DIVERSITY was a buzz word leading into Orange's local government election and that's what the residents have in the incoming councillors.
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Three women will sit their first term on Orange City Council, with Mel McDonell, Tammy Greenhalgh and Frances Kinghorne alongside Gerald Power, believed to be Orange's first indigenous councillor, quadralplegic Dr Steve Peterson, Business Orange chair Jack Evans, Greens David Mallard and Shooters Fishers and Farmers' Glenn Floyd.
They will be joined by incumbent councillors Tony Mileto, Jeff Whitton, Kevin Duffy and Jason Hamling, with Cr Hamling to take over from Reg Kidd as Orange's popularly-elected mayor.
"I feel incredibly honoured but also nervous," Cr Hamling, who is a life-long resident of Orange said.
"I do not underestimate what a big deal this is and I take the responsibility of the role very seriously.
"The Orange community is my home and to have a role in how it develops into the future is very exciting."
The last time Orange had three women serve on its council was the 2004-08 term when Pam Ryan, Margaret Stevenson and Fiona Rossiter were elected but since then, the ranks have been thin.
During the last term, Jo McRae, who also served a stint as deputy mayor, was the lone female voice.
During the 1995-1999 term there were also three women council members in Sharon Pratt, Margaret Stevenson and Brenda Davies.
Mrs Greenhalgh and Ms McDonell both working mothers, said they were looking forward to bringing a female perspective to council.
Jack Evans,who at 25 is the youngest member of the incoming council, said his election was a reward for working hard for the community in his role as chair of Business Orange.
Mr Power, who ran on an all-indigenous ticket, said he was over the moon.
"I'm excited and surprised," he said explaining this was his fourth attempt, missing out the last two terms by a slender margin.
"It is a big thing for us," he said.
Mr Power said he thanked the Wiradjuri elders for their support and would be striving to protect indigenous heritage in the area.
"I find it a real honour to represent our community." Mr Power ran on an all indigenous ticket.
Incoming mayor Jason Hamling, who has served for 17 years, said he was looking forward to working with the new group.
"If you go on previous councils it's very diverse and we've got some young blood too which is good."
"I'm excited, there's going to be some challenges ahead and I get that, teaching the new councillors the ropes but it will be good."
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