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, April 12, 2007

Communicating with Marginalised Young People: Bad Kids or Hurt Kids? - 12 - 13th April 2007

Marginalised Young People- 2 day workshop:

This education workshop was held at the Environmental Learning Centre- Orange Showground and was a valuable workshop on working with and communication for marginalised young people. The educators name was Phil Nunn a Psychologist from P&P Training and Consultancy Seaforth NSW. There were approximately 20 people in attendance from different country areas and disciplines.

The two day workshop included topics such as understanding adolescent mental health which incorporated information such as anxiety, depression, self harm, suicide. We undertook scenarios and case studies with regards to youth at risk.

Day two concentrated on psychosis/ schizophrenia, substance use and abuse in young people. We were also privy to counselling techniques which gave helpful approaches. Again more case studies and scenarios were held allowing us to brainstorm and consider different approaches and techniques. There was reference also made to the importance workers self care and managing professional burnout.

Although I have already undertaken study in the mental health area I found this work shop to be valuable for reiterating my knowledge and to bring me up to date with new models in which to use. The “Motivational Interviewing” technique is one of these where the focus is on asking people what they like about the untoward behaviour they are undertaking (eg the use of drugs: ice). Further questioning is continued as a form of conversation asking about the other side, balance on scales of the both, introduction of ideas as to why it could be a problem, what the advantages of giving up would be as a final quest and then goal setting.

We were given a resource folder along with contact details for Phil should we have further questions. I found the work shop to be beneficial for my role as a Councillor especially as working with Youth is an area that I have a particular interest in.

Cr Fiona Rossiter

Posted by Fiona at 3:43 PM

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