Cr Fiona Rossiter RN BN JP -Profile

Fiona Rossiter JP RN BN- Profile

About Fiona

Hi, my name is Fiona, I am 43 years of age and was born in England. I came to Australia on the ten pound boat ride at the age of one with my brother and parents. I have become naturalised and have lived in Australia for a good part of my life. I am a member of several community committees and a Justice of the Peace. The photo attached was taken when I became Woman of the Year for the Orange Electorate.
I am married to a wonderful man called Paul who does a marvellous job in keeping us all so connected. We have 8 children between us, 6 of which live in Australia with us. Our children and family life gives us much joy and is a priority in our lives.
We have had a strong passion to see children have happiness and in giving them the best opportunities in life, so much so that we have opened the doors of our home for the past few years to be Foster Care Parents. This has been a deeply moving experience for our family and just emphasises the diversity in each and every person’s life. Being a mum is one of the best professions in the world I believe!
My employed profession is as a Registered Theatre Nurse at Orange Base Hospital. I completed my study in 2000 (a late bloomer, to busy having children) and then specialised in Theatre Nursing the following year. I enjoy my work place and I work with amazing people. Being in charge of shift, meeting the many challenges that face you in emergency situations and connecting with people make my job extremely rewarding.
I keep going back to the importance of family as it is a choice Paul and I have made in our lives to only work part-time. We are able to fulfil our other commitments and engage with our interests. Paul and I have recently set up a new business called “back 2 family basics” http://www.back2familybasics.com.au/ where we have developed and printed our first resource package with many more to come. This is exciting for us as we are able to work together from home.
Prior to that we Founded another organisation called Australian Family Matters (Not For Profit) http://www.australianfamilymatters.com.au/ which has been set up to provide support and networking for children, youth and families. This site is a great success and is now looked after by a Board of community members.

As a Councillor already serving the Orange Community

I have been elected as a Councillor for Orange since 2004 after being invited to run with long serving and well respected Cr Margaret Stevenson OAM. When elected there were 3 female Councillors and a variety of professions. At the next election I ask that you support and encourage further female representation.
I am not affiliated with any political party and believe there is no room for party politics in Local Government. We are meant to be here for the people of our community, not to follow party lines. I believe that our council needs some new blood and there needs to be some changes. I am standing again because I have enjoyed my previous years and feel there is more to achieve. I believe some of us have worked really well and our achievements have been resounding.
There has been unprecedented growth and we are keeping ahead of the game with the administration of Council. Orange City Council is in a sound position and the progress of Orange is unstoppable. We need people on Council who are forward thinkers, who have a broad vision for our community.
My Objectives are worth reading and can be seen on the Orange City Council website at http://council.saucedesign.com.au/go/our-council/councillors/councillor-rossiter

In my previous years on Council I have been a strong advocate for and worked with others on:

BMX Track- Glenroi and Anzac Park
After surveying students we learnt the requirements for a BMX track in Orange. Being the chairperson of the working party it didn’t take us long to develop a conceptual design for both tracks with the opportunity of being able to re-adjust at any time. A BMX club is being set up now with a possible Olympian in the future.
Ronald McDonald House Orange- Being a Board Member and fundraising for accommodation unit at the hospital for children and their families.
Cancer Care Western NSW- Being a Board Member and fundraising for an accommodation facility for patients and carers when undertaking cancer treatment. Assisted with the production of a DVD on cancer treatment emphasising the impact of long distances to travel for patients at this time.
Children’s Memorial Garden- Mt Lindsay/Rotary Park – actively worked with community members and council to lobby for and confirm the location of this garden. Plans have commenced on fundraising for and design of this garden.
Glenroi Park- actively sought funding from additional sources for play equipment at Glenroi Park. Worked with council staff to meet with children and identify what type of equipment they preferred.
Advocated for Bike racks in CBD
After I successfully moved a motion in Council, Orange Central Business District will become more accommodating for bike riders with several bike racks soon to be installed.
Bike Program for Schools
I initiated the development for a partnership with Orange Police, local schools, services clubs and Council to provide bicycles to schools. This project has enabled children to learn cycling skills, bike safety, maintenance and the opportunity for an alternative mode of transport.

In addition, I have:
Advocated for Anzac Park Sports Facility
Supported decision for Indoor Heated pool
Advocated for Affordable Housing Project in Eungella Place
Country Vice President Australian Local Government Women’s Association
Chairperson:
Services Policy Committee
Christmas Street Party
Youth Inter agency
Community Inter agency

I am also proud of the fact that I have been involved with some of my fellow Councillors in securing funding for The Northern Distributor Road, CCTV cameras, the William street lights, Anzac Recreational Facility and 4.5 million toward the water management program for Orange. As you can see I work hard on commitment and in providing the best possible outcomes for Orange and our satellite towns.


What I bring to the future Council

I bring to Council a well balanced person who has an independent mind with a particular interest in people and their lives (this is why I have chosen my profession as a nurse also). I have undertaken extra education in my own time to better understand the many areas of Council life so I am able to make informed decisions and keep up with the times. I also have an extensive network which allows me the opportunity to connect with other people along with sharing ideas and resources.
I have commenced “The Australian Rural Leadership Program” which runs for 18 months and only accepts 35 people annually from Australia. The programs to date have been life changing. I feel very privileged to be a part of this organisation and can already see the benefits for regional and rural Australia’s future.

My Policies for the upcoming election are:

Rate control
Investigate and encourage other forms of funding to prevent increased costs to Orange Council and Rate payers
Orange Base Hospital
Remain active and further progress the development of our new base hospital with further specialist services.
Improve Road Accessibility
Continue to speak out and make change on poor access to the South for the many new facilities and organisations. We are a growing city and so the Southern link should occur. Also progress Cr Ryan’s motion for the Spring Creek Bridge by providing a link and access over this route.
Increase Parking in the CBD
Continue to lobby for increased accessible parking in the CBD with an emphasis on particular parking zones for residents.
Greening Orange- Climate Change Action
Increase the awareness and impact of Climate Change via education whilst working with our Council on measures to reduce our Carbon Footprint.
Water Sustainability
Continue to be active in progressing Orange’s future water plans, whilst gaining funding from other resources to reduce impacts on rate payers.
Increase School Safety in the Community
Continue to examine and understand additional options that could provide safer and independent speed restrictions around schools and pedestrian crossings
Healthy Lifestyle
Continue to advocate for further bike and walking trails, sporting facilities and events and promote shared space concept.
Community Cohesion
Continue to support and attend community forums, engage further in community consultation and encourage and promote all means of communicating with Council and Councillors. Bang the Table at http://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/

I have been a committed and active Councillor for the past four years and would like to carry my work ethics on for a further four years. I would like to represent the community of Orange again and ask please could you give me your
No 1 Vote for Rossiter
I also encourage you to consider my team members when placing your below the line vote marking up 6 of your votes with us.
Additionally you can vote above the line by giving our TEAM H No 1

Thank you for this opportunity and I do hope I can represent Orange again in the future!

Meet our Team H online at You Tube-Orange Electorate- Fiona Rossiter

Rugby Union Players- Cancer Care Western NSW

What a huge fundraising event put on by several committed Orange people. It was a weekend jam packed with activity and it started on Friday evening with the arrival of Julian Huxley. Julian had rode with his brother from Canberra in an effort to raise funds for the Care West Lodge. The lodge will provide accommodation for people seeking Radio Therapy at the new unit in Orange. The amazing part of this story is that Julian had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and had already had surgery. On the Monday after this big weekend he was commencing Chemo-Therapy treatment. It was really quite a moving moment when Julian spoke to hear about how he wanted to help others and in particular country people. He had already been through quite an ordeal himself and he had been so selfless in his actions with this fundraiser.

It was wonderful to meet the other people involved including his mother and brother.

On Saturday evening Julian Huxley's Wallaby Union mates all came to the Hotel Canobolas to meet and greet the many guests for the fundraising dinner. There was the opportunity to bid for numerous sporting items and Julian's bike from the recent ride from Canberra. There was also question time, a fine meal which provided a social and friendly evening.

On Sunday Jan and I went to visit Endeavour oval where there were plenty of children ready to learn some union techniques. The team players took the time to really concentrate on coaching these future union players. The rain didn't deter anyone. Jan and I rattled the money boxes and gained further money for this weekend of talent and fundraising.

I understand the weekend helped raise a significant amount of money for our future Care West accommodation in Orange.

Calare/ Amerdown Community Meeting

It was a cold wet night but worth taking a visit to Duntry league Golf Club. Why?, well it was the opportunity for the people in the community to meet with Councillors and Council staff to speak about their needs and changes they would like to see made in the area of Clare and Amerdown.

There were about 40 people in attendance with plenty of information to share. I chaired the meeting this evening and explained what had been brought up previously to Council and what had been done.

There was plenty of discussion about the new sewerage cost for checking mains. The need to have a bus shed for children. A turning point near the ABC playgroup centre. The two Ploughmans lane sections of road not connecting up to the South requested by residents. A community group which has been dysfunctional for two years and much more. While it is pleasing to hear the interest and ideas of community people it can also be frustrating to know that there is not an endless bucket of wealth to remedy every thing.

There was some discussion about the water grid program for Orange with the opportunity to talk to the public not so much about raising the dam wall but the priority just now is to fill the 70% empty dam for the future. We will have by May next year the water harvesting scheme set up so this will have an automatic feed into Suma Park Dam with rain water run off. There will be filter systems in place and the extra capacity to hold further water in the water harvest catchment area once the dam is filled. Therefore giving not only the Suma Park Dam holding capacity but the Storm Water retention area as well.

The Directors present were informative with their answers and yes on occasions we did have to note items. There was plenty of discussion and lively debate with the opportunity after question time to mix with the public.

The Community Forums I have always enjoyed and make a point of getting to as many as possible. It is our way as Councillors to truly connect with the community in their space and gain a better understanding of their needs.

NSW Rape Crisis Centre-Working Against Sexual Violence

NSW Rape Crisis Centre responded to 6,695 requests for help in the 2006/07 financial year. This is a 55% increase when compared with two years ago.

When someone says they have been sexually assaulted, the first response is critical to their recovery and decisions about what to do next.

A response which is compassionate, non blaming and supportive will help the person feel better. It will give them confidence to make contact with sexual assault services and consider reporting to Police.

Where the response is disbelieving, judgemental or uncaring the person will often decide to not speak about 'it' again. For some this will result in developing chronic sexual assault trauma.

Myths and Realities

There are two reasons for sexual assault myths to exist. The first is to excuse the perpetrator for their actions, and the second is to blame the victim. While we continue to accept these myths, sexual assault will continue to happen.

It could never happen to me

Anyone can be raped

Rape is about uncontrolled lust.

Rape is a violent assault

Women ask for it by the way they dress and behave.

If you have money in your pocket does that mean you want to be robbed?

Rape is committed in dark alleys by strangers.

Most victims know their attackers

A rapist is easy to spot

Rapists look perfectly normal

If a person has had sex with the man before it's not rape if it happens again.

Forced sex is rape.

A husband cannot rape his wife.

'I do' is not consent forever. Rape in marriage is a crime.

Women lie about rape to get compensation.

Some lawyers will try anything to protect their clients.

Men don't get raped

Yes they do.

How NSW Rape Crisis Centre can help? You can refer any person who has been impacted by sexual violence to these people. Their contact phone number is 1800 424017 or visit the website at http://www.nswrapecrisis.com.au/

The Centre's website also has a number of fact sheets on sexual assault and other information about the Law and Criminal Justice Process, Prevention and the work of NSW Rape Crisis Centre.

All information provided for you in this post was obtained during a recent education session I attended in Orange recently. Statistical information came from the brochures provided.

If you need further information on the courses or in seeking help with a rape related issue then please do not hesitate to contact the NSW Rape Crisis Centre help line. It is manned 24/7 with a councillor the phone number is 1800 424017

Services in the Orange Area are

Orange Sexual Assault Service 02 6393 3300

Orange Police 02 6361 5499

Orange Base Hospital 02 6393 3000

Australian Rural Leadership- Adelaide Visit

Well I was off again for a week (16th-24th August), this time though I was not climbing through caves and sliding down waterfalls. Instead I was enjoying some time spent in Adelaide with fellow course 15 members from the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP). There was plenty to keep us engaged and always more to learn. The general theme this time was media, Myers Briggs and presentations. We were also privy to learning more about our fellow members as they shared some stories of their lives post Kimberley's.

It seems like such a long time away from home and it is really in the great scheme of things but this time around we were able to phone home. The flight to and fro were good and there was plenty to see. My husband Paul joined me for the last few days which was kindly organised by the Australian Leadership team.

So what did we do? well lets start with an update on each of my fellow ARLP members in course 15 and where they are up to since returning from the Kimberley's. There were a variety of stories with a common theme coming through as to how incredibly changing the experience was to so many individuals.

We were given a book to read about Emotional Intelligence and to support this concept we had a workshop which again reiterated the importance for leaders to have such an important skill in life. With this we spoke about our values and linked them into our course 15 vision for our group.

Two days were spent working on media training and how timely this has been for me with the upcoming election. We learnt about presentations, media releases, what makes news and how to get your message across. We were able to see how the TV news room works and what story selections were chosen. There was a brief on dressing for the media, the role of the interview, the do's and don'ts of a media interview and lots more valuable information.

There was even the opportunity to perform on television with a mock crisis management press conference. This was an amazing experience and certainly kept us all on our toes. To follow on from that we visited the ABC studio and again conducted another interview with a media release we had previously developed. The feedback from this was valuable more so because we were dealing with real journalists who are exceptionally experienced in their field. There was the opportunity to witness Country Hour and we were also able to watch and participate in a live to air radio news bulletin.

The second last day focused on presentation skills with a mass of role playing and even some games to put a competitive edge on it. Some things to think about were how much of the true you do you share with your audience, where do you place yourself when speaking in front of an audience and how do you use your body when presenting.

Myers Briggs Type Indicator was given to us on Friday. Learning about your type proved to be an interesting adventure that we were all keen to engage in. Once our types were identified we could then hear how the various quadrants impacted on other people. This was especially significant for extroverts. All of our partners were then invited to a session also which they had without us present. They were also given some interesting home work. This area opened up a great deal of discussion and our names changed to extroverts or introverts at the evening dinner. On the last day we all came back together with our partners and learnt more about our relationships and those close to us.

Saturday afternoon was spent on a guided tour around Adelaide and visiting several Vineyards. We learnt about how they managed their water situations and how they promote their businesses. This networking opportunity was very relaxing and engaging. The vineyards visited were Paxton, Shingleback and Fox Creek based in the McLaren Vale area. It was very easy to bring into the conversations the Orange Vineyards and the progression of our industry as a food and wine basket for the central west.

I cant help but say how important it is for people to have support and information in order to grow. The Australian Rural Leadership excel with their program and again I am so glad and feel very privileged to be a part of course 15.

Official Opening- The Hon John Cobb MP Calare Electorate

It is with much disappointment that I missed the Official Opening of the Calare Electorate Office in Orange. I have known John Cobb for quite some time now and have found him very easy to engage with. I wish him well for the future as the Member of Parliament for the Calare Electorate and can only trust that he will be an advocate for a better future for all.
MP John Cobb can be contacted via email john.cobb.mp@aph.gov.au

Orange Visitors Guide- Launch

The Orange Region Visitors Guide was launched at the Hotel Canobolas by Mayor of Orange John Davis. Although I couldn't attend due to my commitment with the Australian Rural Leadership Program and being in Adelaide it was fortunate that my husband Paul could be present.

We were celebrating for two reasons. First because Orange now has a superb Guide which will be distributed far and wide and secondly because we have a paid advert in there for our new business which is supporting families. Back 2 Family Basics can be seen on page 33 with reference to our products and web-site.

So let me get back to the visitors guide. I understand there was extensive work done bringing together the first publication. The team behind the new guide for the Orange region wanted to make it safe to read a tourism publication again. Whilst not restraining the enthusiasm of contributors, the body of words accompanying what to do, see and enjoy in the Orange region is designed to be simply factual and informative.

The guide introduces a new concept of quarterly changing covers and event program inserts bringing together together four seasonal events.

The Taste Orange initiative supports existing events like Food Week and Orange Wine Week while also introducing Slow Summer and Frost Fest to provide a full calendar of events and activities.

The guides are available at the Tourist Information Centre and I understand that each household in Orange will receive one.

Well done to the guys at Taste Orange you have done some tremendous work and should be congratulated for making Orange look so good.

Bang the Table-opening up discussion for the community

Have you ever wanted to tell Council what you think? Have you got some ideas that you feel Council should know? How about items that need to be looked at!
Well our Council has become very trendy with the addition of a community forum link. I am a firm believer of open discussion that is amicable. No need to be rude, just be honest and share what you know or believe should be done to improve the community in which you live.
If time is against you and getting to Council meetings is a challenge then here is another opportunity to be heard.
Visit the Council's web site and bang the table with information you would like to share. You can either post your own questions or you can feedback to others who have topics you are interested in. Better still do the both and become very active in your own right.
I look forward to reading your posts and on the odd occasion will even engage in the discussion myself. So hop on now, have a look and become involved!
Orange City Council- Bang the Table forum

Socio-Cultural Development Through Music Programs

An exploration inspired by the current Bolivian experience had by Graham Sattler Director of Orange Regional Conservatorium. I attended this presentation which Graham held at Charles Sturt University Orange.

As described by Graham Sattler:

Imperatives such as social harmony and inclusion, community integration and self and group-esteem are increasingly being seen as achievable through music education and practice. One international example of ensemble music programs designed to encourage these outcomes, is the musical 'revolution' in Bolivia, South America.

This program aimed to create an environment of hope and purpose for at-risk youth by reconnecting with a 300 year old tradition of cross-cultural music education made possible by the discovery of several significant manuscripts found during restoration work on a series of mission churches during the 1980s. In 2006, Mr Graham Sattler- Director, Orange Regional Conservatorium- undertook a study tour where he observed and compared ensemble programs in Bolivia and North America in vastly different socio-economic and culturally varied communities.

Back in Australia, New South Wales Regional Conservatoriums provide comprehensive, non tertiary music education programs for students from early childhood to retirement. Ensemble programs underscore the thrust of these organisations, providing non-musical benefits to the community through involvement in vital, focused, group-music activities.

This lecture will explore the Bolivian experience, compare it with North American models and teas out the potential and the challenges of translating the principles behind these programs to the Australian condition.

I felt inspired by the journey in which Graham has had with the various people involved. We had the opportunity to watch his engagement with several youth groups and hear the talent from some children who were self taught. I look forward to seeing how Graham will progress this idea and strengthen links between the University and the region it serves.

Molong Players - Lost

I had just been at a fundraising event for the Premi-babes association group with my family, when I was approached by a lady called Catherine who informed me that she was playing my character in a play. Of course I was interested, felt a flattered to know that I had become a star in an indirect way. You see Catherine was a cast member in the Molong Players group and she played my character as a Councillor with Orange City Council.
But there was more, the story line linked into a facility that was being built in Molong. Both Mayor John Davis, Cr Dick Niven and myself were working with Cr Farr. Of course the names were changed slightly but it was pretty evident that it was about us as Councillors. The play progressed on with much humour and entertainment.
Mayor John Davis was called to the stage during intermission and was asked to sing a song from the sound of music and laughably well he did. Even though we seemed to be the underhanded stars of the show, you couldn't help but laugh with the commentary and the fantastic performance that the Molong Players put on. Not to mention the amazing talent and truly amazing sing along the audience was engaged in.
I couldn't help but think how lucky the Molong people were to have the talent of these people and the true engagement of their community to bring this event to fruition for several weekends on both Friday and Saturday nights.
Mayor John Davis, myself and our partners felt privileged to be a part of the entertainment as bizarre as it may seem. We were privy to and I must say once again to some extraordinary talent. The people where welcoming and the event was outstanding. I almost wish we could have them perform here in Orange also.
All monies raised from the event go towards supporting the community of Molong and that in itself is highly commendable. We had superb food which was if my memory serves me right was put on by a local playgroup plus the new Gelato company set up in Molong. You cant help but feel the true connection of this community and I cant help going back to the amazing talent!
Just as a reference we did laugh most of the trip back home to Orange while reflecting on the show we had just seen.
Cr Rozzeter also known as Cr Rossiter

Hopefully I may be able to get my hands on some photos from the Molong player soon to show you the resemblance to the actors at this event,
A wow of a night as far as entertainment was concerned!

Cancer Care Western NSW Event

Cancer Care Western NSW is a not for profit organisation that has been set up to raise money for Care West Lodge NSW. You might well be asking what this lodge is for, well it will have a direct link and be supportive to patients requiring Radio-Therapy treatment at our new base hospital for Orange.

The Government has agreed to provide two linear accelerators to Orange therefore allowing country people the chance to be treated in rural NSW. This will of course be beneficial in reducing the amount of time spent travelling to and from Sydney or Canberra. Care West Lodge will be located near the hospital and accommodate those patients who need long stay.

Cancer Care Western NSW has been running for the past two years. Prior to that an Alliance was set up with interested community members. Some of these people are identified in the picture attached to this post. We even went as far as visiting the Radio Therapy unit at Wagga Wagga thanks to MP Russel Turner. I was one of those people that had a real need to engage with the progression of this service for Orange and felt very passionate to evolve a fair and equitable choice for rural and regional people when it came to patient care. It will still be several years before our unit is complete, in the meantime we will continue to fund raise for the accommodation and look forward to the day when it can be utilised.

There was a recent event held at Duntryleague Golf Club which informed people further about the work Cancer Care Western NSW does. If you are reading this post and feel that you could help with a donation or possibly be inclined to run a fundraiser then please do not hesitate to contact me via this post. I would be very happy to speak with you further about this very much needed facility.

"Everybody deserves the right to make a choice about their health care"