Councillor Role

In 2008 Fiona ran for re-election on her own ticket- Team H. She was successful in being re-elected and only 100 votes short of her second candidate Gerald Power being elected also. If she had of been successful with the second candidate Orange Council would have had its first Aboriginal Councillor.

Items of particular interest to Fiona at this time would be the water issue in Orange. She has been active in working towards a way for future water sustainability. Evidence of the work done to date can be viewed on the Council web site- Water Project

Fiona also enjoys the role she plays in the numerous areas relating to the major portfolio in which she holds- Community Services. Given her background as a Registered Nurse, previous Councillor, Justice of the Peace, involvement in local community projects and various fundraising activities Fiona believes she is well suited to this role. In particular she is approachable, empathic, professional, understanding and seeks out the various needs of her community. Projects Fiona has been involved in through Council are:

* Water strategy for the future 2050
* Storm Water Harvesting scheme
* Planning and development of the New PCYC centre in Orange
* Spring Street Bridge
* Children's Memorial Garden
* Expansion of the Skate park
* Advocate for Icely and Ophir road users linking to Northern Distributor
* Youth Conference Orange
* Australian Rural Leadership Course- Vision Task needs assessment for families.
* Crime Prevention CCTV cameras
* Christmas Festival
* Chamber of Commerce representative for Council
* Disability services
* Mount Canobolas as a Tourist area
* Dragon Boats Orange

In 2004 Fiona was first elected as a Councillor with Orange City Council. After a busy time with election and campaigning against 77 other possible candidates. Fiona became the third female Councillor at Orange. Fiona is an extremely active Council member and some of the projects that she has driven or been involved in are:

  • Designing and building two BMX Tracks in Orange after establishing a partnership with organisations to provide funding in support (competitive and recreational)
  • Lobbying and building a recreational play area for children at Glenroi
  • Working with the community and other Councillors to have an Aboriginal Flag flown at the Council Chambers
  • Working with a committee and Youth to establish "Not just another CafĂ©" (NJAC)
  • Set up a Pilot Project with Police, Public School and Council to provide bikes and helmets so that bike riding could become part of the sport curriculum at no cost to students.
  • Lobbied for changes in phone directory, reduced speed on distributor road, better meeting times, shared space, and much more.
  • Been an active member in the Community Plan 2020 for Orange
  • Amongst many other things... Visit this site monthly to stay updated on what Fiona has been involved in with Council.

Fiona's objectives on council

Council Objectives (PDF File)

Orange Councillor and Candidate 2008 Election
Please find in this document the completed profile with full policy information and many other extras added in.

You Tube- Orange Electorate Fiona Rossiter Team H

Visit this new website Australian Family Matters


Friday, June 2, 2006

Civic Forum - Philippine Consulate General and the raising of the National Flag

In June 2006 we had the pleasure of meeting with the Consul General Maria Theresa Lazaro and Vice Consul Ferdinand Philip Victoria. Our Orange Community was very pleased that they had the enthusiasm to visit Orange and meet members of our community here. My daughter joined me in watching the raising of the Australian Flag whilst singing the Australian National Anthem which was then followed by the raising of the Philippine Flag and singing the Philippine National Anthem.
t was a great opportunity for us all to strengthen relationships between Philippine Consult General and our community. We had quite a large Philippine community representation and there was the opportunity for residents to discuss dual citizenship, absentee voting, Political and Economic developments and general issues. My daughter and I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing about how much they enjoy their new life in Orange.

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Free Speech Central West- Discussion on a Bill of Rights

Australia is the only western democracy without a Bill of Rights or constitutional recognition of the right to free speech was the message given at a recent Free Speech meeting for the Central West that I attended. There was discussion about recent changes to security laws, workplace relations legislation and immigration laws that impact on asylum seekers and many believe that our civil liberties and human rights are at grave risk. Others trust in our democratic processes and say there is no cause for concern. Many more have perhaps not made up their mind or are not engaged