Emus Rugby's Endeavour Oval and Max Stewart Oval were very busy conducting the State U14 championships. This alone probably brought a couple of thousand folk into town enjoying all that Orange has to offer. Congratulations to all the hard working volunteers that arranged the carnival and were still there after the event finished Monday afternoon cleaning up. Ask the all those involved if a sporting complex is needed in Orange and what it would do for the community and visitors!

The other good news was the success of the Central West men's senior side and the women's at the Rugby Country Championships in Tamworth.

All restaurants were kept busy as were hotels, motels, B&Bs, cellar doors and our parks, especially Cook Park, Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek Reservoir. I certainly ran into lots of visitors and all were complimentary even though some areas were shut due to tree damage from the snow.

It was an honour to have the aging and disability abuse commissioner Robert Fitzgerald here late last week. Orange was congratulated for forming a co-operative of relevant agencies and support for this important community issue. I will be meeting with CSU elder law expert Sue Field again this week to see what ongoing input council can offer.

Two lots of Citizenship ceremonies were held this week and again it was a pleasure to conduct the ceremony on behalf of the Federal Government. I estimate that this is around 400 new citizens to Australia (and Orange) representing some 38 different countries.

Some have been in Orange awhile and have decided to take the step ... well done to all. It was appreciated that Member for Calare Andrew Gee took the time to attend!

It was important to attend the roads conference at Parliament House on Monday where were able to lobby on the need to address the importance of Railway Crossings Safety and to push for the 20,000 votes to get it brought to Parliament. We also had the opportunity to discuss some major projects with Minister Pavey and the Deputy Premier's office. We also used the opportunity to put forward a number of councils projects through Nationals MLC Sam Farraway.

Next week starting Sunday is the National Local Conference in Canberra where a number of motions will be debated (including some motions put forward from Orange City Council). A number of government and opposition members will be present .

A big council agenda this week and I am confident we will see the Conservatorium/Planetarium get a push forward!

The work around Robertson Park is getting close to finished and I am sure it will make a big difference to vehicle and pedestrian movement.

Unfortunately we had 'the goons' out and about with graffiti on road signage near Emus and graffiti on the toilet block in Elephant Park as well as a burnt car.

A new solar light that has just been installed along the path in Mathews Park to maker it safer for all at night was basically pulled out of the ground! Unfortunately we have faceless goons in Orange that destroy public property.

This vandalism can be dangerous (defacing and/or destroying) signage, effect safety (destroying lighting) and it all costs the community of Orange hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly.

Please if you see any incidences report them to the police or council. I will be pleased when as part of 'smart cities' we have cameras on light poles etc throughout the city and I am looking forward to seeing some of the `goons' named and shamed.

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