October 2006 - LGA Conference 28th October to 1st November

This was a three day conference held in the Blue Mountains. The annual conference is the supreme policy making body for Local Government in New South Wales. The theme was "Community: a sense of place".
There was a mixture of activities and the first starting with a hypothetical question which was "Local Government: is it the Biggest Loser?" The aim of the discussion was to talk about the key threats to effective and popular local government; to identify the priorities for action and to prevent the demise of local government autonomy; and lastly to enjoy a lively, provocative and entertaining discussion with questions and comments coming from the audience. One of the main focuses within the discussion was Professor Percy Allen's report.
The remainder of the conference involved many addresses from prominent government officials, elections of positions on the Local Government Association of NSW and consideration of Motions.
In all there were 187 initial motions and 37 late motions. Of these Orange City Council had one which was no 21. The motion that was resolved unanimously reads
"That the local Government Association lobby the NSW Minister for Health, the Hon John Hatzistergos MLC with regard to the Isolated Patients Travel and Accomodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS). NSW IPTAAS assists with access to specialised medical treatment and oral surgical health care for people living in isolated and remote communities in NSW, through the provision of some financial assistance towards actual travel and accomodation costs.
That IPTAAS be ammended to:
1. Reduce the eligibility criteria for travel from 100kms to 80kms.
2. Allow patients a choice of specialist.
3. Increase the kilometre rate from the existing 15 cents per kilometre.
4. Remove the patient contribution of $40 per application.
5. Simplify the IPTAAS form for everyone to use.
*It should be noted that during the debate for this motion point number 5 was added.
At this conference there were plenty of opportunities to view and discuss the Trade Exhibition holders their organisations and benefits to local Government. This conference was beneficial in that it gave people the opportunity to meet and debate issues concerning the welfare of the communities we represent, and to set policy directions to ensure community interests are met now and into the future. There was also the opportunity to meet with other Councillors and discuss projects that have been both successful and unsuccessful for them. Lastly there has been the successful adoption of Orange City Council's motion by the association which is then being forwarded to the Health Minister for his response.

Orange Refugee Week 26th October

"A refugee is someone who is outside their own country and cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion"

UN Refugee Convention

This lunchtime event was organised to tell a little of the story of refugees, their journey and their culture. Two Sudanese guest speakers shared their story about life in Sudan, their trials and tribulations and sheer guts and determination to move on. Both speakers were exceptionally inspiring and I learnt that day that the giving of food and produce is the highest gift you can give in their culture.
My son Tristan joined me and he had a wonderful time playing with the children and dancing on the stage. We watched the Glenroi Aboriginal Dance Group, a wonderful young lady who sang the Bowen Public School Choir, Orange High School Drama group and an African singing group. It was an event that was exceptionally well organised and one of those events when you feel really proud to be a Councillor.

Pink Ribbon Day Breakfast (Orange City Council) 25th October

Another breakfast shared with my good friend Gail. It was an early morning start that turned into a very relaxing event. On arrival at the venue a champagne breakfast was shared with staff and friends of Orange City Council. Very relaxing music was played by Paul mixed in with chatter and laughter, it felt like it was a weekend and that the morning shouldn’t end. This was a great example of a community organisation becoming involved and supporting a very worthy cause. Well done to the staff of Orange City Council for providing a fun filled and relaxing event while raising funds for a great cause.

Pink Ribbon Day Breakfast (The Cancer Council NSW) 23rd October

My good friend Donna and I enjoyed breakfast with many other people at the recent Pink Ribbon Day Breakfast organised by Orange Cancer Council ladies. There was lots of discussion with people during our breakfast some great prizes were won and then to top the morning off we heard from Guest Speaker Penny Cook. I can still remember Penny Cook when she played the vet “Vicky” in A Country Practice. Her speech was light hearted and humorous as she shared her journey through life and how she got to where she is today.This event was a fundraiser with profits going to the Cancer Council NSW to help fund breast cancer support; advocacy and research projects. Another worthy cause that not only helps raise funds but also educates and reminds us of the importance of breast examination as a preventative measure.

Radio-Therapy Unit First Official meeting 23rd October

This was an extremely important day for country people. A selection of prominent people from Orange and surrounding areas came together to discuss the need for a Radio-Therapy unit located in Orange. Given that Orange Base is the major referal centre for the Central West with leading specialists on hand it is believed that it would make sense to have a Radio-therapy unit located here. A comprehensive document called the Statement of Capacity Radiation Oncology- Orange substantiates this claim with statistical evidence. In the Orange catchment in 2006 there were 682 people who required radiation oncology. At this time the nearest facilities are in Sydney or Wagga Wagga quite a distance to travel. Additionally with the requirement of 5 weeks treatment there is the added burden of being away from home, family, employement and children.The Alliance group has since been named Cancer Care Western NSW and are looking forward to seeing the confirmation of a Radio-Therapy Unit confirmed for Orange to coincide with the new Base Hospital being built. I plan on keeping you updated on this topic, so call back every so often.

Diamonds in the Sky (Ronald McDonald Fundraiser) 21st October

"Farewell the day, welcome the evening, encounter the night" This was the theme for the recent function that my husband Paul and I attended as a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House in Orange. If you can just imagine in one hand champagne in the other a gourmet delicacy, watching not only the sun set bust also Jupiter and Mercury travel over one of Orange's wineries. The evening was quite surreal with our local astronomer Mr Rod Somerville taking the stage or more so the sky and taking us on a magical tour through the constellations of the heavens above. It was a wonderful experience which we shared with many people and is a credit to the organisers for a rare and unique evening event.

Australian National Field Days Orange 18th - 20th October

I joined the Mayor John Davis and Deputy Mayor Chris Gryllis to extend a welcome to the Indian guest Nation Exhibitors at the 55^th Australian National Field Days. The room was quite a buzz with conversation about the first day of the Field Days. The following day saw my son Tristan and I take a trip out to the Field Days. I almost hate to admit this but it is the first time I have gone to the Field days in my 14 years of living in Orange. It was quite an adventure we had with my little mans eyes full of fun every where he looked. The Indian dancers with their colourful costume entranced the both of us.We weren’t quite sure where to start so we just wandered here and there and if anything in particular took our eye then we went to further investigate. You could have easily spent the three days out there just looking around not to mention the spending part of it. Our last port of call was to visit the ladies at the Visitors Centre stand and then we headed off home from our adventure with our shopping, tired legs and an eagerness to make sure we get to the Field Days next year.

Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 17th Nov

At the Orange Regional Art Gallery there were presentations made by Senator Fiona Nash for the Dole Achievement Awards 2005. Highly Commended and Best Natural and /or Cultural Heritage.
The awards acknowledge the success, commitment and contribution made by the people involved in the program. This was an Orange City Council initiative to establish eco tourism within the region by refurbishing two established reserves within the area which are Lucknow Heritage walk and the Canobolas Earth Sanctuary.
These project's are a credit to the people who work on them and it is pleasing to know that there would be the team work and opportunity of these workers to meet new people and increase their skill level. An outstanding effort also by those who co-ordinate the teams.

Work for the Dole Achievement Awards 17th Nov

At the Orange Regional Art Gallery there were presentations made by Senator Fiona Nash for the Dole Achievement Awards 2005. Highly Commended and Best Natural and /or Cultural Heritage.
The awards acknowledge the success, commitment and contribution made by the people involved in the program. This was an Orange City Council initiative to establish eco tourism within the region by refurbishing two established reserves within the area which are Lucknow Heritage walk and the Canobolas Earth Sanctuary.
These project's are a credit to the people who work on them and it is pleasing to know that there would be the team work and opportunity of these workers to meet new people and increase their skill level. An outstanding effort also by those who co-ordinate the teams.

Celebrating the visit by an Official Delegation from Ushiku 16th October

This was a continuation of the friendships and discussions from the previous evening with the Japanese people showing us some of their customs. My husband Paul, friend Gerald, myself and others learnt a traditional dance about a little creature who stole cucumbers and the story links into an emblem that they have. We saw several ladies in their kimonos and looked at the art they made. The evening was well hosted with interpreters close by but by and far most of the communication came naturally with body language and the use of hands and pictures. My husband and I felt very proud to have had the opportunity to purchase tickets and became a part of this unique experience.

Welcome Official Delegation from Sister City Ushiku 15 October

The afternoon started with the official welcome at the Civic Theatre of the Sister City Delegation. Cr Chris Gryllis spoke too and welcomed everyone then the presentation of certificates and gifts were given out this followed with light refreshments introductory chatter before departing to freshen up before the evening BBQ. My husband Paul and two of our children Kayla and Brad joined us at the Botanical Gardens where we witnessed the unified planting of a Woolamai tree by the Mayor of Orange and Ushiku. This was a unique occasion given that the Woolamai tree is rare itself. Proceedings then moved back up to the venue where stories were exchanged and friendships were made. Bradley my son made each person a “Peace Crane” and then proceeded to tell of his dream to make 1,000 cranes and wish for World Peace (this story to be continued later). This was a very special and relaxing evening.

BMX Activity Day 15th October

On your bike get set...go! The Chairperson of the newly established BMX club Orange, Victoria Dunkley along with other supporters put on a wonderful day of bike riding fun and education. My children Kayla, Bradley, Kirstin and Tristan loved the activities put on throughout the day. They even had the opportunity to race and watch the experts in the field show them how it is done. If you would like to become a member of the BMX club Orange or learn more about the club please contact me and I will pass on the details. The competitive track is located at Anzac park. Orange is extremely fortunate to have two BMX tracks a recreational and a competitive. It will only be a matter of time before Orange will be having competitions and you never know given that BMX riding has now become an Olympic sport we may well have the next Gold Olympic BMX medallist here in Orange. To be continued……watch this space!

Children's Week Celebrations 8-15th October

Children’s week is a nationwide, annual event that provides an opportunity to celebrate the talents, skills and achievements of children. This event aimed to raise community awareness of children’s right to enjoy childhood. This was very much the case at this event with so much to see and do, I wouldn’t mind betting that most of the children there were weary and exhausted by all the activities put on for them to see and do.
Orange City Council Children’s services co-ordinator along with other staff organised this event that was like one big party. I had the opportunity to represent the Mayor and thank the family support services that make it possible for families to be supported with wonderful child care facilities like we have here in Orange. My son Tristan and Husband Paul joined me in thanking these services because as you can imagine with 6 children ourselves we have used these services many a time over the past 17 years. It was a wonderful celebration to enjoy childhood.

Community Chest Fundraiser Launch 13th October

Paul and I had great pleasure attending the launch for the Orange Community Chest down at the Orange Art Gallery. The evening was busy with food and drinks which were enjoyed while looking over the items on display for a silent auction. A welcome was made by Cr Hackett and he thanked the people for coming to this occasion as well as financially supporting the event. The evening was a wonderful success and the monies raised will be used to help families access health services and treatment when travelling away from home.

Isobel Eileen Watts MBE Commemoration 9th October

This was a proud and well deserved commemoration of a lady who was involved in extensive activities within the cultural services in the City of Orange. This lady was the Founder of the Orange Festival of Arts. The evening aloud those present the opportunity to view in hard copy form the many and varied roles and work this lady undertook. After the unveiling of the commemorative plaque we were entertained by a song written and performed by Mrs Watt’s sons. An inspiration to our community.

Going Public Conference 4-6th October Melbourne

Going Public Conference Report (PDF)