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, March 30, 2007

March 2007: Green Corps

I had the opportunity along with my son Tristan to attend the launch of the Orange Green Corps project: Hinton Reserve Restoration. The launch was held at the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Orange where the young people had a display of some of the work they did. They are only 5 weeks into the porject just now and already it is clear that they have good team work skills and good work ethics.
It is always pleasing to see young people who enjoy the work that they do. Dont think for one moment that this would only be a male orientated job working in horticulture. There were several females in the team, one of which was the supervisor.
I wish this team well and thank them for taking such a interest in our environment and city of Orange.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Pet Expo- Fly Ball 25th March

What a great day out for the whole family, there were animals everywhere. There were horse rides, pet shows, artwork, reptile area, stall holders and even an education van plus plenty of places to sit and have a picnic. The days events were well organised and credit should be given to the Rotary clubs for this great family event.
My family and I brought along one of our Shar Pei's (rolly polly dog) to be a part of the fly ball contest. There was a celebrity event organised and because of being a Councillor I was asked to be involved. My dog and I had to run up a track with jumps along the way and then at the end pick up a tennis ball put it in the dogs mouth and run back. There was a catch if the dog didn't put the ball in his mouth then I had to put it in mine and run back to the start.
Well a big pat on the back and belly for Barney our dog because he tried really hard, he did become a little weary or stubborn in the end and had a bit of a rest. He was given a pack of wonderful goodies along with the other contenders. It provided an entertaining scene and to this day I still have people stop and ask me how Barney is.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

State Election 24th March

Well this is the day to make an important decision. A decision that will effect your electorate and the State in which you live. Which party and which person to vote for thats the main information required. The day of the election is the day when I am very clear in my mind who I vote for and so it was on March the 24th.
I wish all the candidates well, obviously there will only be one winner in our electorate and whoever that may be I would like to think that the emergency services including the development of the new police station and hospital, education and the environment will all rate highly on their future agenda.