Consultation has concluded
  • Panorama photo handed over to museum

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    8 August 2018

    An historic panorama-style photograph dating from early last century has been handed over to the Orange Regional Museum.

    The image is believed to have been taken around 1908. It’s about two metres long and was taken from one of Orange’s tallest buildings at the time, the Dalton flour mill in Peisley Street.

    The Neich family who owned the print are donating it in memory of the McLachlan family.

    The print will be sent away for specialist restoration.

    A member of the Orange Historical Society, who is a professional photographer, Robert Bruce, has made an enhanced copy of the panorama, which will also be given to the museum.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd was on hand to receive the donations on behalf of the museum.

    It’s expected that the copy of the panorama will be able to be enlarged for display at the museum.


    PANORAMA : Pictured at the hand over are (l. top r.) Mayor Reg Kidd, photographer Robert Bruce, Museum Director Brad Hammond, museum curator Alison Campbell, and historical society members Phil Stevenson and Liz Edwards.

    DETAILS: (Below) Detailed images from the panorama include a number of buildings still to be seen in Orange, including Kelly’s Hotel in Lords Place, Bowen Terrace in Bathurst Road, the railway yards including the pedestrian bridge and Peisley St looking through the Kite St and Summer St intersections.



  • Artexpress celebrates students’ success at Orange Regional Gallery

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    caption: Zali Feliciana Kassi, St Joseph's Catholic College, Family Therapy: Colour Association, Drawing


    A rare opportunity for Orange senior school students is unfolding at Orange Regional Gallery as some of the best bodies of work from last year’s Higher School Certificate (HSC) are unpacked.

    Artexpress 2018 is a series of exhibitions featuring outstanding student artworks for the art making component of the HSC Visual Arts course and one of those exhibitions is in Orange from August 25 to September 23.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the exhibition was a must-see for all students currently completing, or thinking about studying a Visual Arts for the HSC.

    “These artworks are some of the best in the state,” Cr Kidd said.

    “It’s fantastic our students don’t have to travel to metropolitan areas to see the high calibre needed for top marks, or to get inspiration for their own HSC works.



    “We’re incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity right here in our own backyard.

    “While the exhibition has educational advantages for our current crop of HSC students, it’s also an exhibition most people will find interesting and impressive.”

    The exhibition includes 39 works from government and non-government school students from both regional and metropolitan schools throughout the state.

    Artexpress 2018 has grown from humble beginnings in the 1950s to a major event in New South Wales.
    Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Kevin Duffy said art forms of all kinds would be featured.

    “This exhibition has been curated by one of our staff members at the gallery and she has chosen to feature some local students,” Cr Duffy said.

    “Bailey Armstrong of Oberon High School’s piece Family Portrait Studies will be shown as well as Kinross Wolaroi School’s Tharni-Jo Parkinson’s Face Off sculpture.”

    Cr Duffy said the enduring popularity of Artexpress was proof people had a strong interest in and support of, visual art created by young people.

    Artexpress is a joint initiative of the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Education Standards Authority with generous support from S&S (associate sponsor) and the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation (patron).

    Tharni-Jo Parkinson, Kinross Wolaroi School, Face Off, Sculpture

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  • Movie night in at Orange Regional Museum

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    Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

    Keep warm and cosy with a night of movies, food, wine, science and history at Orange Regional Museum this month.

    On Thursday 16 August Orange Regional Museum will be screening short films from the National Film and Sound Archive collections, local historical footage and films from the SCINEMA International Science Film Festival 2018.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the films were all related to food and food production.

    “They’ve been chosen to coincide with the current exhibition of Paddock to Plate: A history of food and wine in Orange and district,” he said.

    “The SCINEMA International Science Film Festival is the largest science film festival in the southern hemisphere showcasing the best in science cinema from around the world.

    “It’s a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors alike.”

    Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Kevin Duffy said the event offered guests an opportunity to learn more about the world around them in a relaxed and unique setting.

    “Orange Regional Museum is working with the Orange Cowra Cabonne Science Hub to bring these world-renowned short films to Orange for one night only.

    “The films on show from the National Film and Sound Archive collection form part of their ‘Glorious Food’ collection that illustrate the changing face of Australia’s food industry over the past 100 years.”

    Movies at the Museum is sponsored by Cargo Road Wines and Fresh Fodder so there will be plenty of local wine and food served and the cost is included in the ticket price.

    A full list of the films on show can be found by following this link.

    Movies at the Museum starts at 6pm on Thursday 16 August. Tickets are $15 per person, including all films, food and drinks. Bookings are essential via gloriousfood.eventbrite.com.au or 02 6393 8444


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  • Fierce competition rages in Council chambers this week

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    Tuesday July 31, 2018

    The Orange City Council chambers has been the location of serious debate, passionate speeches, defeats and triumphs for decades, but annually it is also the location of an argument of a different kind, though equally as tense.

    The annual Mayor’s Cup Debating Competition is on Wednesday August 1, during Local Government Week.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the competition was a chance for the city’s young people to showcase their critical thinking skills and gain confidence with public speaking.

    “I am always amazed at the talent during the competitions,” Cr Kidd said.

    “I always go home thinking the future is in good hands.

    “Each year Orange schools send the best of the best from their senior debating crop and each year the competition is fierce.”

    This year’s topics include;

    · Orange’s sense of community will get smaller, as the size of population grows bigger

    · Twelve councillors is too many for a local council to be effective

    · A local council should consult with the community before making major decisions.

    “The topics being debated are always relevant to Orange and the community and I’m particularly keen on hearing the arguments for and against these particular subjects,” Cr Kidd said.

    Orange Deputy Mayor Joanne McRae, who would preside as chairperson during one of the debates, said the event brought back memories from her own school years.

    “I competed in this very competition when I was at James Sheahan Catholic High School, “Cr McRae said.

    “I can definitely appreciate the nerves the students have on the day and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they tackle each topic.

    “It’s great experience for our senior students and it’s a wonderful chance to help develop some of those public speaking tools which will be needed later in life.

    “One of my former team mates at the time, Hamish Bevan, is now a barrister in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of New South Wales and I regularly have to speak in public as part of my current role in the Council.

    “It shows activities like the Mayor’s Cup really can help you develop skills for future careers.”

    Schools competing in this year’s debate include Orange High School, Kinross Wolaroi School and for the first time, Orange Anglican Grammar.

    The Kerri Parkes Memorial Trophy, will be awarded to the most outstanding speaker on the day.

    The Mayor’s Cup Debating Competition is in its 15th year.


    DEBATE: Students from Canobolas Rural Technology High School during a previous Mayor's Cup debate.

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  • New, upgraded fire truck for Orange

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    30 July 2018

    Orange mayor Reg Kidd has welcomed the handover of a new half million dollar fire truck for Orange.

    Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless visited the Orange Fire Station today to hand over the keys of a new $580,000 firefighting truck that will increase fire protection and emergency response in Orange.

    The state-of-the-art fire engine, referred to as a ‘Class 3’ pumper, features a high-pressure pump capable of delivering 4,000 litres of water a minute for firefighting, as well as a front mounted winch designed to assist with rescue operations.

    The new new truck includes improved remote-controlled lighting to illuminate a fire or rescue scene where crews are working

    Pictured at left : Senior Firefighter Shane Brinkworth demonstrates the remote control unit.

    Formerly crews had to climb onto the roof of the truck to erect lights. The new unit has high-performance LED lights which are mounted on an extendable pole. The height and direction of the lights can now be controlled from ground level.

    The new truck has a upgraded system to blow smoke out of a building once the fire has been extinguished. Pockets of smoke can stay in a building for many hours once the fire is out.

    In 2016/17, Orange Fire Station responded to 1,115 fire and emergency calls and took part in more than 226 activities designed to educate the local community about fire safety.

    Mr Colless said the new truck would increase Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) capability to deal with fires and emergency incidents.

    “The Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best equipment and technology available to support their vital work - protecting life and property,” Mr Colless said.

    “This new truck will help put firefighters ahead of the game when it comes to managing all types of fires and emergency incidents.”

    “It incorporates a foam system for fighting chemical, petrol and bush fires, and carries equipment for firefighting, chemical spills, rescues and medical emergencies.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the new pumper is a great investment in the safety of the Orange community.

    "This unit lets the brigade respond very,very quickly and have the right gear when they get there," Cr Reg Kidd said. "I thank the government very,very much."

    PUMPER : Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless and Orange Mayor Reg Kidd take a close look at the new fire truck.

    FRNSW Regional West Zone Commander, Brett Jackson said FRNSW continued to provide its firefighters with modern vehicles and the latest technology for protecting people, property and the environment.

    “The FRNSW fleet is made up of more than 650 fire engines and rescue vehicles and our priority is to ensure firefighters have the best vehicles available to do their jobs safely and effectively,” he said.

    “Orange firefighters do a tremendous job protecting the local community and this new truck will further improve the overall quality of our emergency response.”



  • Bloomfield bushland to benefit from planting

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    27 July 2018

    Remnant native bushland at the back of the Bloomfield hospital site is set to benefit from the latest community tree planting day in Orange. The site, alongside Bloomfield Road, has been chosen as the focus for this year’s National Tree Day event in Orange.

    National Tree Day is Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care event and takes place on Sunday 29 July. This is an initiative organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota Australia which provides on-the-ground support at tree planting sites across Australia.

    Orange Mayor and chair of Orange City Council’s Park, Trees and Waterways Committee, Cr Reg Kidd said the event is a good opportunity to build connections between local familiies and areas of bushland.

    “National Tree Day has a long history in Australia, and it’s a great opportunity for parents and their children to spend time together planting new trees in a key piece of local bushland,” Cr Reg Kidd said.

    “The council staff will be preparing the way for volunteers to be there on Sunday to plant around 600 new trees. Because it’s been so dry in recent months, the ground is going to be very hard for volunteers to be digging with a shovel. A council team will be on site in the coming days with a borer to dig the holes for these new plants.”

    “As well as Orange City Council, members of the Bloomfield Bushland Advisory Group, the Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange (ECCO) and the Orange Field Naturalists & Conservation Society are involved in this event. All we need now is a good roll-up of tree planters on Sunday morning.”

    Orange City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee chair, Cr Stephen Nugent, said the site, across the road from the Gosling Creek reserve, has walking trails and is a key passive recreation area.

    “It’s fantastic that the community of Orange still has large areas of native bush so close to residential areas,” Cr Stephen Nugent said. “While there are large established trees in this area that provide habitat, we need to give the next generation of trees a good start. The new trees will have corflute guards installed around the base of new trees to protect the young plants from local wildlife.”


    “It’s land that’s managed by Health authorities, but is open to the community. They’ve built walking paths and the plantings will be positioned along the paths.”

    The event runs from 10 am to 1pm on Sunday 29 July.

    The site on Bloomfield Road will be signposted. A free BBQ will be held. Volunteers are encouraged to wear warm clothing and sensible shoes.

  • Council events calendar is jam packed this financial year

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    Wednesday July 25, 2018

    The Regional Tourism Awards kick off what is set to be a busy financial year for Council run events, which will benefit a broad range of community members.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the city was fortunate to host the prestigious awards at the end of next week.

    “It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our fantastic region,” Cr Kidd said.


    “We have four Orange organisations up for awards this year, the Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange FOOD Week, Orange Visitor Information Centre and Heifer Station Wines.

    “The tourism awards are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to big events for this year.”

    In August, Orange high school students will battle for the Mayor’s Cup during the annual debating competition held in Local Government Week, an influx of professionals will hit the city for the Planning Institute of Australia Conference in September, and following on from the success from the first new residents lunch held in May, a second welcome lunch is on in October.

    In November, we’re hosting the NSW Tidy Towns Awards, the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards and the Ushiku Japanese Speaking competition.

    “And one of my favourite events of the year, Carols By Candlelight is on December 8 this year so make sure you pencil that one in your diary,” Cr Kidd said.

    “Planning for Orange’s Australia Day celebrations is already underway and I urge everyone to start thinking about who they will nominate as our Citizen of the Year.”

    Council hosts a reception in February for the Gnoo Blas Car Festival delegates and for five days in April Orange is hosting the Water Industry Operators Association Conference.

    In April Council is hosting another new residents event and coordinating the Anzac Day march and ceremonies.

    “There is a huge range of events Council runs for a range of people and demographics,” Cr Kidd said.

    “There is certainly something for everyone and almost every month of the year and this list hasn’t included all the wonderful community events organised by external groups.

    “Looking at the Visit Orange What’s On guide, there is barely a weekend that goes by where there isn’t some sort of community event, whether it be markets, music or art show or a show at the theatre.

    “Not to mention the almost monthly citizenship ceremonies we hold in Council chambers, which are one of my favourite things to do as Mayor of Orange.

    “I am thrilled to congratulate people who have chosen to apply for citizenship and who then choose to live in Orange.

    “I urge everyone in the community to come along to as many events this year as possible, many are free and many are great excuses to get the family out, spend quality time together and enjoy the wonderful community we live in.”

    The crowd at a previous Carols By Candlelight.

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  • Animals speak from beyond the grave

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    Wednesday July 18, 2018

    Animals will speak to us from beyond the grave at Orange Regional Gallery next week after the opening of its latest exhibition.

    Following on from the success of Rod McRae’s Wunderkammer in 2013, the gallery will install a recent group of works titled After Life: Animal Stories from Beyond the Grave.

    The exhibition features a collection of taxidermy animals and focuses on what it means to be wild and free versus domesticated.



    Orange City Council’s Deputy Mayor Joanne McRae said the exhibition was a must see for all ages.

    “The last Rod McRae exhibition was very popular, particularly with children,” Cr McRae said.

    “The exhibition had really powerful and confronting messages throughout but on a more basic level it was an incredible sight to see.

    “For example there was a lion reclining on a bed and a polar bear sitting on a freezer.

    “I expect this latest exhibition to be just as moving and thought-provoking.”

    Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Kevin Duffy said the gallery had been loaned the exhibition by the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo.

    “It’s great to see regional cities working together to give people in regional areas these wonderful opportunities,” he said.

    “I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing these amazing pieces to Orange.”

    Orange Regional Gallery Director Brad Hammond said that After Life looks at the way in which we humans use animals—trading, working, processing and slaughtering them for our needs.

    The artist has composed the animals in ways that express these ideas.

    “In the exhibition, all the animals suffer in some way from human possession, “Mr Hammond said.

    “The animal exist for the sole purpose of working for, clothing or feeding humans.

    “They’re no longer autonomous beings, rather they are things, objects, and possessions.

    “It’s important to note all the animals in the exhibition have been ethically sourced”.

    “All animals used died of natural causes, medical euthanasia, hunting, culling and food production and have been traded on, sometimes multiple times before they became part of this work.”

    AFTER-LIFE Animal Stories from Beyond the Grave opens Friday July 20, 2018 at 6pm and will continue until August 19.

  • Wanderers to take Community Round football clinics to Orange

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    13 July 2018

    The Western Sydney Wanderers have announced details of their new Regional Strategy, and junior clinics and a schools competition in Orange are in the mix to be held later this year.

    The club has revealed plans to stage a regular A-League season match at the Glen Willow Regional Stadium in Mudgee, as part of the code’s Community Round on November 10.

    The match is part of the Wanderers’ efforts in servicing the regional community in the Central West, engaging with the communities of Bathurst, Mudgee and Orange.

    The Community Round fixture will mark the first time the Hyundai A-League will be played in Mudgee with over 10,000 registered participants in the wider region getting the chance to have the Wanderers in their backyard.

    The Wanderers club believes its regional strategy is part of its work with Mid Western Regional Council, Bathurst Regional Council and Orange City Council to ensure that the Wanderers have a lasting footprint in the region.

    Local schools and grassroots clubs will benefit greatly from the strategy, with a number of schools clinics, Schools Cup tournaments, as well as, activations with local associations taking place in the lead-up to the match.

    CLINIC : Stars from A-League club, the Western Sydney Wanderers will visit the central west in November.

    The club is planning to run a number of football clinics and Schools Cup matches in Orange during the lead-up to the Mudgee game.

    The Western Sydney Wanderers have thanked the three local councils and the Football Federation of Australia for their support of the Wanderers hosting a match in regional NSW.

    Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas believes this season’s Community Round is the perfect opportunity for the Wanderers to showcase the Hyundai A-League to the Central West.

    “We’re looking forward to engaging with and forming lasting relationships with the local communities of Mudgee, Bathurst and Orange this Hyundai A-League season,” John Tsatsimas said.

    “The Community Round is always a very important match in the Wanderers schedule and we’re are proud to be playing in the first ever Hyundai A-League match in Mudgee."

    Orange City Council’s Sport & Recreation Committee chair Cr Jason Hamling has welcomed the Wanderers visit to Orange.

    “The World Cup has shown just popular football is in regional areas, and the prospect of a Hyundai A-League club coming to Orange to stage clinic and school competition will be warmly welcomed.” Cr Jason Hamling said.

    “Every Saturday at this time of year hundreds of children and adults can be found on sportsgrounds around Orange both playing and watching.

    “I congratulate Mudgee on being chosen to stage a Hyundai A-League match during the Community Round. We’ve had pre-season games in Orange in recent years, and I’d like to think Orange would be in contention one day in the future for a regular season game.”


    ORANGE VISIT : Football clinics for juniors and an informal school contest are part of the Wanderers to Orange in early November.


  • Construction to begin on new Bloomfield Medical Centre

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    July 13, 2018


    The developers of the Bloomfield Medical Centre today announced work is set to begin. Orange City Council's planning conditions have been agreed and the Construction Certificate has been issued for the commencement of the 6 storey Bloomfield Tower.

    The first signs of work are under way already. The building that was part of the former 'Drive-in' has been demolished and site buildings have been positioned.

    A 35 metre high crane will be installed on site next month which will be used throughout construction of the six-storey new hospital.

    The Council's work to date has included infrastructure such as water and sewerage extensions,and the project to install the necessary traffic lights and widening of Forest Rd is well under way.

    Mr Frank O'Halloran representing James Richmark Pty Ltd : "We have been working with Orange City Council on all the necessary conditions with the strong support from our partner Zauner Constructions. We are now very pleased to announce the commencement of the Bloomfield Tower. We are overwhelmed by the positive responses from the Orange medical community which has meant we are ahead of expectations for tenancy for the Medical Centre."

    BEGINNING : Zauner Construction's Garry Zauner, Deputy Mayor Cr Joanne McRae and James Richmark Pty Ltd's Frank O'Halloran checked out the site in Forest Road where the new private hospital will be built.

    Mr Garry Zauner, CEO of Zauner Group: "We are delighted to be a development partner in this project, and as a regional company with strong historical links with many Orange projects such as CSU Orange and the Orange Museum, we are pleased to be once again working within the Orange community on important projects such as this. We encourage anyone interested in the Bloomfield Medical Centre to look at our Gardens Medical Centre Albury with its many specialists, Private Hospital and over 30 GPs for an insight into the remarkable opportunity presented at Bloomfield for Orange.”

    Mr Zauner added: “We are pleased that the construction of the Tower has now received all necessary approvals and that the preparations of the site are now underway to allow the Tower footings and crane to be installed.”

    Mr David Hall, CEO of Orange based Benchmark Commercial said there's been strong interest from medical specialists : " We are delighted with the significant response to the new Bloomfield Medical Centre. With a number of tenants now locked in and a considerable list of further interested parties underway it’s a great project to be part of."

    Deputy Mayor Cr Joanne McRae: "The Orange community is delighted the construction at the Bloomfield Medical Centre Tower is now ready to begin. The project is part of the exciting future of South Orange and the creation of employment opportunities. The Bloomfield site alone will create over 500 new jobs for the Orange community."

    The first building on the site is expected to take around 15 months to build and be completed by October 2019

    The next stage of the Bloomfield site will be the construction of the 82 bed medi motel and retail shops. This stage is targeted to commence in 2019.


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