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, May 9, 2008

Thanksgiving Ecumenical Church Service

The National Day of Thanksgiving was declared by the Governor-General, Sir Michael Jeffrey in 2004, as a day to thank God for our nation and to thank the people of our nation who serve us in so many ways. This year particularly focuses on mothers and carers across our community.
Cr Ryan and myself were invited to speak on Councils behalf as representatives of the many people who care for the sick, disabled and disadvantaged individuals and families in our community, and the organisations which provide those services.
I was thrilled to be invited and felt this is one of those times where I can speak from the heart and share with people my true feelings. As a representative for Council I recognised the value and capability of the volunteer. I noted how we attempt in a range of programs to tailor the needs of the community to the skills and experience of the volunteer. It is fair to say that in all cases volunteers provide and do the things that cannot be done because of the lack of resources.
Council understands that volunteers need to be recognised and that their "pay cheque" is not money but doses of satisfaction. So it is important that volunteer jobs meet expectations and provide the level of satisfaction the volunteer wants.
Some of the programs where volunteers provide an essential component of the service to the community are:
Ageing and Disability-Telecare, Friendly Visitors Scheme, Errand Assist program, Activity Groups, Community Visitors Scheme, Meals on Wheels, Frozen Meal Service, Shopping Service, Community Restaurant.
Orange City Library- Volunteers at Orange City Library helping with the delivery of books to household residents, helping at story time and school activities, collection maintenance, providing assistance in researching family history.
Children's Services- Parents volunteering to help with working bees and fundraising activities, they also have volunteers who help with work experience placements.
Community Development- Merge Holiday Activity program, Better Pathways program, Rock-Up, Mentoring programs with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Activities.
Orange Civic Theatre- Theatre ushers
Orange Art Gallery- Gallery Guides
City Presentation- Friends of the Botanic Gardens and Community Tree planting.
That is quite a lot of work there from our hard working volunteers
Thank you for all that you do!

Posted by Fiona at 11:07 PM

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