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


Monday, February 25, 2008

Grand Opening- Refurbished Civic Theatre


Orange City Council through a previous meeting of Councillors moved a motion to renew the seats in the Civic Theatre. We now have very comfortable, cushioned seating to allow for a relaxed environment during shows and performances.

The transition from old to new was quick and the celebration was not only for the installation of the new seats but also carpet and painting of the interior.

It certainly is a centre of comfort and I would recommend a visit even if it is only to view the new interior. There are plenty of shows on this years calendar though, so if you can make it book in and really enjoy what Orange has to offer.

Orange Civic Theatre

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

NSW Rural Health Taskforce- Invitation

The Task force was organised so meetings could be held in country and coastal locations to assess the status and future needs of their health services and to take advice on health policies from those working in and with local hospitals and health services and from patients, their families, advocates and carers.
The recent parliamentary inquiry into The Royal North Shore Hospital highlighted very serious issues that applied not only to that hospital, but across all of NSW.
The perspective on local and regional health services were sought. There was also the opportunity to present excellent local practices and ideas that could be adapted elsewhere. This was a great opportunity to speak about what the community has informed me on and work together on health for rural and regional NSW.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Launch of Food Week


Welcome to the program launch of the 2008 Food Week.
Now in its 17th year, I understand it is one of Australia's oldest food festivals.
Next year it will be old enough to vote!
This event has grown each year and in 2008 there are more than 100 events planned in the nine day program.
With such an extensive list, it's hardly surprising there is something for every taste.
There are cooking classes, produce markets, an extensive list of eating and drinking opportunities and plenty of fun.
I congratulate the committee behind this fantastic event and thank all those local operators who get involved to make sure it is a success.
It is a true team effort.
For Orange City Council it is an easy decision to support this event.
It is a great celebration for locals to enjoy all the great produce on our doorstep.
It is also a major tourist attraction when we get to share our wonderful region with visitors from far and wide.
I am sure I speak for many when I say I can't wait for this event to get cooking.
Bonn Appetite!

Launched at the Meadow View Orchard