A little bit of history was made today at 11am when Cr Chris Gryllis and Manager Central West Libraries Jan Richards officially launched the 150 years of Local Government Wiki. It's now live and awaiting your input:
http://150wiki.orange.nsw.gov.au.

A Wiki is like an on-line encyclopaedia with content created by the users. Ours has been established to record stories about the people, places, events and services that have contributed to 150 years of local government in Orange. Cr Gryllis said it is a first for local government in NSW and will benefit future generations and encouraged everyone to participate. We'd love to hear stories you have about the people, places, services and events that have made up the history of 150 years of Local Government in Orange. Wherever possible we prefer references to the source of your information and photographs are always welcome. You can contribute by sending an email to [email protected] or by contacting the Library on 6393 8120.

Orange celebrated 150 years of service to the community last night with a special council meeting held at the historic town hall. The meeting marked 150 years – to the day – the formation of the Municipal Council of Orange. Orange and District Historical Society's Elizabeth Griffin gave an informative presentation with anecdotes (including that some meetings were later held at the Carrington Hotel). The press of the day reported “the councillors re-entered the court house with John Peisley Esq as their first chairman who was received with reiterated plaudits of the assembly. A general explanation of peace making followed and the party adjourned to Mr Councillor Hanrahan's Wellington Inn where mutual expressions and happy toast followed in rapid succession during a merry hour.” The Central Western Daily is publishing a feature each month tracing the city's development. To read about our first council check out the article:
http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/a-municipality-is-born/1754383.aspx

On February 18, 1860, a group of residents gathered for the first meeting of the Orange Municipal Council. The meeting was held in the then Court House and was presided over by the Chairman, John Peisley with Councillors John Woodward, George McKay, William Dale, Dennis Hanrahan and William Tucker Evans in attendance. Crown Solicitor, George Colquhoun was appointed Council Clerk and James Dalton and Patrick Kenna were appointed auditors. A 2010 calendar marking 150 years of local government in Orange will be distributed to residents and is also available at the Library, Civic Centre, Visitor Information Centre and Neighbourhood Centre in Kite Street.
Orange City Councillor Chris Gryllis said the calendar featured historic photos charting the development of the city, historic dates over the last 150 years, key dates for 2010 and council contact numbers. Council is also developing a Wiki to commemorate the 150 years of local government. The Wiki will mirror the calendar design. If anyone can identify people or has information about the photos in the calendar, they can contact Chris Stanger on 6393 8120 with the details. Each month the Central Western Daily newspaper will highlight a theme from the calendar and today's aritlce on page 11 described our Tourism history and was prepared by members of the Orange and District Historical Society. Pictured above is Chairman of the original Orange Municipal Council John Peisley (yes the street is named in his honour).