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


Thursday, August 28, 2008

Calare/ Amerdown Community Meeting


It was a cold wet night but worth taking a visit to Duntry league Golf Club. Why?, well it was the opportunity for the people in the community to meet with Councillors and Council staff to speak about their needs and changes they would like to see made in the area of Clare and Amerdown.

There were about 40 people in attendance with plenty of information to share. I chaired the meeting this evening and explained what had been brought up previously to Council and what had been done.

There was plenty of discussion about the new sewerage cost for checking mains. The need to have a bus shed for children. A turning point near the ABC playgroup centre. The two Ploughmans lane sections of road not connecting up to the South requested by residents. A community group which has been dysfunctional for two years and much more. While it is pleasing to hear the interest and ideas of community people it can also be frustrating to know that there is not an endless bucket of wealth to remedy every thing.

There was some discussion about the water grid program for Orange with the opportunity to talk to the public not so much about raising the dam wall but the priority just now is to fill the 70% empty dam for the future. We will have by May next year the water harvesting scheme set up so this will have an automatic feed into Suma Park Dam with rain water run off. There will be filter systems in place and the extra capacity to hold further water in the water harvest catchment area once the dam is filled. Therefore giving not only the Suma Park Dam holding capacity but the Storm Water retention area as well.

The Directors present were informative with their answers and yes on occasions we did have to note items. There was plenty of discussion and lively debate with the opportunity after question time to mix with the public.

The Community Forums I have always enjoyed and make a point of getting to as many as possible. It is our way as Councillors to truly connect with the community in their space and gain a better understanding of their needs.

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