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, August 14, 2009

Rotary Club of Orange North Presentation

The Rotary Club of Orange North is a group for men who involve themselves in many fundraising activities for our community. They form one of a group of Rotary Club affiliations operating in Orange. Among their achievements is their involvement in: the building of the hospital helipad, Rotary Park, the Careflight hanger foundations, park picnic shelters, an aged care emergency call system (Herald Award for this), fencing to assist lake Cargelligo farmers, tree planting, roadside clean-up and house painting (“Paint Your Heart Out”).

On the 13th of August, I was invited to speak to this group about my involvement as a participant in the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLF). This inspiring program is undertaken part-time for 16 months and aims to give focus and direction to those with an active commitment to their communities and is such an eye opener. It exists to create a network of leaders with compassion and commitment, with strategic thinking and negotiating skills, and with the insight to influence communities, industries, businesses and policy makers. There are now over 500 graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Program who are committed to the strengthening of rural Australia through their industry, community, and family leadership roles.

The graduates' network is a growing national resource, yet the program could not operate without the sponsorships of many community groups and organisations. In my own case it was the sponsorship of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government that made it all possible. Many thanks for their faith in me.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Rotary Expo 2009

Rotary Orange will host a timely “Smart Choices for Living” Exposition on the 18th, 19th and 20th September. The aim of this expo is to help us all live more sustainably by providing an opportunity for the community, industry and government to showcase practical ideas on what people can do to live in a more environmentally neutral manner.

This is a fabulous opportunity to view new ideas for energy efficient building, renewable energy, efficient water use and recycling. There is such a growing range of energy efficient household equipment, waste minimisation ideas and recycling opportunities that it is time for us all to be informed and involved.

There is even the opportunity for seminars to be run by local businesses to showcase and explain their great products. Let’s seize the day!