At the August 5 Council meeting discussions included support for the DV Safe Phone initiative, advancing menstrual equity in Orange and a push to grow rail tourism.
Here are some key decisions.
DV safe phones
Council has supported a motion to explore ways it can support the DV Safe Phone initiative, which provides mobile phones to people impacted by domestic violence. As part of this, Council will look at setting up donation collection points at Council sites such as the Civic Centre and Library. Community members will be able to drop off old mobile phones, which are then repaired and distributed to survivors of domestic violence. Council will also donate its own decommissioned or replaced phones, and both staff and community members will be encouraged to get involved.
Push to grow rail tourism
Council has passed a motion to promote rail tourism to Orange, working with key partners including Orange360, Transport for NSW and private rail operators.
As part of this initiative, Council will engage with rail tour operators to encourage off-train experiences for visitors during overnight stays in Orange. The motion also aims to support future event-based travel, particularly once the new Conservatorium is complete, creating more reasons for people to visit Orange by train.
Advancing menstrual equity
Council has supported a new reusable period product rebate trial, aiming to reduce single-use waste and support residents making the switch to reusable period products. The trial offers 50% reimbursement on eligible reusable period products, up to $100 per household, until the $5,000 funding cap is reached. This initiative is designed to reduce both environmental waste and the financial burden on those who want to use reusable period products. Data gathered during the trial will help assess community uptake and environmental impact. Council staff are now exploring ways to implement the trial.
Free speech in local government
The Office of Local Government has released a new guide to help Councillors and Councils understand free speech in local government.
It covers what Councillors can and can't say in public, at meetings, and on social media and how to make sure rules don't unfairly limit free speech. It also explains the legal protections Councillors have when speaking out. You can read the guideline here.
Kinross lease of Spring Creek Dam
Kinross Wolaroi School has used Spring Creek Dam for its rowing program for nearly 21 years, with Council permission. The school has built a boathouse and wharf on site and maintained access using Council's road. Council recently placed the proposal for a new 21-year lease on public exhibition for 28 days. No community submissions were received. Council will now enter into a new 21-year lease from November 2025.
Event underwriting
Council has adopted The Strategic Policy - ST23 – Event Underwriting Fund Policy to help attract new and growing events to Orange. Instead of giving out grants, Council will offer financial backing by covering losses if an event doesn't meet its revenue goals. This means if the event is successful, no Council money is needed. To qualify, events must attract over 5,000 people (for one-off events) or 2,000 (for recurring events), event holders must show a business and marketing plan and the economic impact of the event to the Orange region must be a minimum of $500,000. Council will underwrite up to $20,000 per event and has budgeted $50,000 for the policy in 2025-26.
