HISTORY shows the chances of becoming the mayor of Orange are remote if your first name is anything other than John.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On the day where residents and historians begin celebrating and in some cases commiserating 150 years of grassroots local government, a review of the most common mayoral names has struck a blow to the political ambitions of future city leaders.
There has been 55 different mayors or chairmen since Orange was proclaimed a municipality to much fanfare on January 9, 1860.
All were men.
Of those 55, eight were named John and four were named James.
Reginald, Ronald, George and William have also been popular first names for city leaders.
The eighth John to wear the mayoral chains, Cr John Davis, said few cities in NSW can celebrate 150 years of local government.
“It’s a great chance to revisit a remarkable 150 years here in Orange, there’s no risk we’ll never see it again so we want to celebrate in style,” he said.
“There’s been ups and downs in that time, there has been everything. We’re going to remember the lot, good and bad.”
The first meeting of the original council was held at Orange’s old courthouse and was presided over by John Peisley.
From 1887 to 1975, meetings were held at the Town Hall on the corner of Anson and Byng streets.
Orange City Council will hold several of its 2010 meetings at both buildings to honour the role they played in the development of Orange from a small town into a thriving regional city.
“It’s my job to put the birthday party together and I’m very excited about those meetings in particular,” said Cr Chris Gryllis.
“I’ve been in Orange about a third of the time of the 150 years and I’ve seen many changes but I still believe those of us who live here are blessed.
“Any council is only as good as the people it serves.”
The Orange and District Historical Society has also jumped at the opportunity to celebrate the milestone.
Once a month for the next year, the Central Western Daily will feature the results of an extensive research project being prepared by members of the historical society.
Featured areas of interest will include the development of the city’s thriving tourism industry, cultural identity and entertainment and sporting facilities.
“This is a good opportunity for the society to promote itself and the work it does,” member and local historian Liz Edwards said.
“We want to make the most of it.”
A celebratory calendar with historical photographs will also be printed and delivered free to every home in the city in conjunction with Orange City Council and Taste Orange.
bevan.shields@ruralpress.com
