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


Friday, June 5, 2009

Sita Cooray Preview

It was all about art!
I had received an invitation to Sita Cooray's art exhibition held in Orange and just couldn't miss the chance to go along. Although I didn't stay for the official opening I enjoyed the time with my young daughter who I share art weekends with. We both enjoyed the journey through all of Sita's work on display.
We loved the colour and textures that Sita used in her work and the mixture of designs with people, buildings, animals and scenery.
The paintings are based on her travel and experiences through some of the most exotic places in the world. The focus of the exhibition we saw was on Sita's journey to Africa and central Europe.
Sita's artwork is unique. This was Sita's 10th solo exhibition in Orange. Her recent abstract works reflected her personality and her love of the diverse subjects she chooses to paint.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Youth Workers Conference




This conference was conducted at no cost to participant and targeted workers of service providers who deliver a service to young people. There was a particular focus on targeting Indigenous workers, as well as those who were either untrained or isolated physically and organisationally and seeking further training and support. The conference provided an unprecedented opportunity for professional development for the Youth Services sector in Central and Far Western NSW, and attracted 120 delegates.


Highlights of the one and a half day conference were:

Presentations from key note speakers Father Chris Riley from Youth of the Streets project and former magistrate Barbara Holborrow;

A workshop facilitated by Terry O'Connell on restorative justice;

An overview of Tirkandi Inaburra, an innovative service for Aboriginal young people based at Colleambally;

An overview of the Eagles RAPS project newly established in Orange;

A presentation on Council's successful Merge Holiday Activity Program; and

A thought-provoking hypothetical session using a complex scenario presented to a panel of very experienced youth service providers and facilitated by Mary Brell of Keys to Success.

Oasis DVD's were handed out to each organisation's


Learn more about the guest speakers by visiting their web-sites. This was an outstanding event and I thank the sponsor's NSW Department of Community Services and Newcrest Cadia Valley Operations