Teamwork, putting the community first and ensuring staff have the resources to deliver for Orange will be a focus for incoming Mayor Jason Hamling.
Cr Hamling was declared as the incoming Mayor yesterday.
Cr Hamling, a lifelong resident of the city, was first elected to Orange City Council in 2004.
"I feel incredibly honoured but also nervous. I do not underestimate what a big deal this is and I take the responsibility of the role very seriously. The Orange community is my home and to have a role in how it develops into the future is very exciting," Mayor Hamling said.
"It's a bit of cliché but if we as a team of councillors and staff are working as one to put the community first we will get most things right. There will be times when we don't agree but if we do it respectfully and with the community front of mind Orange will be a better and more prosperous community for it," Mayor Hamling said.
Mayor Hamling said public office was about leaving a community in a better place than when you started.
"There will be times when we make some missteps. We won't be perfect all the time, but we will be committed."
Mayor Hamling said support for families and young people would be a significant part of his mayoral term.
"But there is much more. I look at the opportunities for the health precinct in south Orange and what that might be able to deliver in terms of better outcomes and services for mental health. I want to finish the job started with the sports precinct. The Mountain Bike Park on Mount Canobolas could be a world-class facility but I know we have to do some more work with those who are worried about its impact," Mayor Hamling said.
"I also know we need to focus on our core business with things like roads, waste and water and to ensure the staff have the necessary resources to meet the needs and aspirations of the community."
Mayor Hamling also thanked those mayors and councillors that preceded the new council.
"Orange is not a great city by accident and the role of former councillors and mayors in that growth should not be forgotten. I look forward to working with the new council to keep that
vision alive. I would also like to thank those candidates that stood for election. It is the bedrock of what we do in local government and it is one of the key opportunities the community has to shape our future and we need to respect that."