NSW Premier Chris Minns and the entire state cabinet were in Orange on Friday, May 17, for 

Community Cabinet meeting, hearing concerns and taking questions from local residents and business owners.

On Friday morning, the Premier joined Member for Orange, Phil Donato, for a tour of Charles Sturt University medicine and dental schools before heading to the Orange Ex-Services’ Club, where the Community Cabinet was held.

Locals got the chance to engage one-on-one with the Premier and Cabinet Ministers in a “Meet the Ministers” session before the Cabinet fronted the community at a public ‘Q&A’ forum.

The auditorium at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club was overflowing with individuals from right across the region, each eager to ask their questions of the relevant government Minister. 

Residents from the Cadia region voiced their concerns about Cadia Mine and its impact on the community. Other issues raised at the community cabinet included bail laws, domestic violence, housing affordability, plans for improving the Great Western Highway, heavy vehicle rest areas, tackling infant mortality in regional areas and NDIS support.

While in Orange, Premier Minns announced a $35 million funding package for regional NSW. The $35 million package includes: $15 million to improve rural and remote airstrips; $10 million to establish, expand or upgrade Western NSW childcare; $5 million to empower Aboriginal businesses; and $5 million to provide low-interest loans to eligible small and medium businesses to encourage economic growth and employment in regional NSW.