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, June 26, 2008

Spring Hill Community Meeting


I had the pleasure of travelling to the Council run Spring Hill Community meeting with Cr Hetherington. Cr Hetherington Chaired the meeting and we listened to the requests made at the previous meeting held one year ago.

Council had been active in undertaking what was within their realm of work to alleviate the problems expressed by the community. Unfortunately we have no control over some requests such as the postcode issue and the gas line link up. It hasn't stopped our Council though from contacting the relevant people to gain support with these changes.

There were several further items brought to Councils attention such as:


  • A request for the support of a Museum in the town of Spring Hill

  • Noting of the road sides with no noted line marking

  • Councils involvement with the Spring Hill Youth section

  • Water from Spring Hill apparently being reported on in the media as being removed and taken to Orange Cook Park to water the plants? Council is unaware of this occurring.

  • Query into the water level restrictions being placed on Spring Hill residents given that they do not use Orange water supply.

  • Inquiry about the new Fire levy State Government has announced.

  • The idea of precinct committees was flagged by several residents.

  • Sewerage system capacity in relation to the Rural Land Use Strategy.

  • Request for the gas line to come through Spring Hill

  • Children's parties to be held in Community Hall

  • Ability of School to use the hall for sports in wet weather.

  • Signage into Spring Hill- can the colours be changed so they are able to be read.

Other than hearing the concerns and suggestions of communities there is the benefit of being able to meet the people within these communities. I have attended a great deal of these Community Forums and believe although there is a variation in numbers that attend they are of benefit to both Council and the Communities.


Posted by Fiona at 11:33 PM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)