Council events calendar is jam packed this financial year

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.