CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

If you’ve ever thought you could solve some of the nation’s big issues better than the pollies, you’re in luck.

A new proposal to establish a Citizens’ Assembly on Housing Affordability has been put forward by independent federal MPs, inviting everyday people to advise the Government on how to ease the housing crisis.

With the housing crisis in Australia at boiling point, and a lack of political consensus on ways to solve the issue, a Citizens’ Assembly would see 100 Australians from all backgrounds, regions and perspectives put their heads together to develop a shared set of recommendations for the Parliament.

I am in support of this proposal, and I believe that it is a fresh, new approach to tackle a serious national problem.

The cold, hard truth is that governments don’t have all the answers. That will come as no surprise to country Australians. Hearing directly from our communities can make a real, positive difference to policy making.

Housing affordability is a huge issue in rural, regional and remote communities and a Citizens’ Assembly would be a very effective way of putting a spotlight on the serious impacts this is having and also help to find solutions.

I would encourage the Australian Government to embrace the Citizens’ Assembly as a way of working with communities to get better outcomes for Australians, regardless of how far away from capital cities they may live.

Last week hundreds gathered at Orange Airport to farewell a legend

- Max Hazelton AM OBE.

Max was the founder of Hazelton Airlines, which is known today as Regional Express (Rex).

Max was a true trailblazer of regional aviation who leaves a lasting legacy.

He connected the regions to the capital cities, helping to bridge that great city/country divide.

He was also a pioneer of agricultural aviation including night spraying and live exports, plus aerial firefighting.

He was an innovator who always thought outside of the box. The rule book was sometimes an optional extra with Max! He literally ended up helping to re-write it!

He took his last flight in front of the assembled crowd which was a very fitting way to say farewell (fortunately the tower did not get a fly-by although no-one present who knew Max would have been surprised if this had occurred!).

Max was a great Australian who will be greatly missed.

Our sincere condolences to Max’s family, many friends and fellow flyers. He really was a legend of Australian aviation.

Friday June 23

The Greenhouse

Megan Woods Live in the Cocktail Bar 7pm

Saturday June 24

Orange Civic Theatre

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Roadshow 8pm

The Greenhouse

Clancy Pye Live in the Cocktail Bar 7pm

Orange Country Club

Kent Eastwood Live 6pm

Newbridge

Newbridge Winter Solstice 12pm

The Victoria Hotel

Plus One Live from 8pm

Sunday June 25

Kinross Wolaroi School, Derek Pigot

Auditorium

Orange Symphony Orchestra presents

At The Movies 2pm

Odeon 5

Orange Film Society screening of ‘The Innocent’

The Orange Film Society has announced a second screening of the heartwarming documentary, Audrey Napanangka.

The story of a Warlpiri woman, Audrey, and her Sicilian partner Santo as they navigate through colonial systems to keep the children they care for together. Audrey Napanangka was born at a time when the world was changing for the people in the Central Australian Desert. Settler colonisation was permeating the desert and forced changes and the fusion of two worlds shifted Audrey’s life forever. Today, Audrey raises young people to walk in many worlds, by centering culture, language, and Law in their lives alongside mainstream education. The intimate footage filmed over 10 years in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Yuendumu and Audrey’s Warlpiri country Mount Theo, showcases a heartwarming story about the power of kinship and family in what is known as Australia.

Note, this is a demand screening and the event will only be confirmed when enough tickets are reserved.

When confirmed, the exclusive encore screening will be held at Odeon 5 Cinemas on Monday, July 17 at 6.30pm. Book your ticket at tickets.demand.film/event/12376

This coming week the Orange Film Society is hosting two screenings of the award-winning French comedy, The Innocent at Odeon 5 for our local cinephiles.

Familial tensions, criminal hijinks and unexpected romance collide in the uproariously entertaining new comedy from the multi-talented Louis Garrel (A Faithful Man), about the misguided attempts of a dedicated son who, in trying to protect his mother, finds himself embroiled in an elaborate heist.

Joyfully paying homage to the great crime capers of the French New Wave, and partly inspired by events from his own life, Garrel’s witty and beautifully constructed film is a delirious mix of comedy, romance, suspense and action, with several twists too good to spoil.

See The Innocent at the Odeon 5 on Sunday, 25 June (evening screening check local listings) and Wednesday, 28 June (morning screening - check local listings)

Tickets are on sale from the box office - normal pricing applies. Members and non-members are welcome.