Orange Mountain Evening View Club-Christmas in July

My daughter, Anni and I ventured out on a cold evening to be a part of the Orange Mountain Evening View Club Christmas in July function. We were greeted by Santa and mingled with some lovely ladies who were enjoying the evening. We were served a traditional Christmas dinner which was delightful and certainly warmed us.
Jan Savage from Cancer Care Western NSW spoke about the organisation she represented and the hard work they have been doing when trying to raise 2 million dollars. This money will be spent on an accommodation unit which will house people who need cancer treatment at Orange Base Hospital.
To finish off the evening we were each given a gift which were all quite unique and brought about a bit of laughter. This was a lovely social evening with the added bonus of hearing about a worthy organisation which is supporting the Greater Western area.

2BS Radio Interview

I had just received a phone call from Charles at 2BS asking for an interview on what has been happening in Orange. It was a call I welcomed as I knew very well that we had been active with various activities and initiatives.

I was able to speak about our "Water Tight Program" where Orange was accepting expressions of interest from households who would like to have fitted in their homes water saving devices. The program runs for 6 weeks and prizes are given out for the most innovative water saving ideas and lowest consumption per person. At the end of the 6 week time frame there will be a major prize for 1 of the 10 households to win.

Another topic was the Shower head Exchange Program- which has been very popular and only going for 1 week. In that time Orange City Council has given out over 100 water saving shower heads. All people have to do is come down to Customer Service with their old shower head, fill out a form and they will be given a new water saving shower head. Shower timers have also been very popular, so much so that we have given out hundreds and a new batch had to be ordered.

There has been the progression of the Anson Street crossing between Woolworth's and Myers with the kerb side blisters. This crossing has allowed a safer means for pedestrians to cross this main thoroughfare.

The Rural Fire Control Centre and State Training Centre for Excellence is something to get excited about. In the very near future we will have the ability to train future Fire Fighters in a world class facility. Completion date is expected to be Monday 18th August 2008.

Gosling Creek Reserve has had planting works which have been undertaken by the IT company, Computer Associates. They have invested in the restoration of the shoreline of Gosling Creek Reservoir. Since the completion of the fishing deck and commencement of restoration works on the southern side of the reservoir, the number of visitor's accessing this side has increased.

The Merge Program is something to get truly excited about. The NSW Attorney General recently announced a contribution of $50,000 for this current financial year towards the conduct of the Merge Program- a free holiday activity program for young people referred by local schools. This program interacts very effectively with Council's other programs focusing on the needs of identified young people particularly the Better Pathways Program which focuses on the needs of young people who disengage or are at risk of disengagement from the education system. Council continue to work with the local indigenous community to develop programs to assist in addressing local identified needs.

So after reading all the information you can probably understand why I get excited about the progression of Orange. We have enthusiastic and diligent staff at Orange City Council who have been more than capable of progressing these items I have highlighted and in meeting the needs of our community.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to speak positively about our Cities progression. There is much more to come and I believe that Orange will be a highly sought after place of destination to reside in and call home.

Visit Orange City Council Web-site to learn more

Merge Project Funding

NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos visited Orange to announce a funding grant of $50,000 under the State Government's Safer Community Compact Grant Scheme. "This funding will enable Orange City Council to continue its highly successful Merge Holiday Activity Program, which began in 2006" Mr Hatzistergos said.

The free school holiday program provides five weeks of activities, including entertainment, sport and life skills, for up to 100 children aged between seven and 15. The aim is to reduce the anti-social behaviour and help people understand that there are other activities which are not only engaging but stimulating for these children.

The State Government's continuing support of the Merge program means that Council will be able to reach out to the city's young people offering them positive activities. The Merge project provides activities to more than 150 participants. Youth services have always been a high priority for our Council and is an area which I have a particular interest as the Youth Inter agency Chair. It has been great to have the continuing support of the Attorney General here in Orange.