“I have written to the Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, highlighting how important this program is, and urging her to provide a rock-solid guarantee that the NSW Labor Government will continue to invest in our regional communities through the SCCF,” Ms Cooke said.
In what will be a significant test of Labor’s commitment to regional NSW, Ms Cooke is urging Premier Chris Minns, and Minister Moriarty, to commit to rolling out the $90 million in funding that had been set aside by the previous Coalition Government, for the next round of the program.
“Since the Stronger Country Communities Fund was implemented in 2017 by the previous Liberal/Nationals Coalition Government, it has invested over $56 million in 270 projects across the Cootamundra electorate alone,” Ms Cooke said.
“That’s 270 projects that would otherwise not have got off the ground, and now Labor is looking to just walk away and leave a gaping hole in funding across our region,” she said.
Ms Cooke highlighted just some of the vital investments that have been made in previous funding rounds in the Cootamundra electorate, including an investment of $981,202 towards a splashpad and plant room at the Cowra Aquatic Centre, a contribution of $629,797 for an all-inclusive playground at Taylor Park in Grenfell, and $792,416 for Lambing Flat Enterprises to upgrade the Community Connections building, including improving site accessibility.
“Alarmingly, this NSW Labor Government doesn’t seem to realise the devastating impact that cutting these investments would have on the everyday lives of residents across our Cootamundra electorate,” Ms Cooke said.
“This funding is an investment in the future of our regional towns and villages; funding that makes a meaningful difference every day, and we are not about to sit idly by as Labor turns its back on regional New South Wales.”
Steph Cooke | 14 Aug 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Grants Local projects News Sport and Recreation
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke joined with proud local residents in Ganmain on Sunday, to officially open the revamped Ganmain multi-purpose sports facility.
“I had so much fun in Ganmain cheering from the sidelines as the Ganmain Grong Grong Matong (GGGM) Football Netball Club sides, played host to arch-rivals the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club,” Ms Cooke said.
“Cutting the ribbon to officially open the renovated netball and tennis courts at the Ganmain Sports Ground was a very special moment for me, and I was honoured to be asked along, to help launch what is sure to be the start of an exciting new era for sport in the area.
“Many volunteer hours went in to making the project a reality, and I congratulate everyone involved in helping create what is now a wonderful asset for current and future generations to enjoy,” she said.
Various groups provided funding for the project including Advance Ganmain, the Ganmain Show Society, GGGM Senior & Junior Football Netball Clubs, Ganmain Tennis Club, Coolamon Shire Council, and GrainCorp.
“It was a huge team effort, and you know what they say: teamwork makes the dream work,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’m proud to say the previous Liberal/Nationals State Government also played a part, contributing $193,883 towards the upgrade, under round four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
“Every day we’re reminded of the success of this program, and how it has made a really meaningful difference to the lives of people living in communities all across our Cootamundra electorate,” she said.
Steph Cooke | 05 Jul 2023 | Bland Shire Community Grants Local projects News
West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council has hosted the first of a series of Indigenous Weaving Workshops, thanks to funding of $21,359 through the Community and Place Grants Program from the former NSW Government.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the workshops are a great opportunity to take part in traditional art, celebrating First Nations cultural heritage.
“To come together through the weaving tradition, learn cultural and creative knowledge and gain a new skill, is a special opportunity to have available locally,” Ms Cooke said.
Leticia Payne from the West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council said the workshops are aimed at providing both members and the community an opportunity to come together.
“Not only do the participants learn a new skill, but they are also building support networks and creating stronger community connections,” Ms Payne said.
“We are looking forward to more workshops which are planned to be held in September and November of this year.”
Ms Cooke said the West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council has also been successful in gaining funding through Aboriginal Affairs NSW for a ‘NAIDOC Family Fun Day’, to be held on 21 October.
In celebration of NAIDOC Week, funding for four events in the Cootamundra electorate has been secured, including:
West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council have received $1,775 toward their ‘NAIDOC Family Fun Day’,
Narrungdera NAIDOC Committee, Narrandera have received $2,500 toward their ‘Celebrations for Our Elders’ event,
St Raphael’s Catholic School, Cowra have received $1,500 toward their ‘NAIDOC Celebration’, and
Young Mobile Play Activities have received $1,800 toward their ‘Young Mobile Play Activities NAIDOC Week’.
Steph Cooke | 20 Jun 2023 | Bland Shire Education Grants Local projects News
A Wiradjuri native garden and turf playing field at West Wyalong Public School, and new playground equipment and sand soft fall at Wyalong Public School, have been completed.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was pleased to visit each school community recently to view the projects funded in the fourth round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
“I am delighted that with the support of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, both West Wyalong and Wyalong Public Schools have benefitted from a real boost to their outdoor facilities,” Ms Cooke said.
“We know children thrive in the outdoors, and so I congratulate both the West Wyalong and Wyalong P&Cs for their vision in enhancing the outdoor learning environment available to students.”
Wyalong Public School P&C secured over $82,000 for the installation of new playground equipment, which replaced equipment which was over 20 years old.
“It is exciting for current and future students to have both of these projects delivered, and it is great to see the new equipment put to the test in person.”
Since 2017, a total of over $5.1 million has been secured for projects in Bland Shire through the former NSW Coalition Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Steph Cooke | 25 May 2023 | Community Grants Hilltops Council Local projects News
Horse riding activities at the Young Showground can now be enjoyed all year-round following over $550,000 in works funded through the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined members of Young Pony Club recently as they showed off their horse-riding skills in the new undercover facilities.
“It is fantastic to see the new arena already in use, providing a safer environment for riders with varying degrees of experience, including our local Riding for the Disabled program,” Ms Cooke said.
“It allows all involved in equine activities, including many children, to train in confidence and build their skillset regardless of the weather.
“The new arena also adds to the comfort of volunteers, supporters and the animals involved in making these activities such a great success.”
Ms Cooke said further works are also planned at the site, including the completion of staged improvements to the stables.
“It is hoped this project will support user groups to attract new members and other equine activities and events to town, which in turn brings about a welcome economic boost for local businesses.”
The undercover training area and stables have been made possible through funding of $554,080 secured through two rounds of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Steph Cooke | 24 May 2023 | All LGAs Community Grants Local projects News
Community groups are being encouraged to make an application under Round One of the Community War Memorials Fund, which is currently open.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help with projects such as conservation assessments, honour roll restoration and repairs to war memorial structures and halls.
“At Anzac Day last month, we gathered for services at local war memorials across the small seat of communities, to commemorate those who have fought to protect our way of life,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Community War Memorials Fund is a great opportunity to support local projects to ensure the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women continues to be remembered.”
The following organisations have secured funding in previous rounds of the program:
Junee Shire Council – Illabo Memorial Ground
Junee Shire Council – Eurongilly War Memorial
Grenfell Sub-branch of the RSL of Australia NSW Branch – Grenfell World War Two Memorial
Temora Lutheran Community Church – Trungley Hall War Memorial
Coolamon RSL Sub-branch – Coolamon Cenotaph
Ariah Park Community Projects – Ariah Park War Memorial
Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council – Muttama Hall
Cootamundra RSL Sub-branch – Albert Park Memorial
Bendick Murrell Memorial Hall & Recreation Ground Trust – Bendick Murrell Memorial Hall
Koowawatha Progress Association – Koorawatha Honour Roll
Naradhan Reserve Land – Naradhan RSL Honour Roll
Gundagai RSL Sub-branch – Gundagai – ANZAC Grove
Canowindra RSL Sub-branch – Canowindra War Memorial
Applications to Round One of the 2023/24 Community War Memorials Fund will close at 5pm on Tuesday 25 July 2023. For information about the program, including the application form, please visit Grants · Office for Veterans Affairs (nsw.gov.au)
Steph Cooke | 12 Apr 2023 | All LGAs Community Grants News
Wednesday, 12 April 2023
Primary producers, small business owners, not-for-profits and community organisations are reminded that disaster declaration applications for various weather events are closing soon.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging those who may be eligible for assistance to make sure they have all their documentation complete and submitted prior to the closing date.
“It’s been a very tough period right across the electorate and the road to recovery takes time. These grants are about ensuring those impacted can get back on their feet sooner,” Ms Cooke said.
“We’ve seen all nine local government areas in the Cootamundra electorate subject to a natural disaster declaration over the past 12 -18 months.”
The following declarations close soon:
Cowra LGA, applications close on 17 April 2023 for flooding from 27 June 2022 onwards (AGRN 1025).
Narrandera LGA, applications close on 22 April 2023 for flooding from 14 September 2022 onwards (AGRN 1034).
Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai and Hilltops LGA, application close on 28 April 2023 for flooding from 14 September 2022 onwards (AGRN 1034).
Junee and Temora LGA applications close on 4 May 2023 for flooding from 14 September 2022 onwards (ARGN 1034).
Declarations AGRN 1025 and AGRN 1034 fall under Category B, which allows for Primary Producers to apply for concessional loans of up to $130,000 and Transport Subsidy of up to $15,000. Small Businesses can apply for concessional loans up to $130,000 and non-for-profit and community organisations can apply for Concessional loans of up to $25,000.
In June, a further two declarations close:
Cowra LGA, applications close on 30 June 2023 for flooding from 27 June 2022 onwards (AGRN 1025).
Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra, Hilltops, Junee and Narrandera, Temora and Weddin LGA’s, applications close on 30 June 2023 for flooding from 4 August 2022 and 14 September 2022 onwards (AGRN 1030).
Declarations AGRN 1025 and AGRN 1030 fall under Category D, which allows for eligible Primary Producers to apply for special disaster grants of up to $75,000 and eligible Rural Landholders to apply for grants of up to $10,000.
Businesses can apply for Disaster Recovery via the Service NSW website. Customers can also call Service NSW on 13 77 88, register for a call back.
Steph Cooke | 15 Mar 2023 | Community Grants Narrandera Shire Sport and Recreation
Insulation improvement works have been completed at the Narrandera Sports Stadium thanks to funding of $65,000 secured by Narrandera Shire Council through the fourth Round through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was excited to officially unveil the completed works at the Stadium today with Narrandera Shire Council.
“The improvements at the Stadium are amazing, well done to local contractors PCR Building who have lined the internal walls with insulated cool room panels, your team have done a fantastic job,” Ms Cooke said.
“The players are going to love coming here to show off their court skills and the spectators will also benefit for the acoustic and thermal comforts.
“Participation in sport and active recreation makes us healthier, happier and has many economic benefits for the whole community.
“Our sports stadiums are so much more than a place for our athletes to compete they also provide a space for school concerts and community events.
“It is so important that we support our community infrastructure for locals and visitors to enjoy not only now but also for the future.”
Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka said he welcomes the upgrades to the Narrandera Stadium which has enabled Council to make significant improvements to this valued and popular facility.
“Local contractors PCR Building Services carried out the project, installing insulation across the interior of the walls to provide greater comfort and acoustics for users throughout the year,” Cr Kschenka said.
“Our sporting facilities are some of the best in the Riverina, and we are eager to continue making improvements to these vital venues to encourage more regional sporting events across Narrandera Shire.”
We have seen over $5.1 million invested in Narrandera Shire to deliver 30 projects since 2017 thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Steph Cooke | 15 Mar 2023 | Community Grants Junee Shire
The entire community of Junee will benefit from upgrades to the Junee Senior Citizen’s Hall thanks to a cash boost of $60,783 through the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding would help Junee Seniors Citizen’s Club continue its invaluable work in supporting our local active senior’s population.
“I am delighted the hall will receive an upgrade to improve the amenities and security for its patrons and those who hire the venue,” Ms Cooke said.
“This much-needed cash injection helps our regional groups do what they do best in serving their local communities.”
“It is hoped the funding will ignite community spirit and boost participation across the areas of sport and recreation, the arts and cultural activities.”
The works on Junee Citizen’s Hall will include the replacement of the existing toilets with a single unisex, accessible toilet and security upgrades with the installation of security grills on windows and CCTV.
There will also be a large television and internet connection installed to modernise the equipment and technology, allowing seniors to host various presentations, information sessions and small movie events.
Junee Seniors Citizens Club Treasurer, Ms Barbara Guthrie said the hall is used by a number of groups and these improvements are needed to ensure that it is fully functional for all people.
“We are delighted to know that people with walkers and wheelchairs will now have access to the toilets along with some technology to help us move into the 21st century,” Ms Guthrie said.
Event-goers across the electorate can soon experience more fun and enjoyment thanks to the opening of the NSW Liberal and National Government’s Regional Event Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Regional Event Fund would support the region’s talented events industry as well as provide a boost for local tourism.
“We have seen some amazing events come to life across our region, just like the National Cherry Festival in Young which received funding to host their 2019 festival under the Flagship Event stream,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether an event is yet to get off the ground, or looking to further grow capacity, this program is about helping our event owners which will boost our local economy and create local jobs.”
“I encourage all eligible applicants to please apply for this wonderful opportunity to showcase what our amazing region has to offer.”
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government are once again providing this fantastic funding opportunity because we know how important events and festivals are to our local economy.”
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said events and festivals were vitally important to the visitor economy, with regional communities and event organisers now able to tap into a funding pool worth $1.5 million.
“We are committed to supporting our talented events industry. They are the beating heart of our visitor economy, injecting huge dollars into our regional communities,” Mr Franklin said.
“That’s why I am delighted to announce that our 2023 – 2024 Regional Event Fund will open for applications, offering grants from $20,000 to $50,000 to help support a wide range of regional events and festivals.
“This is all part of our long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward. I encourage all event organisers to apply and take advantage of this exciting initiative.”
The Regional Event Fund is managed through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and offers three streams of funding:
Incubator Event Fund – offers grants of up to $20,000 to events that are in their first or second year of operation
Flagship Event Fund – offers grants of $20,000 and triennial grants of $30,000 for marketing activities aimed at attracting visitors from outside their immediate region
Event Development Fund – offers grants of up to $50,000 to support strategic growth initiatives to events that have completed their third year of triennial Flagship Event funding.
Funding applications open from Thursday 2 March 2023 and close on Wednesday 29 March 2023.
