When I moved to Orange two and a half years ago, I was surprised to find a prevailing ‘half glass empty’ attitude from many people here.

I know there is a natural human tendency to think the grass is greener elsewhere, but I really was shocked that so many people don’t seem to appreciate what they have right here on their doorstep.

I’ve heard people repeatedly complain that shopping is no good in Orange and that Bathurst and Dubbo have much more to offer — something people I know in Dubbo find amusing to hear. And after spending a decade living in a small outback town where the nearest place to buy a pair of shoes or a new shirt for work was four hours away and takeaway food delivery was unknown I have little time for this complaint.

People lament the number of empty shopfronts in the main street and sure, that is a problem, but not one unique to Orange. High Streets the world over have seen long-standing businesses collapse as changing buyer habits flip the retail industry on its head. But in my time working here at OC Life, I have also spoken with numerous businesses that have adapted and are growing and thriving despite this and even during the past years of drought. It is a transition period and things in the future will look different, but I don’t see the changing High Street in the same ‘doom and gloom’ sense that others seem to.

“There’s nothing to do here,” people complain, which again I find ridiculous as a newcomer looking around a city with a large theatre, cinema complex, great pubs and restaurants, beautiful parks and playgrounds, and neighbouring villages and towns a short drive away.

Another opinion that perplexes me, is that of people who think Orange desperately needs a ‘tourist attraction’ of some sort all the while dismissing anything food and wine related. It may not be a theme park, but Orange’s vineyards, cafes and restaurants are certainly a major drawcard for the city. It brought me as a tourist to Orange well before living here and having worked at a local cellar door, I’ve seen the thousands of people who travel Orange due to its reputation as a wine region.

Sure, growing the local tourism industry (post pandemic) would be great for the city, and well worth planning for. But in the past two years alone, we have seen the opening of the Byng Street Hotel, the Quest Apartments as well as the approval for a new 100-room hotel in Summer Street — that certainly doesn’t sound like a town that is struggling to attract visitors.

“But Orange is stagnating” I hear people say — well. I just don’t see it. My wife and I chose to relocate our family to Orange as we saw a beautiful, vibrant growing regional city, with great schools and great facilities — and that opinion hasn’t changed since moving here.

And judging by the ever-expanding housing estates, limited rental availability and rising house prizes we are not the only ones who think Orange has something going for it.