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, October 23, 2007

Children's Week Celebrations


Children's Week Celebration, a special celebration of children is a nationwide annual event that provides an opportunity to celebrate the talents, skills and achievements of children. These events also aim at raising the community awareness of children's right to enjoy childhood.

I understand that Orange City Council celebrated this fun day at the Glenroi Community Centre on Tuesday 23rd October. Unfortunately I did not get the chance to attend as I was at Coffs Harbour with the Local Government Associate Annual meeting, more on this in my next post.

I visited the Children's week celebration with Council last year and brought along my son Tristan. There was certainly plenty of activity and fun with jumping castles, bubble blowing, dancing and sand play. If you were hungry there were no shortage of sausage sizzle and cakes.

Every day should be a celebration of life and even more so when you are young and looking at grown ups to set the scene. For this week I will celebrate children's week with my children reading stories, playing in the garden and having those special moments with a hug.

The future of our children is up to us!

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Orange Business Awards- Orange Chamber of Commerce


The baby sitter was organised, food prepared, everyone was happy, time to leave home. My husband Paul and I called up to Orange Ex-services club to visit the Orange Business Awards. We have never been to one of these before. This year we made a big effort to support the event seeing as I am Orange City Council's Council representative in the executive committee.

The entry to the event was just lovely looking very colourful and of course the fashion in peoples dress is always nice to look at.

Congratulations to the organisers both at the Orange Ex-services club and Orange Chamber of Commerce. We had a superb meal, enjoyed seeing the awards being presented, the entertainment of singers and dancers and always enjoy the opportunity of meeting new people.

We are fortunate to have a great variety of businesses in Orange and through our own experience the personalised service that you receive from the owners and staff. The evening was a great way to show case those and recognise the people who have been nominated.

Well done!

Local Government Association Conference 2007

The Local Government Association (LGA) was held at Coffs Harbour this year and myself and several other Orange Councillors attended. Orange City Council had one motion put forward which was to support regional and rural people who need to travel great distances for medical attention. The request was to ask the Health Minister for some type of re-imbursement or a perforated card placed in the Isolated Patient Transport and Accomodation Scheme claim form.
Conference Opening of Business Session started with a presentation from the Hon Paul Lynch MP, Minister for Local Government. The remainder of the day concentrated on further presentations from various Ministers and Dr Graeme Pearman. Prior to lunch we adopted the standing orders received a presentation of the treasurers report, then commenced consideration of the motions.
The following two days continued with consideration of motions and several presentations. The LGA was very informative and of course allows you the opportunity of meeting with and networking other Councillors and staff members.
Orange City Council had a motion put forward to the Government asking for help with or some type of reimbursement of parking fees for patients that travel outside of country areas for medical help. The motion was voted on unanimously and we are now awaiting a reply and hopefully support from the Government and Health Minister.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Official welcome Sister City Timaru

Our recent visitors to Orange came from our Sister City Timaru. It was a pleasure to meet the visitors with fellow Councillors Gryllis and Davis. We heard about some recent projects they were undertaking and how they found Orange at this time. They were impressed with the friendliness of the community and said that they enjoy the colour and atmosphere of the city.
Always a pleasure to welcome new people to our beautiful city.

Orange Theatre Company- CATS

After receiving an invitation for Andrew Lloyd Webbers smash hit musical CATS a friend and I attended the production. We were entertained with a cast of people who performed an outstanding musical. This production of CATS showcased the talent of 30 local singers and dancers who dedicated themselves to this production for just over six months of rehearsal to bring this show to the boards of the Civic Theatre.
In addition they teamed up with the Orange Regional Music Conservatorium under the baton of Director Graham Sattler.
This was a truly memorable evening which had us glued to our seats. The production was vibrant, fun, colourful and very entertaining. It was a true credit to all the actors and musicians involved and just goes to show that the Orange talent can certainly compare with the greatest.
A brilliant night of entertainment!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Open Day at the O'Brien Centre Orange

This has to be one of those rare times that I was unable to attend an event. I was looking forward to the opportunity to speak with the people out there and of course Glenn Smith from the Black Dog institute. Some of our Youth here in Orange have been very supportive of this organisation and initiating events themselves.
Living with a mental illness and having support in place is essential. It can be a lonely journey otherwise and it is a time when people need to work together. I congratulate the people from the O'Brien Centre who run support groups for people, carers and friend's of those people.
In my nursing role I understand the importance of working together and supporting those in need of help.
Visit http://www.mwcag.org.au/ to find out more information