About Us

Welcome to "Australian Family Matters"

Australian Family Matters is a website which was initially set up by the Founders Paul and Fiona with the help of their children, friends and acquaintances.  It has now become a "not for profit" organisation with many new things happening in the near future. See below to find out who the Board Members are.

Please feel free to browse through the site and add your stories, tips and pictures relating to family life.  We welcome your input.  You will need to register first in both the story section and the forum section.

It doesnt matter where you come from in the world we would love to hear from you.

This web-site is new and will grow and develop with time and we would love your suggestions and ideas so please contact us and tell us what you think.

We can also be contacted via mail P.O. Box 497 Orange 2800 NSW or Phone Anni Ph 0408 654510 or Fiona 0409 662525

Enjoy the site and we look forward to your regular visits. Oh and dont forget to pass this link onto your friends.

Australian Family Matters-Definition of Family

Australian Family Matters considers defining "family" in the broadest and most inclusive way.  A person or persons who belong to a group of people associated either biologically, emotionally or lawfully.  This group of people are significant to a person's psychological, spiritual and physical well being.  In practice, Australian Family Matters support's "families" as being self-defining and we believe that all types of families be respected and supported.

Mission Statement:

"Involving the community in a quality interactive family website, offering a range of resources, workshops, networks and forums for children, youth and those in the parenting role.  The Australian Family Matters website is a not for profit organisation which will offer a growing range of resources, initially for Orange NSW and expanding across the region and State."

About the site

This site has a two fold purpose the first being to provide a network and supporting environment and the second part is to help people whether travelling, newcomers or locals with a directory of places that are friendly for families to visit.

To explain a little more about the 1st reason for setting up this site please read on. This website has been set up to provide the opportunity for people to network, share stories, tips and ideas whilst supporting each other. Paul and Fiona moved to Australia 14 years ago and found that being new to town was a challenge especially with young children and no immediate family close by.

With the many friendships they made over the years living in Orange, they shared and received information about parenting and relationships from others which they believe helped them to grow in a positive, warm and friendly environment to become better parents.

Some of the information and assistance they had over the years did come from professionals and it is recommended that people continue to access those important services. Fiona and Paul have gathered up great ideas and solutions to some of the parenting challenges and they believe that this site will allow others that same opportunity to share what works for them.

There is also the opportunity for professionals in regards to health, education and fun playtime activities to come on board and share information relevant to children, youth and parents which is inclusive of grandparents. For further information contact us for details and visit the other pages on this site.  By mail P.O. Box 497 Orange NSW 2800 or phone Anni 0408 654510 or Fiona 0409 662525.

The 2nd reason for having this web-site was to provide a directory for families who live in or come to visit Orange. Paul and Fiona found when preparing their trips for holidays that seeking out information specifically for families proved to be quite time consuming.

This directory also aims to provide information about cost effective and free places to visit for example the many varied local parks, walking and riding tracks and swimming areas. There are also listings of recreational venues that welcome and make a point of accommodating the family with children.

This website has initially focussed on Orange as a destination to visit because this is the Board Member's home town. There is the opportunity for other towns to come on board and display their details that are friendly to families. For further information contact us for details.

This site is a work in progress and will have monthly updates in certain sections. The site has been set up as a not for profit organisation which would welcome donations, sponsors and grant funding. For further information contact us for details

Board Members for Australian Family Matters

President- Fiona Rossiter

RN JP

Fiona has lived in Orange for the past 16 years and has been an active member within the community.  She completed her Nursing Degree in 2000 and now works in her specialty area as a Theatre Nurse at Orange Base Hospital.  Fiona was active in initiating and bringing to Orange a Fairy Sparkle garden for the childrens ward.

Fiona is involved in other community organisations such as the Youth Interagency, Health Liason Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Ronald McDonald House Orange, Aboriginal Health Clinical Advisory, Cancer Care Western NSW and an Executive member of Australian Local Government Womens Association NSW.

Fiona was elected to Council in 2004 and enjoys the resposibility that this position holds with Orange City Council.  Fiona is a peoples person and finds working directly with people very rewarding.

Fiona and husband Paul have eight children between them as well as being Foster Care parents.  She says that children keep her young in the mind and helps her better understand the importance of a vision for the future.  Fiona is studying Business Managment through TAFE with the hope of better understanding the organisation of Australian Family Matters.

To find out more about Fiona, read the PDF file below

Fiona's Connections (PDF File)

Vice President- Anthony Short - Solicitor

Anthony has a real interest in business and providing legal services that facilitate clients undertaking their business activities ranging from contract preparation and drafting, loan documentation advice, conveying businesses, business structures, asset protection and tax advice.  Anthony works in partnership at Blackwood and Short Solicitors.
The natural consequence of being highly involved with people in business is that Anthony is fortunate to be able to assist with private and commercial property buys, sells and leases.

With his background as a Chartered Accountant Anthony is well equipped to provide legal tax advice. He enjoys the challenge and complexity of this area of the law – which makes him one of a few people in regional Australia. With such an interest Anthony’s tax background makes him not only invaluable in the world of business affairs but in estate planning for all.

Anthony worked for 14 years as a Chartered Accountant including four years as a Partner in a regional firm located in Orange. His clients included small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the areas of taxation and business services including workers compensation, OH&S and payroll tax. He advised clients in structuring their business, asset protection and estate planning.

Anthony also has an interest in aged care and is a Board Member of 6 years with Wontama Nursing Home. He also has academic involvement at Charles Sturt University teaching tax and company law.

Anthony's qualifications and memberships are:

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Computing), Charles Sturt University
• Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Charles Sturt University
• Chartered Accountant
• Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Macquarie University
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Australian National University

In his spare time Anthony enjoys being a spectator in Rugby Union, Motor Cycle Touring and Gardening and Landscaping.

Secretary- Anni Gallagher

Anni has recently completed a Bachelor of Social Work with Charles Sturt University, Wagga. 
Anni, has lived in Orange for over 26 years, having met her Australian partner in Gloucester, England. Anni and Peter have four children, the youngest two still in High School.
Anni has been involved in many community organisations in fundraising capacities and as a volunteer and paid worker. This has included: five years with Anglicare Western NSW involved with Community Development and Disaster Recovery training; three years work with the Child and Parent Stress Centre (CAPS); seven years as a Breastfeeding Counsellor with the Australian Breastfeeding Association, (then NMAA) and currently as a Licensed Lay Minister with St Barnabas Anglican Church.
Anni is presently the Migrant Support Worker for Orange City Council with outreach to Parkes, Forbes and Cabonne Shires and is also on the Regional Advisory Council for the Community Relations Commission in the Central West.

Treasurer- Paul Rossiter

Paul has lived in Orange for 16 years with wife Fiona.  He is a butcher by trade and owned his own business for 10 years.  He moved to Australia and became skilled in various additional areas.
After being involved in a work accident  and sustaining significant injuries Paul reversed roles with his wife and took on the stay at home dad role.  He enjoyed this new found experience and didnt realise how much growth and fun he had missed out on watching his children grow up in previous years. 
He has just recently started a new part-time business which he owns and it involves garden care.  Paul has a passion for the great outdoors and in his spare time looks after his two Shar-Pei's and has recently taken up dog breeding.
Paul and Fiona have eight children between them as well as being Foster Care parents.  Paul likes the houshold full of laughter and noise and finds no shortage of things to do.  Paul is very active in this web site in the forum section and doesnt mind writing the occasional story.

Rachel Diduszko

Rachel was born in Orange 35 years ago, where her European emigrant grandparents settled in the 1940's. Experienced in business management & recruitment, Rachel holds a Professional Diploma in HR from Deakin University and has also trained as a Migration Agent (not currently registered). Returning to Orange 12 months ago to help care for her nephew and nieces. Rachel became involved with the Orange Ronald McDonald House charity committee after seeing first hand the benefits that the accommodation had for her own brothers family. Her Brother and Sister-In-Law have relied on RHM Westmead for the last 8 months, while caring full time for their 8 year old daughter (Maddy) who has a brain tumour. Rachel is an active Aunty helping to care for her Brothers other 3 children (along with their Grandmother) until Maddy can come home. Completing her first Chairperson role recently for the Orange Star Search talent quest/ fundraiser, she helped raise money towards the building of Orange's own RMH and the Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music. Other than the entrepreneurial and tech savvy traits, Rachel couldn't be further from the stereotypes of her Generation X age group. While she brings a youthful blend of business acumen and passion to the AFM team, Rachel is dedicated to old fashioned family values and not-for-profit organisations benefiting children, families and the community. Her interests include golf, team sports, charity work and human behaviour.

Michelle Hinchcliffe

Michelle has lived within the Central Western Area all of her life and has lived in Orange for the past 15 years. In 2005 with her husband Len, she welcomed the arrival of their son Duncan. Michelle has over 12 years experience in Business Management, 14 months in Recruitement and is now working in the local area in Business Development.

Michelle highly values family and the strength, support & sense of belonging that it brings to those within the families and the communities in which they live. Having experienced some of the tragedies and joys of life Michelle has an acute understanding of how important family unity and community support is and the differences that these can make to people’s lives.

Having taken some time off after the birth of her son, Michelle then returned to work, but still finds time to be actively involved the community supporting not for profit charities and organisations which now include Orange Mountain Evening VIEW club and Australian Family Matters.

Ruth Fagan

Ruth trained as a journalist and has a degree in Business Studies from Charles Sturt University. 
She has lived in Cowra for the past 25 years and has owned and operated various businesses in Cowra.
Ruth has been involved in many community organisations including Chairman for eight years of the Cowra Tourism Corporation.  She has been on the Board of Tourism NSW for the past eight years and was elected to the Cowra Shire Council in 2004 and Deputy Mayor in 2005.
Ruth is the owner of a Vineyard in Cowra.

Indirect Members

Paul Smith-Psychologist, Author and Guest Speaker

Paul Smith has trained elite sports groups such as NSW Cricket (Senior & Junior squads).  NSW Netball team (Under 21s Australian Champions), NSW Rugby League team, Australian Schoolboys Rugby League teams, NSW Swimming squads, nine National Rugby League clubs, Sydney Kings and West Sydney Razorbacks Basketball teams, as well as the Sydney Swans.  His individual clients have become World, National and State Champions.
His outstanding reputation as a sports psychologist has led to training with corporate clients such as Westpac, Elders Real Estate, HMAS Albatross Naval Air Station, DHL International, Oil Search, Fuji Xerox, Huxley Homes, IAG, Mazda, Prebon Yamane, NSW Department of Corrective Services, NSW Local Government & Shires Associations plus many Councils such as Armidale, Maitland, Blacktown and Tumut.
Paul is passionate about helping young people.  He presents seminars in schools and is the author of the bestselling book How To Have An Outstanding Life.  Paul is often interviewed in major newspapers and on radio and television about the mental side of success.  He is a guest lecturer in high performance psychology at Wollongong University.
You can now find Paul's latest book 1001 Questions to Change Your Life in book stores. It was reviewed in the 2007 Winter issue of GQ magazine: 'get some helpful self-help.  A set of succint, thoughtful answers to quandries such as "Can you be as passionate as Marge and Homer Simpson?"  The result is a thinking-man's life bible, packed with wit, wisdom and pop-culture quotes and references.'
We have been fortunate to have Paul Smith become one of our major supporters and with that you can read information from Paul on this site.  If you look in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section you will find "How do we become a great Parent".
Paul's driving belief is "Be outstanding!"

Dr Annie B

Annie was born and bred on a farm at Toogong in the Central West. She trained as a doctor at Sydney University in the mid 1980’s and became a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners http://www.racgp.org.au:80/ Since then she has practiced as a rural general practitioner. Her special interest areas include women’s health, community health and sexual health.
Annie was lured back to Orange in 1998 where she juggles family life with work and other passions. These include:
Singing in a community women’s choir. ‘The Ophir Tones”.
Wooing and organising world class musicians, such as Mikelangelo and The Black Sea Gentlemen, across the Blue Mountains to perform in the Central West.
Involvement in school life including submission writing  - these days concentrating on the increasing gender gap for boys in education and ways to engage boys in school life.
Art
Community health projects
Annie strongly believes in the importance of a sense of belonging and community involvement and the close link that this has to good health and wellbeing.

Bruce Buchanan

Our silent but very busy member Bruce works with the Business Enterprise Centre Central West as the Executive Officer.

Founders-Paul and Fiona

Paul and Fiona arrived in Orange 16 years ago after leaving Scotland. They were actually passing through Orange and decided to stop overnight as their children were restless. Needless to say they didn't move on and Orange became their home. They arrived in Orange with two children and another on the way it didn't take long for them to meet up with other parents and develop friendships that they still hold dear to them today. Paul and Fiona love family life and wouldn't swap it for the world, which is quite unique given that they now have six children in Australia and two more children overseas. Six months ago they also became Foster Parents. They have three grandchildren and feel very blessed.

Paul is the backbone for the family and with the help from their children makes it possible for Fiona to work with the community. They say that they are very lucky to live in a community that works so hard to support all the people that live in and around their town. Fiona and Paul are passionate about working for the greater good of all families and believe that becoming a family should be an experience that is to be enjoyed and treasured. Paul has encouraged Fiona to do many things in her life one of which was to set up this website.

Their family have always been involved closely with the community and this is evidenced again by learning of another fundraising committee that Fiona is on. This year she became one of the Founding members of the newly established Ronald McDonald House for Orange. Again there is the relationship to children and their families. The Orange committee along with the help of the central west communities hope to raise 1.5 million dollars so that they can have the first house in the Mid West and the 13th house with McDonalds. This house is crucial to families as the distances some people have to travel are extraordinary. For further details visit the fundraising section.

They could write a book about the `how to' of fundraising and working with teams. Relay for life, Salvation Army Door Knock Appeal, Care flight Miss Orange, Shave for a cure, helped in construction with Orange Adventure Playground, School fundraisers, Jump Rope for Heart and Miss Epilepsy, Fairy Sparkle Garden at Hospital and Star Search amongst others are all fundraisers that the Rossiter family have worked on to give a helping hand. Fiona believes that children learn from these experiences some very important values such as respect and trust. Fiona also believes that children can be really good teachers and that we just need to stop and take the time to notice what they are showing and telling us. In the future Fiona would like to do more Public Speaking and work on developing and presenting programes that support families.

If you would like to learn more about Fiona and her family move on to Fiona's Connection's there is also information if you would like to learn more about her Councillor role, Woman of the Year, Health Council, Fairy Sparkle Garden, Star Search, Ronald McDonald House, Community Radio Show, Justice of the Peace, Toastmasters and her Guest Speaker appearance at Going Public in October 2006. For future plans and involvements that Fiona and her Family become involved in be sure to visit monthly for updates. If you would like certain topics discussed or particular information displayed then please contact us and help us make this site user friendly for you.