Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

Tuesday, 9 December 2025 Cowra’s new $110.2 million hospital has commenced operations, marking another major milestone for the project and an exciting new chapter for the region’s healthcare.   Following months of preparation, a coordinated transfer of departments from the existing hospital is now underway, with emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care operating within the new facility as of today.   Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was wonderful to see patients ac

Monday, 8 December 2025   The National Cherry Festival has marked its 75th anniversary in spectacular fashion.   Home to Australia’s first commercial cherry orchard, Young has proudly hosted this much-loved celebration since 1949.   What began as a small-town gathering has grown into a three-day festival that attracts thousands of visitors to the Hilltops region each year.   Joined by NSW Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was proud

Monday, 8 December 2025 Travellers to and through Gundagai will be met with the warmest of welcomes following a major upgrade of the town’s visitor information centre and surrounding amenities.   The redevelopment of the visitor centre was supported by the former NSW Coalition Government through both the design and construction phases, with $150,250 from round five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund and $300,000 from round one of the Stronger Communities Fund.   Additio

Friday, 5 December 2025 Design for a permanent Water Treatment Plant in Narrandera will commence, with the Commonwealth Government stepping up to support the delivery of clean drinking water to the community in place of their state counterparts.   $908,000 has been awarded from the National Water Grid Fund, which will pay for the plans needed to support the construction phase of this essential infrastructure project.   This is the second time Narrandera Council has been force

​​Sunday, 30 November 2025​    Cowra residents have been given their first look inside the town’s new $110.2 million hospital, which will serve the community for decades to come.    Earlier this month, it was announced that construction of the new health facility had been completed, and that the community would be invited to join guided tours ahead of the official opening.    Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, joined the local residents as the doors to the brand-new hospita

​​Sunday, 30 November 2025​   Engines are roaring louder than ever at the Grenfell Kart Club following the completion of the facility’s brand-new racing track.    Four years of construction by local contractors and suppliers has delivered a resurfaced track with a 160-metre extension and a new start/finish straight.    The project was supported by an $842,339 grant from Round One of the former Coalition Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund, announced by Member for Cootam

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 A united campaign to secure safe, clean drinking water for Narrandera is gaining momentum with local leaders calling on the NSW Labor Government to approve immediate relief measures and commit to long-term investment in the town’s water infrastructure.   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, along with Narrandera Shire Council led by Mayor Neville Kschenka, are calling on the NSW Labor Government to implement emergency safeguards that guarantee the

Monday, 17 November 2025​     Narrandera will receive $14.1 million from the Commonwealth to help safeguard the community from future flooding events.    Narrandera Shire Council has committed a further $3.5 million, ensuring this critical stormwater upgrade can finally proceed.    Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, who has been working closely with Council since the severe flooding of 2022, welcomed the announcement.    “As the local Member and former Emergency Services Min

Friday, 14 November 2025 Jugiong has celebrated the official opening of the newly upgraded Jugiong Memorial Pool, marking the completion of the well anticipated project.   Hilltops Council successfully delivered the upgrades with $1,044,850 in funding from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five.   The improvements include an upgrade to the main pool, refurbished kiosk and amenities, and new ancillary equipment to enhance the overall visitor experien

Thursday, 13 November 2025 Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has expressed her deep disappointment following the NSW Labor Government’s decision not to support the Biodiversity Conservation and Local Land Services Legislation Amendment (Broombush and Blue Mallee Coppicing) Bill 2025 in the NSW Parliament.   Ms Cooke said the Bill sought to provide an immediate, practical solution to support farmers affected by ongoing restrictions of coppicing activities and protect the en

Monday, 10 November 2025​   Construction of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is officially complete, marking a proud and significant milestone for the Cowra community.    Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has welcomed the news that the facility is now just weeks away from opening to the public, stating the project has always been about the people of Cowra.    “This is an incredibly special moment,” Ms Cooke said.    “When I was first elected as the local Mem

Monday, 10 November 2025​   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke is encouraging residents across the Cootamundra electorate to pause and reflect this Remembrance Day.    Services will be held in most communities to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.    Ms Cooke said that local participation ensures the legacy of veterans continues to be honoured and remembered.    “Every town and village across t