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, November 30, 2006

November 2006: Wagga Wagga Radio-Therapy Unit

A plane trip to Wagga Wagga organised by Member of Parliament Russel Turner (Nationals) allowed some of the members from the newly alligned Radio-Therapy Group Orange, the opportunity to visit the community built Radio Therapy Unit in Wagga Wagga.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Climate Institute Lunch 28th Nov

Orange City Council provided a lunch hosted by The Climate Institute. The Climate Institute has been carrying out publicity campaigns in regional areas to persuade Australians of the dangers of climate change and the need for urgent action. The Climate Institute aims to raise public awareness and debate about the dangers to Australia of global warming and motivate communities to take positive action.
There was a gentleman who spoke about how he has changed his farming practices to adapt to the impacts of human-induced climate change; policy, institutional and fiscal challenges to being a part of the solution.
A representative from The Climate Institute spoke about how the agricultural community can be a profitable part of Australia's solution in climate change. To finish a Dr gave an overview of the climate science for the region and a sneak peak at the latest unpublished CSIRO climate impacts modelling for Australia. I recommend a visit to their web-site www.climateinstitute.org.au to learn more.
There was one clear message that was coming out from yesterday and today's climate change forums. Along with the same message Al Gore gave out in his documentary called "An Inconvenient Truth" and that is that every one of us can make significant changes to help rectify the problems that have been increasing.
In the Frequently asked Questions section on my web-site you will see reference made to "ten things to do" and an additional web-site; these were collected of a brochure after watching Al Gore's documentary. "Let's get active and make these changes it's our children's future!";

Monday, November 27, 2006

Climate Change Local Government 27th Nov

This Climate Change Summit presented a unique opportunity for Councillors, Council Staff and environmental managers a chance to determine how they can adapt to and mitigate against the impacts of climate change in their Local Government Area. There was plenty to think about and many resources available.
I was unaware of the Forest Carbon Sinks so found the conference beneficial in learning about this initiative. Also continual emphasis was made on reinforcing that we, as Councillors, can be active and influential in the change needed to prevent future world catastrophes as identified by this conference. Copies of the presentations which were discussed are available on the Australian Local Government Website.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Taking Flight Exhibition at Orange Art Gallery 24th Nov

Taking Flight was a major art exhibition of school art for Year 6, Year 11 and HSC students held at the Orange Regional Gallery. The opening was made by a Graphic Designer and winner of the Year 11 FORG Award 1997. The art work on display was truly amazing and left no doubt in my mind that we have some budding artists in Country NSW.
There was a mixture of medium used by the students and the imagination that these young people have was well worth the visit to the art gallery. Congratulations to those students who received prizes and awards and of course to all the students who had artwork on display, thankyou for providing a truly interesting art display.

Orange African Cultural Group 24th Nov

I was invited to attend this meeting by Orange City Council's Multi-Cultural Migrant Officer Anni and met lovely people who were very friendly. Conversation was easy even though there were language differences. The meeting proceeded well and it was interesting listening to the topics of conversation.
Then the surprise came we were to sing and sing we did. We sang the song “Down to the river to pray”. Cecelia was our teacher along with her husband who played the drums to help us with the rhythm and beat. Now you have to understand I am not a great singer but with a group of people it sounded pretty good. There was an event where we were to sing this song it is the World Aid’s Day and you will learn more about this next month.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Ronald McDonald McHappy Day 18th Nov

This was a wonderful day and the second year that I have been involved. It was a great way to help raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. I met some lovely young people who were only too willing to help point me in the right direction when serving.
At the Orange store it was quite busy and there was plenty of opportunity to talk with customers. Of course a huge thankyou to those people who supported the day by making purchases of food and arm bands and the wonderful staff who accommodated our presence in the store.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Volunteers Morning Tea

The event was held to celebrate International Volunteers Day and recognise those volunteers who help support our community by giving their time so generously. In the Southern Court near the Library Orange City Council thanked volunteers. Volunteers had the opportunity to meet other like minded people whilst being catered for with morning tea.
I found it a wonderful opportunity to meet these people and give thanks personally for their strong committment and support. I didnt realise just how many people do volunteer work in our community. A huge thankyou to each and every one of them.

Monday, November 6, 2006

Central West Community College 6th November

My son Tristan and I had much pleasure in attending the official opening of the Central West Community College Orange. The MP Gary Hardgrave the Minister for Vocational and Technical Education opened the purpose built office complex and state of the art training facility at William Street. We enjoyed a guided tour through this facility with a detailed explanation on the capacity of each learning area. Congratulations on a well designed facility.

Saturday, November 4, 2006

Regional Achievement & Community Awards 4th November

A celebration of the outstanding achievements of individuals and community groups in regional and rural NSW and the ACT, these awards showcased business enterprises, events and tourism, regional service, environment and land care, and the community of the year. It is with much regret that I could not attend this function and receive the certificate of achievement for the annual Christmas Street Party held in Summer Street Orange. The staff at Orange City Council put a tremendous amount of work into this event and this year will see the 10th anniversary for the Christmas Street Party.