21 July 2017

The long-awaited demolition of the former Orange Base hospital is set to begin soon, following the signing of the contracts for the work.

Albury-based construction firm Zauner Construction, has been awarded the $3.4 million contract to demolish the buildings. Zauner has a 60 year family history of building throughout regional Australia.

Orange Mayor John Davis OAM is pleased that work can finally get under way.

“The community of Orange has been waiting a long time for this step,” Cr John Davis said. “There are many reasons it’s taken so long but it’s now tremendous to see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Mayor Davis said the decision to demolish every building on the site except the Ambulance Station has brought down the cost of the project.

“The initial idea, that was certainly worth exploring, was to keep the shell of the hospital tower to see if it could be converted into high-quality, multi-floor, residential apartments. There was no interest when we put that option out to the market.”

“Trying to demolish everything around that tower would’ve added to the cost considerably. Now, being able to clear every building on the site except the heritage ambulance station has kept the cost to an affordable level.”

Zauner Construction built the award winning Orange Regional Museum, which opened in November last year, and many other local projects including the CSU School of Dentistry and Student Accommodation projects.

Garry Zauner, Director Zauner Construction, said the company is looking forward to commencing the project towards the end of August.

“We are very happy to be working with Orange City Council on yet another major project for the Orange community, providing a transformed site in a key location in Orange.

The demolition is a complex job and will require the expertise and skills of the local contractors and surrounding areas.

Orange mayor John Davis also thanked staff at Health Infrastructure for their co-operation and patience during complex discussions over the demolition proposals.

MORE INFORMATION :

The demolition project is expected to completed early in the new year.

While all buildings on the site, apart from the ambulance station will be demolished, around 20 established trees around the site will be preserved.

Orange City Council reached agreement to buy the 2.1 hectare site from the NSW Government for $3.3 million in April 2015, with the government to set funds aside for the demolition. The contract, which was finalised in May 2016, included an agreement that the State Government would pay for the costs of the demolition.

Site establishment is expected to take around six weeks, while work will begin around the end of August. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed during the first quarter of next year.

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12 July 2017

Orange mayor John Davis OAM, says the council is continuing to give a high priority to seeking new projects which will provide jobs and economic growth for the region.

The mayor spoke publicly today responding to Sydney media reports that the council had "launched a bold pitch ...bidding for a new military base".

"These media reports this morning are wide of the mark, when all we've done is put a submission in to NSW Government inquiry on possible defense industries," Cr John Davis said.

"We're always on the look out for companies or business who want to move to Orange and start new jobs here. If that turned out to be a business that made the hinges for the door of military choppers that would be great for the region."

"There are many reasons why Orange would be attractive to companies who want to move here, and if this publicity helps us grab their attention, that's great."

"This talk of a military base should be kept in perspective. No-one's talking about an artillery range, but if the contract came up to supply food for army ration-packs the Orange region would certainly be interested."

Mayor John Davis said late last month council staff had compiled a submission to the NSW Government Upper House Standing Committee on State Development. The Committee is currently holding an inquiry into the Defence industry in New South Wales.

Around 30 organisations, including a number of councils have put in a submission to the Inquiry.

"As I understand it Orange City Council is the only western region council that's put its views to the government inquiry," Cr John Davis said. "It's important that we're doing our bit to attract more jobs to the region.That's part of our core job. "

"I'd expect that in due course the state government will use all this information to make a bid to the national government to bring more defense-related businesses to New South Wales."

"If any new business opportunities flow through to Orange and the central west region, I'll be very pleased."

"The work of chasing business development and keeping-up our profile to governments is a key part of the council's economic development work," Cr John Davis said. "Our business development staff are responding to new phone queries and we're routinely making submissions to government."

"We're always digging, and you never know when one of them is going to pay off."

The Orange City Council submission is publicly available on the NSW Government website.

8 July 2017

The number of passengers travelling through Orange Airport has reached new levels.

Orange City Council’s Airport Committee chair, Cr Chris Gryllis said the passenger tallies for May this year show that 6,288 passengers used the airport during May.

"This is the highest monthly figure since records were kept," Cr Chris Gryllis said. "These latest figures show very healthy signs of growth."

Two airlines are now using the airport with regular flights, since Fly Corporate began Orange-Brisbane flights in February this year, alongside the popular Orange-Sydney flights offered by Regional Express.

"There is normally a lot of seasonal and event-based variations in the passenger numbers from month to month, but this this is still a healthy sign," Cr Gryllis said.

"It shows that the development work that Orange City Council has put in, with state and Australian government support, to build a larger terminal and lengthen the runway has been a very worthwhile investment.

"Growing passenger numbers are one sign of a healthy regional airport. The number of small businesses who use the airport as a base is another sign.

The latest figures for June as well as the end-of-financial-year figures have now been compiled. The new annual figure offers a useful comparison over a longer period.

These figures show total passenger numbers have increased by 11.3% this year compared to the previous year.

The total passengers climbed from 49,247 in 15/16 to 54,857 in 16/17.

5 July 2017

Plans to build a new base for the Orange Conservatorium of Music which incorporates a new planetarium have been considered by Orange City Council and released for community comment.

Orange mayor John Davis OAM, said he’s pleased to see progress on this long-running project.

“I’m delighted to see these exciting concept plans but at this early stage it’s now an opportunity for community to have their say,” Cr John Davis said. “It’s also at a stage where it lets us see what could happen on that site, and we’ll still have to weigh it up against other priorities.”

“It’s the kind of project that will rely on a lot of support from other layers of government, but these concept plans bring it to a stage where we can now start to seek funding.

“These plans have come after a lot of research and consultation with interested parties, but it’s now also important that we hear from the wider community to tap into their expertise.”

Orange Conservatorium Board chair Cr Russell Turner said the project would be major boost for the Orange community.

“Organisations like the conservatorium have a significant influence on the cultural life of our community in Orange,” Cr Russell Turner said. “Whether it’s developing a level of excellence in local music tutition or simply a key part of the cultural mix that attracts families to want to live, work and raise children here. A conservatorium offers so much.”

Conservatorium Director Donna Riles said the new building has been designed to give the organisation space to grow.

“The new building would have a 250 seat auditorium and around 30 teaching rooms,” Donna Riles said. “That size has is based on what we’re currently doing now with a moderate amount of growth for the future.

“We’re currently teaching hundreds of children and adults most weeks with a range of one-on-one and group learning situations in bands and orchestras. This new building would let us do more into the future and avoid the pressure that exists on our current facilities.”

Orange Planetarium Vice President Nat Burgio said that the Planetarium will enhance the multifunctionality of the facility and promote science education and innovation.

“As well as the obvious tourism potential, the planetarium would add another layer to the educational options for local children who already visit facilities like the museum, the gallery and the library,” Nat Burgio said.

PROJECT INFORMATION

The concept plans show a 2-storey building alongside March Street on the northern end of the northcourt area behind the Library-Gallery building.

The building includes :

• A 250-seat auditorium
• A number of larger teaching spaces, including six piano-equipped teaching areas
• Around 30 smaller music studios
• A dedicated 70-seat planetarium area including an 11m dome for virtual simulations of astronomy and general science, along with a display area and a gift shop

Orange City Council has allocated $1.5 million in its current budget towards a planetarium project.

It’s expected the proceeds of the sale of the current site of the conservatorium in Hill St would also go towards the project. The project would need significant government funding for it to go ahead.

The concept plans are the work of Sydney architectural firm Brewster Hjorth

In due course, the next stage would be detailed plans, before a DA is prepared.

Renowned theatre company Bell Shakespeare premieres its national tour of The Merchant Of Venice from Orange Civic Theatre this weekend.

Orange City Council Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Ron Gander said the relationship Orange Civic Theatre and Bell Shakespeare have fostered over the years has been a coup for the city.

“Time and again the Bell Shakespeare company have chosen to launch their tour from Orange,” Cr Gander said.

“Orange audiences get to see this show before anyone else and that’s fantastic.

“It shows Orange has a lot to offer and it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

“The Merchant Of Venice has been part of the Higher School Certificate the past few years so this is a wonderful opportunity for students to see the text come to life.”

Orange Civic Theatre Manager Michelle Pearce said Orange had a large audience capacity and the theatre had the technical capabilities to launch shows as significant as those by Bell Shakespeare.

“The audience numbers are there and rehearsing and launching from Orange gives the cast and crew space, and a chance to get the show perfected,” Ms Pearce said.

“Our technical capabilities at the theatre allow for this scale of production.”

Bell Shakespeare’s Deputy General Manager John Henderson said the Orange Civic Theatre was “one of our most committed national venue partners and we are thrilled to share this important milestone with them and their audiences.

“Bell Shakespeare has always been committed to sharing Shakespeare’s works with all Australians no matter where they are, our national tour is a big part of achieving that dream,” Mr Henderson said.

“For the last 20 years we have created a production specifically to take across the nation for audiences from all walks of life to experience. 2017 will mark the third year in a row that the national tour has opened in Orange.

“It’s always a pleasure to premiere these productions to the wonderful community there who always welcome us with open arms.”

The Merchant of Venice launches from Orange Civic Theatre on Friday July 7, at 7.30pm and a second show is scheduled for Saturday July 8 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Ticketek.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE: Rehearsals ahead of Friday's opening.

4 July 2017

The Orange Regional Museum, opened in November last year, has won the state’s top prize for architecture, the Sulman Medal for Public Architecture.

Orange Mayor John Davis OAM is delighted Orange now has two Sulman Prize winning buildings, right alongside each other.

“The Sulman Award is the prize for the building that’s judged to the best piece of public architecture in the state and for Orange now to have two Sulman price winners side-by-side, at the same location is fantastic,” Cr John Davis said.

“While the news of the award is a tremendous achievement for Crone Architects who designed the building and I congratulate them, it’s also a fantastic boost for the community of Orange,”

“The Orange City Library and Gallery building was designed by government architect Colin Still and won the Sulman in 1986.

“We’re looking forward to another Sulman plaque being added to the new museum building in the coming months.

“The Civic Square between the buildings has always been a great place for the community to meet. The quality of the design of both the new and older buildings make a big contribution to making it a place where locals want to be. Hundreds of people are using these buildings every day.”

The building was designed by Sydney architecture firm Crone which won the award along with the NSW Premier’s Prize at the 2017 NSW Architecture Awards, announced on 1 July by the Australian Institute of Architects.

“We are extremely proud to have won the Sulman Medal for Public Architecture, one of the most distinguished awards in the State, particularly as our mission was to create a forward-thinking design for the Orange Regional Museum that would contribute to the community and create a new destination for the area,” Crone Design Director, Niall Durney, said.

The judging panel found : “This bold, large-scale intervention re-organises a whole city block through the application of a combined landscape, architectural and urban solution. Simple, bold and confident moves have created a destination for locals and visitors which provide a clear and active address to the larger civic precinct.”

Crone began work on the 1,300 square-metre museum after winning a competitive tender process with the brief to strategically place the building to create a distinctive civic square between new structures and the existing Orange Library and Art Gallery.

Seating stairs create an amphitheatre and provide access to the sloping landscaped roof, a defining feature of the design that rises from the existing lawn to provide a public green space and vantage point across the City. Blurring the distinction between architecture and landscape, the grassed area was designed for flexible usage as an outdoor exhibition area or simply an area for visitors to relax.

Orange Regional Museum is Crone’s first cultural project, leading the Company into a direction beyond commercial buildings for which it is best known.

Orange mayor John Davis has also thanked community members for their input as the design concepts for the museum came together.

“One of the reasons for the success of the new museum building was the level of community involvement as the ‘building blocks’ of the design came together, “ Cr John Davis said. “Crone did a fantastic job, but the Museum Community Committee, worked with them to assemble a design they thought would be worthy of the space and it has certainly achieved that goal. “

3 July 2017

To make it more convenient for drivers who use the Ophir Car Park on the corner of Kite Street and Lords Place, the price of paid parking is coming down, for drivers who buy in bulk.

As of July 1, the price for a one month parking permit dropped to $50, however if drivers choose to pay per day with coins, the price remains $3 per day.

City of Orange Traffic Committee Chair Cr Russell Turner said the price was dropped for long-term use permits to make parking easier for drivers going to work each day.

“We want to encourage drivers who use the car park regularly to buy long term permits because they are far more convenient,” Cr Turner said.

“Drivers won’t have to waste time looking for coins and walking over to the machines to get a ticket.

“They can come into the Byng Street office once a month, or purchase a 3 month, or 6 month permit and put it on the dashboard.

“You can still choose to pay $3 per day using coins, but if you choose to buy a permit the savings are significant.

“For someone who parks Monday to Friday, or about 22 days per month, there’s a saving of $16 a month, or almost $200 a year.

“Another convenience of the long-term permit is it can be transferred between cars. So you can share it with a colleague if you job share or share it between the family cars.”

Regular users of the Ophir Car Park may have received a leaflet under their windscreen over the last 10 days detailing the changes.

The leaflets also reminded drivers parking officers would be patrolling the car park on a regular basis and cars without a permit or a coin-operated machine issued ticket will risk a fine.

3 July 2017

Orange Regional Gallery is partnering with one of Australia’s leading art magazines to present its latest major exhibition, showcasing the work of more than 140 artists.

The new exhibition, ARTIST PROFILE: Australasian Painters 2007 – 2017, brings together in Orange the work of artists who have been featured in Artist Profile magazine over its 10 year history.

Curated by Artist Profile’s Editor Kon Gouriotis and Deputy Editor Lucy Stranger, the exhibition offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience original works by a diverse range of contemporary painters including: Rick Amor, Kevin Connor, Elisabeth Cummings, Debra Dawes, Jumaadi, Ildiko Kovacs, Margaret Loy Pula, Hilarie Mais, Karen Mills, Idris Murphy, Victoria Reichelt, Jiawei Shen and Aida Tomescu – to name just a few.

Orange City Council’s Services Committee chair, Cr Ron Gander, said he welcomes the new exhbition.

“This is the latest of our ‘blockbuster’ shows which I believe will draw art-lovers from a very wide region,” Cr Ron Gander said. “This is a collection, which is not going to be seen anywhere else, and which brings together in the one place a very wide range of significant Australian artists. It’s magazines like ARTIST PROFILE that create a sense of community in the Australian art scene and this event is a celebration of the artists who’ve found a place in its pages.”

SET-UP : Exhibition installer Martin Wale and curator Lucy Stranger work on ther latest exhibition at the Orange Regional Gallery.

For Bradley Hammond, Director at Orange Regional Gallery, the opportunity to develop the exhibition with Artist Profile was an exciting project from the start.

“I was immediately drawn to the idea of bringing the work of this many significant artists to Orange and the selection by the curators Kon and Lucy is extraordinary,” Brad Hammond said.

“This show is a visual (and surprisingly olfactory ?) feast and is essential viewing for anyone interested in painting.

“I’m hoping audiences from our region will make new connections to a myriad of artists through their work and the quality of the exhibition will encourage art-lovers, artists and students from further afield to make connections with our Gallery and Orange.”

ARTIST PROFILE magazine is known for its emphasis on artists’ working processes and personal perspectives and this aspect is echoed in the exhibition which is designed to celebrate and amplify the individuality of each painter represented.

Curator Kon Gouriotis said that Orange Regional Gallery was the magazine’s first choice, “because of the Gallery’s profound commitment to Australian fine artists and its capacity to present a large painting exhibition with high curatorial standards within a region known for its cultural excellence.”

The exhibition runs at the Orange Regional Gallery from 8 July to 10 September

ARTIST PROFILE: Australasian Painters 2007 – 2017 opens 2.30pm Saturday 8 July 2017. There will be a Curators’ Floortalk from 1.30pm – 2.00pm prior to the opening.