud of the work I've done with the community committees - Environmental Sustainability; Parks, Trees and Waterways; Companion Animals; Cultural Heritage.

"And on a social front, the Orchard domestic violence centre was contentious, but I was a very strong advocate for it."

Ms McDonell said she was passionate about representing the people of Orange.

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