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


Wednesday, August 6, 2008

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.

Posted by Fiona at 5:46 PM

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