Finance Policy Committee - 2 Jun 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council backs community donations and event sponsorships
  Council approved a batch of small grants plus sponsorship for two events, supporting local culture, sport and community activities.
  Public money is being directed to visible local programs and events that residents are likely to notice.
• Council ends external audit of child care and caravan park statements
  Council will stop preparing and externally auditing special purpose financial statements for child care and caravan park activities from 2025/26.
  This changes the way council reports on two service areas and may reduce costs while lowering the level of external scrutiny.
• Small donations approved to local organisations
  Council approved multiple donations, including $500 to City of Orange Eisteddfod Society Inc, $2,500 to Orange Triathlon, $2,500 to Orange Regional Malayalee Association, $2,500 to Charles Sturt University, and $280 to The Rotary Club of Orange North. A proposed $2,500 donation to the Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association lapsed due to no mover/seconder; one item was withdrawn.
  Supports community events, cultural activities, education, and local volunteering, with some public funds redirected to local groups.

Decisions

• Apologies and leave of absence accepted
  Council accepted the apology from Cr J Whitton and granted leave of absence from the committee meeting.
  No direct service impact, but confirms committee attendance and participation.
• Small donations approved to local organisations
  Council approved multiple donations, including $500 to City of Orange Eisteddfod Society Inc, $2,500 to Orange Triathlon, $2,500 to Orange Regional Malayalee Association, $2,500 to Charles Sturt University, and $280 to The Rotary Club of Orange North. A proposed $2,500 donation to the Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association lapsed due to no mover/seconder; one item was withdrawn.
  Supports community events, cultural activities, education, and local volunteering, with some public funds redirected to local groups.
• Event sponsorship funding approved
  Council agreed to fund The Santa Arrival Parade up to $5,000 and The Gig, a Heavy Music event, up to $10,000 including any in-kind contributions.
  Provides financial support for community and cultural events likely to be visible to residents and local visitors.
• External audit of special purpose financial statements ceased for two activities
  Council resolved to stop preparing and externally auditing Special Purpose Financial Statements for Child Care and Caravan Park activities from the 2025/2026 financial year onwards.
  Changes financial reporting requirements for council-managed child care and caravan park operations, with possible budget and administration implications.

Discussion

• Community donation round
  The committee handled a series of small grants and donations for local events, cultural celebrations, youth sport, brain-health awareness, and school science activity support.
  Residents may see these funds translate into more community events and participation opportunities.
• Events sponsorship budget use
  Two event sponsorship allocations were approved, with a question raised about whether this was the final small donations round for the financial year and confirmation that funding would come from remaining Events Sponsorship budget if needed.
  Affects how discretionary community funding is allocated for the rest of the year.
• Financial reporting change for child care and caravan park activities
  Council decided to discontinue external audit preparation for special purpose financial statements for these activities from 2025/26 onward.
  Could reduce reporting costs and administrative workload, but also changes public financial transparency for those services.

Impacts

• Local organisations and event organisers received or may receive council funding support.
• Residents may see more funded community events, sport activities, and cultural celebrations.
• Council’s reporting and audit approach changes for child care and caravan park operations from 2025/26 onward.

Places

• Orange (city)
  Main area affected by council donations, sponsored events, and financial reporting decisions.
• Gosling Creek Reserve (reserve)
  Venue for the Orange Triathlon Club’s juniors triathlete weekend.
• Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Byng Street (facility)
  Meeting location in Orange.

Next

• Implement approved community donations and sponsorship funding
  Following the 2 June 2026 resolutions
• Deliver funded community events and programs
  During late 2026 and associated event dates
• Apply the new reporting approach for child care and caravan park special purpose financial statements
  From the 2025/2026 financial year onwards

Extract

MINUTES OF THE FINANCE POLICY COMMITTEE HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 2 JUNE 2026 COMMENCING AT 6.33PM 1 INTRODUCTION ATTENDANCE Cr S Peterson (Chairperson), Cr T Mileto (Mayor), Cr T Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr G Judge, Cr F Kinghorne, Cr D Mallard, Cr M McDonell, Cr G Power, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Stedman Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate & Commercial Services, Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Infrastructure, Manager Corporate Governance, Acting Manager Communications & Engagement (Townsend), Governance Officer (Allan) 1.1 APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE RESOLVED - 26/262 Cr F Kingh...