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


Tuesday, February 27, 2007

February 2007: The Australian Women & Leadership Forum- The Leadership Journey

I was invited to be a Guest Speaker at the Australian Women and Leadership Forum just recently and enjoyed the opportunity to speak about “Reflections on a Leadership Journey”. For those that attended they will know that I shared some of my life journey and explained how in life you need to believe in yourself. This was not the case when I was younger and there were many obstacles put in my path.
This Forum proved to be a valuable source of support for all that attended with a dynamic day of self- reflection, sharing and planning for future success and happiness. Some of the key themes from the day were leadership styles, work/life balance, networking and leadership goal setting. This is the second year that I have been at this function and the way in which the organisers and speaker interact with the people at the event was very welcoming.
Now I promised that I would give those that attended a copy ofmy 10 suggestions on how to be a leader that others want to follow, so here they are:
10 Tips To Be A Leader (PDF File)
Also the instructions for planting the Sun-Flower seeds I handed out on the day are:
Sunflower Seeds (PDF File)

Monday, February 26, 2007

Spring Creek Dam Upgrade Opening 26th February

I attended the opening of the Spring Creek Dam Upgrade recently with my two children Kayla and Tristan and plenty of other official people present.
In particular The Hon Ian Macdonald MLC opened the Spring Creek Dam Upgrade which in itself has significantly increased the total holding capacity.

Now for the rain to fill it up!

Friday, February 23, 2007

Visit By Minister For Health 23 February

Well this was really a non event and quite disappointing for those who attended. We waited for two hours and even though the Minister was there behind closed doors he did not take the time to say hello to those who had made the effort to be at OrangeBaseHospital to welcome him.
Its expected that those who are in Government positions and are placed there by election should take the time to speak to those who put them there, the voters!

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Lions Club Youth of the Year Awards 22nd February

A two day event that culminated in an evening of four very talented teenagers speaking about topics that were important to them and answering questions off the cuff. The Lions Club should be congratulated for the initiative of organising this event which recognises our Youth and gives them the opportunity to present in a professional manner which will lead to one young person being selected for the clubs Youth of the Year Award.
I had the role along with two other judges to conduct the interviews and devise questions for these young people. We had the opportunity to meet and greet and hear about each persons interests and ambitions in life. I always feel quite humble in this role as judge because at each of these events I have found the young people are so open and honest and speak with conviction for what they believe in.
The winner for the awards was a young man called Callum who would be very happy to get through this year and finish year 12. Congratulations to all four contestants, it takes quite a talented person to run through this process with such skill.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Council Simulation 21st February

Orange City Council along with a consulting team ran a recent workshop at Orange Function Centre.The planning simulation allowed everyone the opportunity to experience how interesting and complex the process of decision making for Council can be. The conflicting priorities, available resources and competing community expectations all contribute to the process within Council.
The Workshop provided some valuable information and insights for Council and will assist in the way in which it formulates its policies it plans for the future development of Orange and it understands the community "system".
The day's activities included people from the community, council staff and Councillors and this proved a rather innovative way of consulting with staff and members of the community. It was an enjoyable day with everyone adapting to their roles.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Radio Interview at Community Radio 107.5 FM February 20th

Down to the local Community Radio station 107.5 FM for a radio interview with Kevin Mason and his lovely wife June. The interview was a bit of a mix with some talk about a presentation I was doing with Women in Leadership this month and how my life started in England. We spoke about lots of different things but I guess the most important for me was about encouraging others to put their hand up for things that they would like to do when they arise. Many a person I have met has doubted their ability for whatever reasons but when I hear their story I cant understand why they have little confidence in themselves. We have the most amazing people out there who could do the most amazing things if only they believed in themselves.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Food Week 2007 Launch

Beautiful Orange weather the birds singing in the South Court and the smell of fresh food this was the welcome for those at the launch of FOOD week 2007. My eldest daughter and youngest son called down to the event with me to see what is in store for this year. There was quite a crowd at the morning’s event which has been running for the past 16 years. Food week is a 10 day event which is including a family focus this year. The FOOD week program is available on line www.orange-foodweek.com.au
I would recommend a visit!