Australian Rural Leadership Foundation- Kimberley's 19th May to 2nd June

This was the most amazing experience in my life. Well next to becoming a mother that is.

I was away from home for a period of 14 days where I had no contact with my family and wandered and drove through some of the most amazing terrain. The Kimberley's was the place I had ventured to, after being successful with my application to the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. It has all been quite amazing.

There were only 35 places available in Australia and I had successfully gained a place in an 18 month program proudly sponsored by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

About this part of the program the visit to the Kimberley's, well it has been quite deep and meaningful. By that I mean the journey we had taken not only as a group of 35 but to then be condensed to a team of 6 with many challenges ahead. For me the experience was both mentally and physically challenging and took me far away from my comfort zone and way of thinking.

Initially I felt I was in a world of chaos. We were carrying our life in a back pack which was limited to 13kg and out of that back pack we had to live for 12 days. The lifestyle we were accustomed to had changed dramatically and we were thinking on our feet with people we had not met before.

On my return to Orange I have not as yet shared my experience with anyone, this will come in time. I often find myself wandering off in my mind to the Kimberley's and the many fear's and challenges I faced in those 12 days. I am truly grateful for this wonderful experience and have gained a greater appreciation for myself and others when working as a team.

I welcome the opportunity to speak about this experience and in the very near future will have a presentation of this amazing journey. Not to give away to much course 16 is now open so if you believe you are a leader or would like to learn how to become a great leader then I suggest you visit the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

This is a life changing experience that runs for 18 months and although I have only undertaken the first part of this amazing program I would fully recommend you undertake this incredible experience, so jump on line and check out the web-site.

My next trip away is to Adelaide so stay tuned and learn more about part two of the Australian Rural Leadership program.

United States' Ambassador visit

Mayor John Davis and myself along with Orange City Council staff welcomed the United States Ambassador to Australia and in particular Orange. The United States Ambassador Robert McCallum and his wife Mimi where a delight to meet and speak with . The Ambassador was heard to say to the media that he may venture to Parkes in the future for one of the Elvis Presley festival's.

A morning tea was held at the Councillors workroom where we had time to meet and greet the Ambassador and his wife. It was interesting to hear him speak and in particular about the water situation they have in the United States in comparison to Country NSW.

The Ambassador and his wife experienced several attractions in Orange. These were:

• A tour of a local apple orchard


• Experiencing the local food and wine at May field Vineyard


• A dinner with the Orange and Parkes Rotary Clubs


• Visiting a local high school to experience video link lessons

Neighbourhood Centre Week

I had the pleasure of joining the Mayor John Davis in recognising the work of the Orange Neighbour Centre staff and the launch of the new Orange Community Information and Service Centre guide.

The Orange Community Information and Services Centre celebrated Neighbourhood Centres week with the launch of an updated brochure outlining the many services available through the Orange centre. Special thanks went to Sharlene who arranged the morning's events and congratulations for the staff that carry out the day to day operations of the service.

The Orange Community Information and Services Centre has available a brochure relating to the centres role, operation, Community information and Community Services linked to the Centre. For further information please visit the Orange City Council web-site.

In Memory of the late Cr Margaret Stevenson OAM JP

This letter explains my involvement with Cr Margaret Stevenson OAM JP

What were you doing on the 18th of August at about 7pm 2005? Well I was at the Council Chambers awaiting a very important announcement. The announcement brought to everyone’s attention 34 years of service and commitment that a person had given to her community. That person is Margaret Stevenson. 34 years as a continuous elected Councillor that is an amazing achievement.
I met Margaret about eight years ago; we had both applied to become Health Councillors with Orange Base Hospital. It was a role that we were both passionate about. Margaret was always very keen to take on new initiatives. I was then fortunate enough to work with Margaret in fundraising and building a beautiful garden at the hospital. Margaret put her hand up for the Catheter Lab fundraiser and it wasn’t long before the committee she was working with had raised the funds. The Red Shield appeal where getting ready for their annual door knock and there was Margaret again hand up and willing to help in some way. Persistence and commitment are two key attributes of Margaret and evident in the many roles she has undertaken in her community.
The caring nature of Margaret I found appealing, it didn’t take long for us to developed a friendship. I learnt a lot from Margaret about her life and how through sheer determination she could tackle anything.
I felt privileged to run on Margaret’s ticket at the 2004 election and was thankful to her continuous push for me to promote myself below the line. You need to be out there promoting yourself Fiona she said. She gave me many a tip and said she was confident I would be elected. I was cautious of her confidence, especially seeing as there were 77 of us in the run with only 14 places to fill. Well Margaret was right of course and so a new journey I am travelling again with Margaret.
Margaret has been like a second mum, supportive, giving out the occasional advice and always taking the time to ask how the family is. I would like to congratulate Margaret on her devotion to local Government and the community of Orange. I look forward to working with Margaret in the future, we don’t always agree on some decisions in council that’s the advantage of being independent but you can always be sure that when the debate is finished a friendship remains. You’re a true inspiration to our community Margaret, It’s a pleasure knowing you and congratulations on a job well done.

In recognition of Cr Margaret Stevenson OAM JP and her many years of committment and work with the Orange community a memorial plaque has been place in Orange Spring Street park named Margaret Stevenson Park. Margaret was very much there for the battlers and is sadly missed. I was able to attend the unveiling of the plaque in memory of Margaret with her family and fellow Councillors.

International Nurses Day 2008

As a nurse who works in the health service it is supportive to receive a letter such as this which was received from Management in the health service. My area of specialty is peri-operative nursing and I think Nursing is a valuable foundation not only for the health profession but also for life in general.

A copy of a Letter for Nurses (2008 International Nurses Day):

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrates International Nurses Day around the world every May 12. This date is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing.

This day is celebrated to remember all of the precious contribution nurses make to society.

The ICN theme for 2008 is

Delivering Quality, Serving Communities

Nurses Leading Primary Health Care

Primary health care is back on the global agenda and nurses around the world are leading the way to achieve active participation of citizens and communities in addressing health issues and accessing appropriate health services.

Primary health care is the first level of contact with the national health system for individuals, families and the community, bringing health care as close as possible to where people live and work.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states "International evidence suggests that health systems based on a strong Primary Health Care orientation have better and more equitable health outcomes, are more efficient, have lower health costs and can achieve higher user satisfaction than those whose health systems have only a weak Primary Health Care orientation." (2007)

Greater Western Area Health service acknowledges the importance of primary health care in their goals for the future. They see the strengthening of Primary Health Care as one of the most strategic and significant milestones to strive for over the next few years.

Nurses received a copy of this letter of appreciation to all nurses from the Management and Executives in health. They went on to thank nurses for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that each and every person contributing to the delivery of good quality patient care.

I enjoy my profession as a nurse and meeting the challenges of rural nursing with the variety of treatment we give. Working at the leading health service (Orange) for the central west with a great team is rewarding in a variety of ways.

Thanksgiving Ecumenical Church Service

The National Day of Thanksgiving was declared by the Governor-General, Sir Michael Jeffrey in 2004, as a day to thank God for our nation and to thank the people of our nation who serve us in so many ways. This year particularly focuses on mothers and carers across our community.
Cr Ryan and myself were invited to speak on Councils behalf as representatives of the many people who care for the sick, disabled and disadvantaged individuals and families in our community, and the organisations which provide those services.
I was thrilled to be invited and felt this is one of those times where I can speak from the heart and share with people my true feelings. As a representative for Council I recognised the value and capability of the volunteer. I noted how we attempt in a range of programs to tailor the needs of the community to the skills and experience of the volunteer. It is fair to say that in all cases volunteers provide and do the things that cannot be done because of the lack of resources.
Council understands that volunteers need to be recognised and that their "pay cheque" is not money but doses of satisfaction. So it is important that volunteer jobs meet expectations and provide the level of satisfaction the volunteer wants.
Some of the programs where volunteers provide an essential component of the service to the community are:
Ageing and Disability-Telecare, Friendly Visitors Scheme, Errand Assist program, Activity Groups, Community Visitors Scheme, Meals on Wheels, Frozen Meal Service, Shopping Service, Community Restaurant.
Orange City Library- Volunteers at Orange City Library helping with the delivery of books to household residents, helping at story time and school activities, collection maintenance, providing assistance in researching family history.
Children's Services- Parents volunteering to help with working bees and fundraising activities, they also have volunteers who help with work experience placements.
Community Development- Merge Holiday Activity program, Better Pathways program, Rock-Up, Mentoring programs with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Activities.
Orange Civic Theatre- Theatre ushers
Orange Art Gallery- Gallery Guides
City Presentation- Friends of the Botanic Gardens and Community Tree planting.
That is quite a lot of work there from our hard working volunteers
Thank you for all that you do!

Habitat for Humanity

Being a huge advocate for "Affordable Housing" scheme it was pleasing to attend the opening of our first houses here in Orange. There was an initial time were it was proving difficult to push this venture along but after due course and an active role from myself and several other Councillors the day came when the approval for the site in Eungella place was approved and built on.
There are four houses built on land supplied by Orange City Council. The value in this story was the sheer commitment and determination to own a house displayed by the people who now own the homes. There was the opportunity of the home owners to be active and work on the building of their home as well as learn about home maintenance at classes held with Bunnings.
Habitat for Humanity Australia was a real driving force behind this wonderful initiative along with several other stake holders and it has been rewarding to see the home owners now have the opportunity of owning their own home with their families.
This was a great outcome for all involved!