From her work as a board member of Orange Regional Arts Foundation, to her time on the board of the conservatorium and even as a member of the Gallery Extension Fundraising Group, Mrs Edwards has always looked for new way to give back to the community.

Now the new president of Friends of the Orange Regional Gallery (FORG) is hoping to provide people with a year to remember.

"I'm deeply passionate about Orange," she said.

"My parents came here as refugees and Orange was always very, very good to us and I'm deeply passionate about the cultural precinct which is evolving. I'm putting something back that I have always felt grateful for. Orange is still a wonderful place but it's my way of putting something back."

Prior to her appointment as president, Mrs Edwards was actively involved with the committee for the past six years. Even before that, she and late husband Gregson were members of FORG.

"It's a natural progression over six years. I've moved through committees and fundraising," she said.

"It's a lifelong thing. We've always been involved in the arts and it brings me great joy to be able to do something in return for the support that Orange gave to my parents as well as other refugees."

FORG raises funds and plans activities for acquisitions within the gallery, so that the gallery can purchase works of art. Recent contributions include $10000 to the new lobby area and funding for an Ian Maher sculpture.

She takes over the presidents role from Richard Walker, who will remain on the FORG committee.

"I put my hat into the ring and I am very lucky and grateful to the committee that they would allow me to," Mrs Edwards added.

"It's going to be a fabulous year.

"We'll be opening the extension, we'll have wonderful shows coming up and we'll have the community coming together in the new space to get the ball rolling again."

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