tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88532954521246131522024-03-22T16:12:13.292+11:00Councillor RossiterApart from her Councillor role, Fiona was the Orange Electorate-Woman of the Year for 2006 and is involved with - the Health Liason Committee, Fairy Sparkle Garden, Star Search, Ronald McDonald House (previous board member), Community Radio Show(2003-2005), Justice of the Peace, Toastmasters and her Guest Speaker appearances. Fiona has also recently become an Author with her first book in publication called "Growing Great Families" which can be found on the Back 2 family basics web-site.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-71354291237209971282011-02-23T14:33:00.001+11:002011-02-23T21:40:54.021+11:00Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) NSW ConferenceWhat an inspiring conference. Held over 3 days, 4th – 6th March 2010, <strong>Moree Plains Shire Council </strong>hosted “<em>Women Making a Splash</em>”, an event aimed at the promotion of women and their important contributions to our communities.<br /><br />As Country Vice-President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, I enjoyed the speakers and presentations very much. There was even some time for participants to explore and shop in Moree! We are an organisation of women (and men) who are concerned about the many difficulties facing our country. We aim to become well informed about important local, state and national issues and to apply that insight in practical ways in our own communities.<br /><br />This event provides the opportunity for us to learn about and speak with women who are making a difference in their own communities and workplaces. Some of them are succeeding against significant prejudices and setbacks. When you listen to the experiences and achievements of so many strong women it genuinely makes you itch to try to achieve your own best.<br /><br />Among the many impressive presenters were featured:<br /><br /><strong>Hon Linda Burney MP</strong> - Minister For The State Plan, Minister For Community Services And Member For Canterbury. She was the first Aboriginal Australian to be elected to the NSW Parliament and is a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation. Linda’s commitment to Indigenous issues spans 30 years.<br /><br /><strong>Jude Munro</strong> - Chief Executive Officer Brisbane City Council (BCC). Jude is a Director of the Brisbane Institute, Australia Trade Coast Pty Ltd, the City of Brisbane Airport Corporation, United Way Queensland and the Translink Transit Authority Board. She is a former Director of the Brisbane Riverfestival, Adelaide City Marketing, Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority and the 7th Australian Masters Games Board.<br /><br /><strong>Air Commodore Margaret Staib</strong> - in June 2000 she was posted to an exchange position with the United States Air Force, in the Pentagon. For her work on logistics trans-formation, she was awarded the United States Meritorious Service Medal. She was promoted to the rank of Air Commodore in January 2006, and took up the post of Director General Strategic Logistics, in Joint Logistics Command. During 2008, Air Commodore Staib led the Logistics Companion Review in support of the 2008 Defence White Paper, and is currently the Commandant at the Australian Defence Force Academy.<br />Source: www.algwa.org.au/docs/ALGWA%20Registration%20Smaller.pdf<br /><br /><em>What a wonderful program that inspires more women to overcome adversity and reach their potential in any sector they choose. </em>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-64395810665654308082011-01-09T20:39:00.002+11:002011-01-09T20:47:00.506+11:00New Website for Updates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnhiPxiInzeF0uPt8L51xCVKmVVCSlkR-ksbpgfBQiMOb2GqfgFdCO_Nk-ip1OIxks0X_Xlzy3EbpurVcCTQzlGTvRHjdUaZOuqwEfYFoGdRs3VsIY77QNTqoo7hXtBNFynHeWYGw-15x/s1600/cropped+photo+from+Women+of+the+Year+2006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 264px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560120378838943810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnhiPxiInzeF0uPt8L51xCVKmVVCSlkR-ksbpgfBQiMOb2GqfgFdCO_Nk-ip1OIxks0X_Xlzy3EbpurVcCTQzlGTvRHjdUaZOuqwEfYFoGdRs3VsIY77QNTqoo7hXtBNFynHeWYGw-15x/s320/cropped+photo+from+Women+of+the+Year+2006.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I will no longer be making posts on this site as I now own my own web-site <a href="http://www.fionarossiter.com/">http://www.fionarossiter.com/</a> </div><br /><div>I have enjoyed keeping you informed and have found this blogger site very easy to use. The format as you can see is easy to manouvre around and provides the opportunity to upload photos and links to web-sites.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I will however keep this blog site as it has some useful information attached. In the future I will provide regular updates on the blog attached to my new web-site which can be found at <a href="http://www.fionarossiter.com/">http://www.fionarossiter.com/</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I look forward to remaining in touch with you</div><br /><div>Cheers</div><br /><div>Fiona</div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-10443430052301621062011-01-09T20:28:00.003+11:002011-02-23T21:40:39.954+11:00New Website for UpdatesI no longer post on this site as I now own my own web-site with lots of information supplied for you. I also have a blog which I use online with regular recent entries. The reason I have changed this process is due to the many various different places I post in such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Bebo. Because it was all proving very time consuming I now post on my web-site and link to all other sites. I will continue keeping you up to date on my Council ventures and look forward to hearing your feedback.<br /><br />For future updates please view my new web-site <a href="http://www.fionarossiter.com/">http://www.fionarossiter.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />For anyone considering blogging then I do recommend Blogger for ease of use and as you will see when viewing this site the layout works well and the system is very easy to follow.<br /><br />I look forward to staying in touch<br /><br />FionaFionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-4353433285722964692010-02-05T12:44:00.004+11:002010-02-05T13:05:33.066+11:00Orange City Councils free mobile water auditWhile we are talking about water for Orange I would recommend you take advantage of the free mobile water audit available to people in the Orange electorate.<br />To learn more visit the link below<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile&id=761252925">http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile&id=761252925</a><br /><br />Is that thunder I just heard! It has been raining since yesterday evening here in Orange and we have collected 10mls so far in our rain gauge. Plus both of our tanks are full!<br />FionaFionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-30238618000992366722010-02-05T11:54:00.005+11:002010-02-05T13:05:02.353+11:004th February Council meetingWe came back for our first Council meeting last night since the Christmas break. Of course water was the major topic for discussion as it always has been in Council. You will find attached a report I have written with regards to last nights meeting and in particular the water issue. I welcome comments and suggestions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile&id=761252925">http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=app_2347471856&ref=profile&id=761252925</a><br /><br />This report has been posted on my facebook site under the notes section in the main tabs on the page.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-53156351418024986942009-11-27T13:30:00.002+11:002011-02-23T21:39:55.792+11:00Orange Regional Arts Foundation (ORAF) Gives Grand Piano to the City<a href="http://www.oraf.org.au/oraf/about.htm">The Orange Regional Arts Foundation</a> recently gave a Yamaha grand piano, valued at $59 000, to the city of Orange. The piano will be housed at the <a href="http://www.orangecon.org.au/info.html">Orange Regional Conservatorium (ORC).</a> This will really assist those senior students and performers at the conservatorium.<br /><br />An unveiling was held on Thursday the 26th November when Graham Sattler, the Director of Orange Regional Conservatorium played for us all. It was great to see him engaging the community with his varied repertoire.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-40785104446564134732009-11-20T10:44:00.004+11:002009-11-24T11:28:12.753+11:00Graduation from the Australian Rural Leadership FoundationWhat an amazing experience of not only self discovery but also world and state discovery. As you may know I have been on an 18 month course of leadership with the <a href="http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/">Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (APLF</a>). I was sponsored by the <a href="http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/">Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government</a>. One of the days spent in Canberra involved a trip to Outward Bound our adventure can be view at the <a href="http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=181:tharwa-section&catid=45:latest-news&Itemid=12">ARLF site</a>.<br />As a part of our course we were required to develop a vision statement, ours is "Communities empowered to create their own vibrant future" and my task specifically is to gain a greater understanding of support for all families. I intend to conduct a survey with the support of <a href="http://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/">Orange City Council </a>to establish the needs of Orange residents. More details on this can be viewed at the <a href="http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180:course-15-symposium&catid=45:latest-news&Itemid=12">Australian Rural Leadership site</a>.<br />A Symposium was held on Friday 20th November which included guest speakers Professor Peter Shergold, Peter Cosier, Leo D'Angelo Fisher, Darriea Turley and Chris Sarra. Mixed in with our guest speakers were presentations from several course participants on their vision tasks. For more details on these they can be viewed at the<a href="http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=180:course-15-symposium&catid=45:latest-news&Itemid=12"> ARLP site</a>. Leo D'Angelo makes reference to the days activities and I would recommend you read his article at <a href="http://brw.com.au/viewer.aspx?ATL://1258337931500&fid=81&s=1&t=9&title=Bush+leadership">BRW a leading Business magazine</a>.<br />I welcome any speaking opportunities to speak further about our vision statement, my vision task or my involvement in the Australian Rural Leadership Program. Contact me at <a href="mailto:frossiter@bigpond.com">frossiter@bigpond.com</a>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-47305445825171481112009-11-10T13:32:00.002+11:002011-02-23T21:39:44.734+11:00Opening of Yarrawong Children’s CentreOn Monday the 9th November the new extension for the Yarrawong Children’s Centre was opened. Yarrawong Children's Centre is a community-based, not-for-profit, long day care centre that has been offering high quality accredited care since December 1993. The centre caters for children aged between 0 and 5 years. This is a positive, family resource that encourages children to learn and develop through play; where staff encourage exploration in groups and support individuals to learn at their own pace within a safe environment.<br /><br />The new, council funded, extension allows for a greater separation between age groups and gives the centre 10 extra places to offer the community.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-67747558171432870492009-11-09T23:06:00.003+11:002009-11-11T23:38:14.646+11:00Prime Minister Kevin Rudds visit to Bathurst<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2dA9JIbjKbnvM98Nwn__W3JBdPCEZHl18_MeNK50Na_s6jVYK4QLxDwkhAL_YimSBehfuE0nkXz6oqPYXDmKj83IkilV7i16UmxI11hpIZMGXk7X66W2Ai-6szZm__yTa7rna9avZ1UX/s1600-h/IMG_5072.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402822208482191618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2dA9JIbjKbnvM98Nwn__W3JBdPCEZHl18_MeNK50Na_s6jVYK4QLxDwkhAL_YimSBehfuE0nkXz6oqPYXDmKj83IkilV7i16UmxI11hpIZMGXk7X66W2Ai-6szZm__yTa7rna9avZ1UX/s320/IMG_5072.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Having the opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Health Minister Nicola Roxon was something I am glad to have been able to do. It is not every day that the Prime Minister comes out to Regional and Rural NSW, in fact it is very rare. The community was able to ask questions relevant to Federal Government and tap into areas of great concern such as health, education, transport, environment and water. </div><br /><div>Although this was a great opportunity, it was also frustrating. When viewing and partaking in question time it proved difficult for the Prime Minister at times to answer the relevant questions. Instead time was wasted in finding fault and playing the blame game on others. Questions were asked and answers were needed.</div><br /><div>I travelled with other people from Orange because the visit by the Prime Minister did not extend past Bathurst, again this is an unfortunate decision I believe made by the Labor party. It shows those people outside of Bathurst that they are either irrelevant, insignificant or of no value when seeking votes for further elections. Aside from that I would like to think that a positive or several positive outcomes could come from this event.</div><br /><div>If the Prime Minister is true to his word along with the Ministers then we (country NSW) can expect some significant changes. One in particular that comes to mind would be the assistance for community service projects which I mentioned. I plan to keep you all updated on this matter and would like to think we could expect a positive outcome.</div><br /><div>Looking forward to further contact with the cabinet and discussions and funding to help rural and remote communities.</div><br /><div>View the story from the <a href="http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/more-questions-than-answers-over-visit/1673895.aspx#comments">Central Western Daily </a> and there is <a href="http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/rudd-performance-on-the-nose/1673894.aspx">more...</a> to read</div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-12488900048992406192009-11-08T13:45:00.003+11:002011-02-23T21:39:34.829+11:00Presentation of Rural Fire Service Awards and Handover of Tankers.Yesterday, the <a href="http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/">NSW Rural Fire Service</a> acknowledged the contributions of long time volunteers to local brigades in the Canobolas Zone. The Rural Fire Service is made up of volunteers from all walks of life - men and women who give up their time to protect our community. Although unable to attend, I sincerely wish to congratulate these people for their ongoing efforts.<br /><br />The RFS is the lead agency in NSW for bush fire fighting. It is also responsible for fires and related emergency incidents within Rural Fire Districts: districts that cover more than 95% of the State! Add to this, the RFS’s role supporting other agencies in emergency situations such as floods, storms and rescue situations and it is easy to see the vital contribution that these people make to our community.<br /><br />The brigades in the area had additional cause to celebrate as the NSW Government handed over the long awaited tankers and bus to their Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra and Orange operations.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-50268974033028905292009-11-02T13:06:00.004+11:002011-02-23T21:39:20.516+11:00Orange Outstanding Business Awards 2009Congratulations to the Orange Business Chamber for all their work contributing to the GGU Orange Outstanding Business Awards 2009. The Orange Business Chamber aims to bring Orange businesses closer together and to promote these business to develop a better economy for all businesses.<br /><br />In a festive dinner dance at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club, awards were given in over a dozen categories. The theme this year was “driving energy efficiency and water conservation in our community.” This was a very well attended evening and everyone had a great time celebrating and dancing.<br /><br />Winners include:<br />Retail Small – Skinsational Beauty Therapy<br />Retail Medium to large – Printflow<br />Professional Services – Orange Veterinary Hospital<br />Hard Trade – Jeff Hort Engineering<br />Soft Trade – Sheeradiance<br />Tourism, Food, Accommodation – Black Sheep Inn<br />Manufacturing – Almighty Industries<br />Agribusiness – Orange Veterinary Hospital<br />Innovation – Orange Courier Service<br />New and Emerging Business – Small Acres Cyder<br />Not For Profit – Orange Credit Union<br />Energy Efficiency – Mick Fabar Engineering<br />Water Conservation – Electrolux Home Products<br />People’s Choice Business – Mission Australia Community Services<br />People’s Choice Employee - Catherine Bayada<br /><br /><em>I attended as a representative of Orange City Council and very much enjoyed the entertaining and informative evening: a culmination of outstanding achievements.</em>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-52130227864536338622009-10-31T22:16:00.001+11:002009-11-11T23:44:04.180+11:00Up Coming Events<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c0EJfT2YmFxNMgTs66xeAL2KqTduWDSdMXcFcLtzihg0_4BxlnYr007LvQ7qaruF3o_UOPA6xVHb4LChhHlKDe8hFRoDRX_KUA_vbE-tV2sdFw03qO7C8x4FoIcbVs-Xco2WrncywLUh/s1600-h/FamilyPhotos+037-ds.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360011798406715218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c0EJfT2YmFxNMgTs66xeAL2KqTduWDSdMXcFcLtzihg0_4BxlnYr007LvQ7qaruF3o_UOPA6xVHb4LChhHlKDe8hFRoDRX_KUA_vbE-tV2sdFw03qO7C8x4FoIcbVs-Xco2WrncywLUh/s320/FamilyPhotos+037-ds.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Children's Week Celebrations-28th October</div><div>Rotary Friendship Exchange-16th October</div><div></div><div>Freshly Plucked Festival receives funds- 2nd October</div><div></div><div>Tim Sullivan Car Park-30th September</div><div>Glenroi Public Meeting- 24th September</div><div></div><div>St Petersburg Quartet- 23rd September</div><div></div><div>NAIDOC Week Celebrations-20th till 26th September</div><div></div><div>Rotary Enviro Expo- 18th till 20th September</div><div></div><div>Fusion's 20th Anniversary Orange-19th September</div><div></div><div>Blackmans Swamp Stormwater Harvesting Official opening-27th August</div><div></div><div>Rotary Club North Orange-Guest Speaker-13th August</div><div></div><div>Civic Welcome The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC-3rd August</div><div></div><div>Frost Fest opening-30th July</div><div></div><div>Art Health and Wellbeing Music Conservatorium-31st July</div><div></div><div>Nationals Warren Truss-30th July</div><div></div><div>Cpt Paul Moulds Oasis-27th July</div><div></div><div>After Five Action Coach-28th July</div><div></div><div>Certificate of Appreciation presentation-23rd July</div><div></div><div>PCYC- Sir Neville Howse Stadium- 13th July</div><div></div><div></div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-57008708756354908142009-10-30T13:27:00.003+11:002011-02-23T21:39:04.060+11:00Tough Times, Smart Solutions<a href="http://www.lgsa-plus.net.au/www/html/2217-2009-lga-conference.asp">The Local Government Association of NSW Annual Conference </a>2009 was held in Tamworth from the 24th to 28th of October 2009. <a href="http://www.lgsa-plus.net.au/www/html/447-home-page.asp">The Local Government Association </a>is an association of councils representing metropolitan and large regional councils, resolved to provide leadership and advocacy for the benefit of all communities. Over 600 delegates from member councils as well as representatives of County Councils meet to discuss and set policy for the coming year. Mayor John Davis and I attended to represent our district.<br /><br />The theme was, appropriately, Tough Times, Smart Solutions. The conference focused on finding ways for councils to continue to deliver quality services and infrastructure to their communities despite the severe curtailment of our finances and the increasing demands of modern society.<br /><br />Australia’s population is constantly growing and the development and provision of our services must also grow to meet future needs. The conference discussed many cross-council issues for this future.<br /><br />· Housing and town planning included: developing sustainable housing corridors, housing linked to transport routes, mandatory green house gas emissions reductions, reducing water leakage and usage, recycling and rate-pegging.<br />· Health issues included: using local development laws to ban artificial trans-fats in fast food outlets (e.g. Gosford and Kogarah), and discouraging smoking in public areas - thirty percent of NSW councils have some sort of outdoor smoking policy.<br />· Recognition of the critical role of local government in tourism by identifying opportunities to attract new investment and planning for the needs of tourism destinations.<br />· Local Government Amendment (Planning and Reporting) Bill 2009 has been passed by Parliament and now new tendering guidelines have been provided to assist councils in the procurement of goods and services.<br />· The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework provides a legislative base for councils to develop mechanisms that facilitate direct citizen participation in the strategic planning process.<br />· Encouraging many Regional Organisations of Councils to develop resource-sharing initiatives that align with the planning and reporting reforms.<br />Lots to be thinking about and actively including in our work for a better community.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-48824924119035840702009-10-29T14:45:00.002+11:002011-02-01T15:16:23.498+11:00Children's Week CelebrationsOn Wednesday 28th October Glenroi Community Centre celebrated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><a href="http://www.childrensweek.org.au/what_children.html">Children's Week</a></span><a href="http://www.childrensweek.org.au/what_children.html"> </a>with a fun day of disco, play-dough modelling, mural painting, bubble blowing, face painting and jumping castles!<div><br /><div>This nationwide, annual event provides an opportunity to emphasise a child's right to enjoy childhood and celebrates the talents, skills and achievements of children. Kids from Family Day Care, Occasional Care, Courallie Park Child Development Centre, Spring Street Children's Centre, Yarrawong Children's Centre, Bush Babies Playgroup and the Multicultural Mothers Group all attended and had a great time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Each of these centres is supported by council.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I found the enthusiasm of the kids, staff and parents to be very enjoyable and I was so proud knowing that our council provides such positive, family focused services. For more information about our council's commitment to the community have a quick look on the council website.</div></div><div><a href="http://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/site/index.cfm?display=147079">Orange City Council Children's Services</a></div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-90091351109903380472009-10-23T13:39:00.004+11:002011-02-23T21:38:46.710+11:00Australian National Field Days 2009Held over three days from Tuesday 20th to Thursday the 22nd, this year’s <a href="http://www.anfd.com.au/">Australian National Fields Days </a>event was another success for our community. The feature exhibit was “Changing Agriculture in a Changing Environment”. This is a fabulous event for our community, bringing in new ideas and expertise. Orange itself was particularly busy over the full week supplying the accommodation and needs of exhibitors and visitors alike.<br /><br />The feature exhibit concentrated how to better prepare and adapt to meet the challenges of modern agricultural and environmental concerns. Exhibitors gave information on a range of issues including: biodiversity, soils, water management, cultural heritage awareness and native vegetation. I particularly enjoyed our council’s stall focusing on low water use plants.<br /><br />There was even a demonstration soil pit was outside the pavilion manned by <a href="http://cw.cma.nsw.gov.au/">Catchment Management Authority (CMA)</a> where all landholders were encouraged to bring along their soil samples or soil test results for analysis and discussion. Water quality testing was also available for testing samples and advisers discussed improvement methods there too.<br /><br />Probably the most topical event of this year was watching a solar-powered Mitsubishi Triton Ute used to sow crops! It was developed by an innovative, Bathurst farmer Michael Inwood, the electric-powered vehicle, charged from solar panels, can pull a disc seeder! This is another great example of farmers looking at finding their own solutions and exploring ways to improve their land management and energy saving practices.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-85650776427326250572009-10-17T13:54:00.004+11:002011-02-23T21:38:22.005+11:00Oregon Rotary ExchangeIt looks like I’ve found my “twin” in Oregon!<br /><br />This week Orange hosted a number of Rotarians from Oregon as part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange program. They are touring across NSW and spending three days in many different regions.<br /><br /><a href="http://rotarydownunder.com.au/">The Rotary Friendship Exchange program </a>gives Rotarians and their families the chance to host and then visit other Rotarians from around the world. The idea is to build international understanding and goodwill among communities. As well as experiencing other cultures and making lasting friendships, an exchange may provide opportunities for vocational experiences and developing service projects.<br /><br />I was able to spend some time with the group before they left and aside from discovering a virtual “twin” in the person of Carol Winston, I was also impressed by the possibilities offered by programs like this. We often see opportunities for <a href="http://www.caseo.org.au/member_organisations/">Youth Exchange</a> to encourage personal growth and connectedness for young people; however, it is rarer for these opportunities to be offered to “mature” candidates, it is good to see they do exist!Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-66264031347710654912009-10-13T13:57:00.002+11:002011-02-01T15:17:04.659+11:00Prostate Cancer Awareness at Wellness House<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Monday 12/10/2009 </span><a href="http://www.thewellnesshouse.com.au/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Wellness House</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> held a sound and light show to highlight prostate cancer awareness. Wellness House glowed with blue lights and enthusiasm. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This is such a worthwhile cause aimed at assisting those whose lives have been touched by prostate cancer. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">All funds raised were given to the Orange Prostate Cancer Support Group to encourage their ongoing support for men in this region. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">A wonderful evening was had by all who attended with many thanks to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Alan Brown (Centrestate Sound and Lighting) as well as </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Cecilia Rochelli and Andrew Ferguson for their time and skills to support this event.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:Times;font-size:small;"><p align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">People affected by prostate cancer are often bewildered by conflicting information about the disease and find it difficult to get clear and accurate answers to their questions. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> Orange Prostate Cancer Support Group</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> aims </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> t0 offer valuable background information, patient support materials, and contacts for advice on living with prostate cancer. Y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ou need never be alone in this journey.</span></span></p><p align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Please contact Barry Spilstead on 0427 624 067 for more information or to donate</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"> to this worthwhile cause. </span></p><p align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family:Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></p><h2 style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 122, 193); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 198, 202); font-family:Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/">The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></h2></span><p></p></div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-76851786327847234332009-10-12T13:28:00.001+11:002009-10-20T22:44:09.462+11:00Prostate Cancer Awareness-Wellness House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1etre1zJEGdac0WtOe6T-glzP2XPWfEB5kVoBem3xWGulcIm4kctf4hpBHaKkWpTL-1RR_WAzYCjpZsWn-XtxWFVGD4fmdJ48az2efof0VO8hJNTV9AnBL6UfJ1aLTYh8djSQBypvN4w/s1600-h/Blue+NIght+016.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394645232660695810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1etre1zJEGdac0WtOe6T-glzP2XPWfEB5kVoBem3xWGulcIm4kctf4hpBHaKkWpTL-1RR_WAzYCjpZsWn-XtxWFVGD4fmdJ48az2efof0VO8hJNTV9AnBL6UfJ1aLTYh8djSQBypvN4w/s320/Blue+NIght+016.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4ekX61D7fT4i5liBTrPMNNrcJHmBs8KNNJC7BT-MVLP6IvaMQ8ICCnaSafcFVDWIQnMV5VyU6xe727P4ZG3KDtRX9u_5BtkkvpC-VlQbSPEVF0HxHjgISSW8BguT41rZwG6oKeAxob0G/s1600-h/Blue+NIght+010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394643434235503154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4ekX61D7fT4i5liBTrPMNNrcJHmBs8KNNJC7BT-MVLP6IvaMQ8ICCnaSafcFVDWIQnMV5VyU6xe727P4ZG3KDtRX9u_5BtkkvpC-VlQbSPEVF0HxHjgISSW8BguT41rZwG6oKeAxob0G/s320/Blue+NIght+010.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The Orange Prostate Cancer support group and the Wellness Foundation presented a Prostate Cancer Awareness evening just recently in Orange. The Wellness House was lit up with blue lights and plenty of material was on display in the hope to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer within our community. Claudia did sm amazing job in helping to bring together the evenings events with other community representatives. Claudia is very active with the Wellness House Foundation.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The night was a great success with fabulous music from Cecilia Rochelli and Andrew Ferguson. The blue lighting was supplied by Alan Brown. Extensive resources were available to give people information about Prostate Cancer. There was mention about the extensive work that Orange City Council is currently doing to secure commonwealth funding to support the Regional Cancer Care centre of excellence.</div><br /><div></div>To learn more about Prostate Cancer visit the web-site <a href="http://www.prostate.org.au/">www.prostate.org.au</a><br /><div> </div></div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-20464717311405698382009-10-03T13:20:00.003+10:002011-02-23T21:31:16.458+11:00November's Freshly Plucked Festival<a href="http://www.freshlyplucked.com.au/">The Freshly Plucked Festiva</a>l is locked in for November but organisers are still seeking sponsorship to help this worthwhile event. <i>Magic Dirt</i> will headline the festival with <i>The Fumes</i>, <i>Regular John</i>, <i>The Jezabels</i>, <i>Claude Hay</i> and <i>Dreadnaught</i> also performing.<br /><br /><br />The aim of the festival is to remind us all that there are many great ways to have fun without drinki<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ng or taking drugs.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lyndon Community executive officer Craig Mills reports that the Lyndon Community will happily provide $2500 in funding sponsorship for the festival as an alcohol and drug free event.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.lyndoncommunity.org.au/Document1.aspx?id=2413">The Lyndon Community</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> is a dedicated non-government organisation providing alcohol and other drug treatment in residential and non residential programs. It provides accessible, high quality drug and alcohol services to reduce the harm and improve health and well being of individuals, families and the community. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to not only enjoy themselves but to also develop a variety skills and real world experiences. Theory is all well and good, but for personal growth they all need to get involved, they need to experience all the worthwhile opportunities our community can offer them. Sponsorship is the biggest hurdle. This youth outreach deserves more funding and any business interested in providing sponsorship can contact the Freshly Plucked Festival project officer Tara Selwood on 0407 208 467.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,102,102);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Geneva, 'Sans serif';font-size:13;" class="Apple-style-span" ><div><span style="font-size:+0;"><br /><br /></span><br /></div></span>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-79961169499815203782009-09-28T12:56:00.005+10:002011-02-23T21:30:50.118+11:00Tim Sullivan Car Park<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On Wednesday the 30th of September an unveiling ceremony was held for the Tim Sullivan car park which is at the near of the Orange Civic Centre.</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The dedication reads:<br /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"This facility was named in honour of Tim Sullivan (OAM) in recognition of his commitment to civic duties and to the Orange community. Mr. Sullivan was an Orange City Councillor from 1978 to 1991 and from 1995 to 1999. He was mayor of the City of Orange from 1983 to 1991. Mr. Sullivan was born on the 22 November 1944 and was educated at De la Salle Orange. He was a former board member of the Central Tablelands County Council, Advance Energy, Country Energy, Orange Agricultural College and the Bathurst Orange Development Corporation. He is a former president of the Orange City Rugby Union Club and the Orange CYMS Rugby League Club. He was awarded a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship in 1990. In 2003, Mr. Sullivan was also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to local government and the Orange community."</span></div></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>This is a fitting and much deserved </i></span><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>acknowledgment</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i> for a popular, fair and equitable mayor; a respectful recognition of his work and achievements.</i></span></div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-83387395873225319802009-09-24T14:24:00.001+10:002011-02-23T21:30:12.490+11:00Civic Reception for St. Petersburg QuartetOn Wednesday 23rd September Orange City Council held a civic reception for the St. Petersburg Quartet. This is the third visit to Orange for this group. They found Orange to be a delight and they thanked the community for the opportunity to perform.<br /><br />The St. Petersburg Quartet is one of the world's most esteemed chamber ensembles and they did not disappoint. All in all, this was a very enjoyable evening.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-48978440391411050682009-09-20T14:04:00.005+10:002011-02-23T21:29:54.095+11:00NAIDOC Week 2009<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.</span></span></span> <div><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.naidoc.org.au/">NAIDOC</a> stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It is a movement that started with the recognition of Aboriginal groups in the 1920's and aims to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Activities will take place across the region during NAIDOC Week (20th September - 26th September) and all Australians are encouraged to participate. The celebrations will culminate with a Family fun Day in the North Court near the council chambers (behind the Art Gallery and Library). There will be music, dance, jumping castles, food, local services, AMS, fire brigade, police, Bush Babies BBQ, bush tucker and games. There is something for everyone!<br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>I am so proud that the Orange City Council as one of the major sponsors of this week of activities and that it strives to uphold its <a href="http://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/site/index.cfm?display=178593">Statement of Commitment</a> to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">First People</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px" class="Apple-style-span"><i>: to acknowledge and promote Aboriginal culture and heritage, to support Aboriginal people in the Orange community and to address issues specific to the local Aboriginal community</i></span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2pxfont-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>. </i></span></span><p style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.6em; MARGIN: 1em 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.6em; MARGIN: 1em 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></span></div>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-51314853566250914742009-09-20T13:37:00.003+10:002011-02-23T21:28:43.270+11:00Fusion’s 20th Anniversay in OrangeOn Saturday the 19th September, <a href="http://au.fusioninternational.org/">Fusion</a> held their 20th Anniversary and celebrated with a Variety Night Fundraiser! This was a very enjoyable evening with numerous performances, a silent auction, audio-visual presentations and supper.<br /><br />Fusion is a youth and community organisation which emerged as a response to socially-at-risk young people in Australia. Today, Fusion has over 250 staff and thousands of volunteers in 45 teams and centres throughout the world.<br /><br />Part of the work of Fusion includes seeking to build a sense of community and purpose for individuals. Fusion Centres are established in response to local need. In Australia Fusion supports: drop in centres and Youth Cafes, lunch time programs in schools, accommodation programs, craft and social activities for isolated women, parenting programs for young single mothers, mentoring and special programs for teenagers at risk, employment training schemes, outdoor education programs, and community festivals designed to build connection.<br /><br />This is a worthwhile organisation that deserves greater recognition for the work they do.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-12573355767318365022009-08-14T13:23:00.003+10:002011-02-23T21:28:04.481+11:00Rotary Club of Orange North Presentation<a href="http://www.rotarydownunder.com.au/">The Rotary Club of Orange North</a> is a group for men who involve themselves in many fundraising activities for our community. They form one of a group of Rotary Club affiliations operating in Orange. Among their achievements is their involvement in: the building of the hospital helipad, Rotary Park, the Careflight hanger foundations, park picnic shelters, an aged care emergency call system (Herald Award for this), fencing to assist lake Cargelligo farmers, tree planting, roadside clean-up and house painting (“Paint Your Heart Out”).<br /><br />On the 13th of August, I was invited to speak to this group about my involvement as a participant in the <a href="http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/">Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLF). </a>This inspiring program is undertaken part-time for 16 months and aims to give focus and direction to those with an active commitment to their communities and is such an eye opener. It exists to create a network of leaders with compassion and commitment, with strategic thinking and negotiating skills, and with the insight to influence communities, industries, businesses and policy makers. There are now over 500 graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Program who are committed to the strengthening of rural Australia through their industry, community, and family leadership roles.<br /><br />The graduates' network is a growing national resource, yet the program could not operate without the sponsorships of many community groups and organisations. In my own case it was the sponsorship of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government that made it all possible. Many thanks for their faith in me.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8853295452124613152.post-13374090025507356582009-08-13T13:19:00.003+10:002011-02-23T21:26:54.356+11:00Rotary Expo 2009Rotary Orange will host a timely “Smart Choices for Living” Exposition on the 18th, 19th and 20th September. The aim of this expo is to help us all live more sustainably by providing an opportunity for the community, industry and government to showcase practical ideas on what people can do to live in a more environmentally neutral manner.<br /><br />This is a fabulous opportunity to view new ideas for energy efficient building, renewable energy, efficient water use and recycling. There is such a growing range of energy efficient household equipment, waste minimisation ideas and recycling opportunities that it is time for us all to be informed and involved.<br /><br /><em>There is even the opportunity for seminars to be run by local businesses to showcase and explain their great products. Let’s seize the day!</em>Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15546507985122454777noreply@blogger.com0