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


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Refurbishment Orange Regional Conservatorium


Orange Regional Conservatorium is the hub of the music industry not only in Orange but for Regional NSW. Graham Sattler leads the way and is one of the key driving forces behind the Conservatorium. He is sitting at the front of this picture when involved in a community event called Orange Star Search.
The Orange Regional Conservatorium now has improved acoustics, new seating for the audience and improved interior design and colour. As a part of the evening several performances were heard with renowned ensembles, a showcase really of what the Conservatorium has to offer in the way of talent.


The Orange Regional Conservatorium is a non-profit community based organisation located in Central NSW. It was born when the Orange Music Association (established in 1989) and Orange Symphony Orchestra merged in 2000 for the purpose of creating more efficient use of limited physical and artistic resources in regional NSW.


The Orange Regional Conservatorium's core business is its "Lifelong Learning" tuition program, which it offers to students of all ages and stages. In the areas of strings, woodwind, brass, percussion or keyboard, students receive a level of music education equivalent to their metropolitan counterparts.


Over 300 musicians perform in ensemble activity resulting in annual community concerts at which professional, student and amateur musicians enrich the cultural life of the region and gain valuable experience through exposure of their talents.


Visit Orange Regional Conservatorium website to learn more.


Friday, May 15, 2009

Presentations to Orange City Council Staff


The purpose of this function was to recognise staff for their service, and particularly recognise long serving members of staff. Councillors were invited to attend and be a part of the presentation evening.


This was a lovely casual evening where we were able to talk with the staff from Orange City Council directly. This is something that otherwise does not happen due to a council policy. On saying that though I do communicate when passing or attending similar events or meetings held with Council. The event was held at the scenic Botanical Gardens which provided a tranquil setting.


This was a very proud evening with Council staff ranging in service, receiving awards from 25 to 45 years. There were 33 presentations made for this outstanding service. To be committed and obviously enjoying the work environment you work in for that number of years is outstanding. We are privileged to have these people working for our Council.

Well done!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Premi-Babes Mothers Day Luncheon


Premi Babes Orange has been established since 1973. Congratulations on your efforts!
The Mothers Day Luncheon is an annual event for Premi-Babes and something I tend to support. On this particular day though I was attending on behalf of the Mayor. The purpose of the luncheon was to raise funds to purchase special neo-natal equipment to be used in the Maternity unit at Orange Base Hospital. This equipment so often means that premi-babes born in Orange can receive the treatment they need here and not have to be flown to the metropolitan area for treatment.


Some points worth noting:

Orange City Council has supported Premi-Babes Association over the past years.

Premi Babes received the Australia Day Community Group Award in 2008 which was put on display in the Maternity Unit of Orange Base.

Premi- Babes is closely linked to Nursing Mothers Association

The community is grateful for the marvellous fundraising activities by Prem Babes over the years (eg first humidicribs and specialist and vital equipment at Orange Hospital)

Council is looking forward to when the new Hospital is commissioned when it is hoped that Orange will have one of the best equipped paediatric wards in country NSW along with our Maternity Unit.

The community is very grateful to members of the Association and their many volunteers who give their support in so many ways- they are very special people.



My husband and I have been in need of the resources made available by the Premi Babes Association on several occasions for several of our new born babies. We were and always will be incredibly grateful that these resources are on hand and helped with the transition to life for our new born babies.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

OBrien Centre 10th Birthday Bash

Although I didn't get the chance to attend this function I believe it is well worth talking about the work that the O'Brien Centre does. This detail comes from their web-site

Background to service
Following its formation in 1993, the Mid Western Consumer Advisory Group Inc identified the need to provide a safe environment where people living with a mental illness would have the opportunity to develop friendships, gain social and work skills, advocate for mental health consumers, enhance partnerships with service providers and community members and overcome stigma.

Mission Statement
The Mid Western Consumer Advisory Group Inc seeks to become an equal, vital and central part of the Mental Health community by providing support for consumers and carers living with mental health issues.

The goals of the Mid Western Consumer Advisory Group Inc can be found at their website along with additional information. This is a valuable service to our community!
Visit O'Brien Centre Orange