ORANGE CITY
NEWSWATCH
LOCAL NEWS DELIVERED WITH — INTEGRITY — WISDOM — BALANCE Saturday 30 May, 2020
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www.orangecitylife.com.au
THUMBS-UP TO OUR “GREAT ESCAPE” Orange residents can give a giant “thumbs-up” to their efforts in combatting the unprecedented threat of the coronavirus. Without ignoring the heartache and loss many of us have suffered during these most trying of times, the people of our district have handled the pandemic with a typical country can-do attitude. With intrastate travel, pubs, clubs, and restaurants, and beauty and nail salon operators, all now allowed to operate again — and as we look at the devastation wrought by the pandemic in countries around the world — it’s been a “great escape” for our beautiful corner of Australia.
Talking POINTS
with BOB HOLLAND
Of course, one talking point for a lot of people this week has been about the first issue of Newswatch. It’s still very early days but the feedback after the first few days was all positive, despite my taking a swipe at our Councilors. Of course, people may be just being kind and giving us a honeymoon period before they say what they really think. Either way, we’re away! I had an unexpected experience at the Medicare office last week. I boldly waltzed in to drop a claim in the claims box because I had no intentions of waiting around to get the usual service. No sooner had I walked in the door when people who were lined up gave me the finger, pointing me to the end of the line which went back to the front door. While this was happening a security guard told me I’d have to line up. I said I only wanted to drop a claim in the claims box but was told that was not allowed under the current rules. It all took me by complete surprise as I rarely go there, but off I went and dropped my claim in the mail. Not an experience I’d want often. There’s a lot of talk about the proposed rate rises in the Council’s budget. They’re sure to anger a lot of people but speaking for myself, I trust our Council to be fair with such matters and am quite sure they have good reason for setting such charges. It’s not an issue for me. I know many will disagree with me but that’s OK, it’s just an opinion.
SEE INSIDE FOR STORIES ABOUT HOW OUR CITY — AND ITS PEOPLE — ARE BOUNCING-BACK FROM ONE OF THE MOST MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN OUR HISTORY
Phil Donato’s call to re-instate the Council elections back into this year is sure to get tongues wagging. I for one, would love to see that and I know of others who feel the same way.