Nearly 20 people become new citizens in front of a packed Cook Park while others took the chance to take in the yabbie races at the Ophir Hotel.

While others took to the Orange City Bowling Club greens to enjoy a bowl and a beer.

Around the region, some really deserving citizens were recognised for their efforts to better their community, too, with Bev Rankin crowned the Orange Citizen of the Year.

Central Western Daily photographer Jude Keogh was on deck to snap all of the action across Australia Day.