Budget 2025

Second time I have attended the rainbow festival with my family - some who travelled from Lismore. Hoping this wonderful event that council puts on for all people in our community continues. Well done council for showing initiative and inclusivity.

I note with pleasure that Council’s budget for 2025-26 makes provision for a Rainbow Festival next year. I take this opportunity to affirm to councillors that I strongly support a Rainbow Festival event in 2026 with financial backing from Orange City Council. The LGBTIQA+ communities in Orange and surrounds are part of the community as a whole. The festival is an opportunity for us all to embrace and celebrate our diversity and to affirm that we all seek to make our city a beacon of humankindness in a difficult world.

I wish to express my disapproval of council funding for yet another rainbow festival. Previous events could best be described as tawdry and not particularly edifying for the wider community and especially children. Why should this event be singled out for inclusion in the budget as though it were something special when organizers can apply to council for a grant as do other event promoters? I object to rate payers money being used in this way to promote highly divisive, ideologies in the guise of supporting youth. Our lovely city of Orange should be known for better things.

I am writing to express my heartfelt support for the continued backing of the Rainbow Festival by our council.

The Rainbow Festival not only celebrates diversity but also fosters a sense of belonging and unity among all of our citizens. By maintaining this festival within the council's budget, you are sending a powerful message that every individual in our community is valued and worthy of recognition and celebration.

Your support demonstrates that our council is not just modern in its policies but also compassionate in its approach. I urge you to continue championing initiatives like the Rainbow Festival, as they are vital in building a more inclusive and vibrant community for everyone.

We need the rainbow festival in our town. This is a massive event that promotes inclusion, supports people from diverse groups and allows the strain on mental health among young people to be slightly eased due to belonging. This event is paramount in our community and should remain a priority.

Please keep the Rainbow Festival happening, it's a wonderful inclusive community event.
Please can council look at how we can LOWER rates? They are incredibly expensive and we cannot afford another rate rise. Thank you.

I’d like to see council continue to support ALL of its citizens and continue to support the Rainbow Festival wholeheartedly. Council is proving itself to be progressive, modern and more importantly kind and inclusive. Please keep this in budget and prove everyone is worth fighting for and celebrating.

I strongly support the Rainbow Festival and wish to see Council continue their support of the festival, and related events, through budget allocation and the facilitation of engagement with and advocacy for our LQBTQI+ residents.

Removed by moderator.

It's real shame that there appears to be nothing in the budget or plan to support the performing arts in Orange. Yes there is the capital works for the Conservatorium and the Art Gallery and museums, but there is no mention in either the strategic plan or budget about support the performing arts organisations which are outside of the Conservatorium and which provide such incredibly valuable services to the Orange community, such as the City of Orange Brass Band, the Orange Mens Choir, the Orange Women's Choir, etc.... These organisations perform regularly around the city and provide an incredibly important service, bring the joy of music to the lives of so many in our community. Why are they not prioritised as much as Sport is?