Category Archives: Bland Shire

Sport and recreation in West Wyalong has been transformed after the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground, by the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to do the honours, having secured an investment of close to half a million dollars for the upgrades, which includes the resurfacing of the netball courts, renovation of the cricket nets, an upgrade to the sports lighting, and renewed fencing.

“This is a fantastic community and I’m just so delighted to have been able to secure the $485,000 in funding, that has breathed new life into the recreation ground here in West Wyalong,” Ms Cooke said.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs.

“Congratulations to the council and all those involved in making this project a reality; it’s by enhancing our local infrastructure that we can continue to grow investment and interest in the West Wyalong community, and indeed, right across the Bland Shire,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the West Wyalong Recreation Ground project was one of five in West Wyalong that shared in a $2.1 million funding injection under the previous Coalition Government’s Resources for Regions fund, round seven.

These included Cooinda Waters Canoe Circuit ($350,000), West Wyalong Harness Racing Club refurbishment ($354,763), West Wyalong Golf Course rejuvenation & sustainability project ($299,236), and West Wyalong Aerodrome upgrade ($606,173).

“I was proud to be a part of a government that invested heavily in the regions, especially in projects that increased sporting participation, promoted healthy lifestyles, and fostered vibrant communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging growth in our rural and regional towns and villages, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan joined with members of the sporting community to celebrate the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said NSW Women’s Week 2024 is a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women across our Cootamundra electorate, that also serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and talent that women bring to local communities.

Ms Cooke said the week provides an opportunity to highlight the diverse roles and experiences of women of all ages, and from all walks of life.

“Today is the start of NSW Women’s Week 2024 – a chance for us all to recognise the contributions of women and girls across our Cootamundra electorate,” Ms Cooke said.

“Women play a vital role in our communities, and they deserve to be celebrated for the wonderful and tireless work they do.

“We have some fantastic local women kicking goals and doing amazing things in their field, from sport, to small business, education, health, the arts, agriculture – the list is endless.

“But this week is also about acknowledging the unsung heroes; the home-makers, the ones who give their time as volunteers, or committee members – those who are active in the community doing every role under the sun to help our amazing towns and villages thrive.

“It’s a chance for women and girls everywhere to support one another, learn from each other, and enjoy each other’s company.

“Essentially, this week is all about honouring the achievements of women, celebrating their contributions, and inspiring generations to come, so that together we can build a brighter future for all,” she said.

Find out more about the events that are going on this week from Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March here:

www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/womens-week

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke visited staff and students at St Mary’s War Memorial School in West Wyalong to see first-hand the recent upgrades undertaken at the school.

Speaking at an assembly held to officially open the new school building, Ms Cooke praised the work that has been done by all those involved in bringing the project to life.

“I’d like to thank the entire school community for their warm welcome; the students are a credit to the local community, and I know that the future of West Wyalong is in safe hands with such a vibrant and inspiring group of young people,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said the upgrades were made possible thanks to a $890,000 grant allocated under the previous Coalition Government as part of the Building Grants Assistance Scheme.

“St Mary’s War Memorial School is a wonderful place for children to learn and grow, and it’s so heartening to see the improvements they’ve been able to make thanks to this grant,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke explained the government funding went towards the school’s $1.2 million upgrade project, that included the brand-new building which houses classrooms, various learning resources, and staff facilities.

“It’s important that students and teachers in regional areas like West Wyalong, have access to high quality educational facilities,” Ms Cooke said.

“Funding like this helps schools improve the learning environments for their students, giving schools contemporary facilities that reflect modern learning needs.

“We want all students to get the best education we can provide them, which is why the previous Coalition Government supported projects like this.

“I remain committed to ensuring the schools across our Cootamundra electorate get the funding they deserve in order to create learning environments that provide the best possible start in life for the younger members of our community,” she said.

As the New South Wales Parliament returns for the first day of sitting for the year, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has raised concerns around parliamentary transparency and accountability, after the NSW Labor Government opted to minimise the sitting calendar in 2024.

Ms Cooke said the NSW Parliament is scheduled to sit for 48 days this year, which contrasts starkly with other years in which the Parliament has sat for up to 65 days under previous Coalition Governments.

“Fundamentally, less sitting days means less Question Time and less scrutiny,” Ms Cooke said.

“The decision to cut the number of sitting days, drastically reduces the ability of the Parliament to put forward bills, scrutinise legislation, raise matters of community concern, and ask questions on the record.

“I am very concerned about what this means for transparency and accountability in decision making, and I think the public is entitled to question why the NSW Labor Government is trying to avoid scrutiny,” she said.

Ms Cooke said that despite the shortened calendar, she will use the time to advocate for key issues across the Cootamundra electorate.

“Just last week I convened the 6^th annual Cootamundra Summit, bringing together representatives from the local governments that make up our wonderful electorate. The Summit was a chance for me to reaffirm my advocacy agenda for the year,” Ms Cooke said.

“Chief among the priorities identified is securing a safe and secure water supply for various communities, including for Boorowa residents, which is a project we’ve already made great inroads in achieving, with news this week the Government – together with Hilltops Council – has agreed to invest close to $1 million in a feasibility study to investigate further the option of a Harden to Boorowa water pipeline.

“Ensuring we have adequate police resources for our communities was another key priority identified at the Summit, and I will continue to lobby the Police Minister to ensure our towns and villages are equipped with the staff and infrastructure we need, and most importantly, deserve.

“Other issues on my agenda include continuing to fight for the Tresillian in-patient beds to be included in the Cowra Hospital redevelopment, as well as continuing to campaign loudly for the de-merge of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

“Road and rail funding, including the rollout of safety upgrades at local level crossings are high on the list, and I will be demanding answers around the delay in commencing work on the Wallendbeen Bridge.

“This is by no means an exhaustive list; it’s going to be a big year and I look forward to once again working hard to achieve meaningful outcomes for the more than 170 small communities that make up our wonderful Cootamundra electorate,” she said.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke in the NSW Legislative Assembly Chamber.

Representatives from local governments across the Cootamundra electorate gathered in Harden today for the 6^th annual Mayoral Summit hosted by local MP Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said the summit – held at the RFS Fire Control Centre – brings together mayors and general managers from across the region to discuss pressing issues, share insights, and collaborate on finding solutions to some of the challenges facing our communities.

“There are nine Local Government Areas (LGA’s) within the Cootamundra electorate; it’s a big area with over 170 small communities represented in the room today – each confronting their own unique and individual set of challenges,” Ms Cooke said.

“The annual Cootamundra Summit is an opportunity for us all to come together and listen to the issues facing different LGA’s, which then helps consolidate my advocacy agenda for the year ahead; I’d like to wholeheartedly thank the mayors and general managers who attended the summit and engaged in some really constructive discussions,” she said.

Ms Cooke said a range of problems and projects were discussed including road and rail opportunities, pothole repairs, issues around emergency response management, community transport needs, as well as the importance of mental health support services.

“We had a really constructive day and discussed a broad range of issues from water security to police resources, through to vital health infrastructure projects, and changes to councillor code of conduct requirements,” Ms Cooke said.

“There was also a lot of discussion around the impediments local governments face when it comes to securing state government investment, and utilising it in the most sensible and streamlined way possible, and I will be raising that, along with the other issues canvassed, with the NSW Labor Government,” she said.

Attendees were given the chance to ask questions directly of Water & Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson, along with representatives from the offices of the Minister for Emergency Services, and the Minister for Local Government, as well as of Shadow Corrections Minister Mark Taylor, and Shadow Agriculture & Regional NSW Minister Dugald Saunders.

“I certainly thank them all for their participation and making themselves available to hear first-hand what our priorities are on the ground here in our Cootamundra region,” Ms Cooke said.

Almost 10,000 fish have been released across the Bland Shire during the latest restocking program, aimed at enhancing recreational fishing opportunities for enthusiasts young and old.

Having participated in various restocking projects across the electorate, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated the council on taking active steps to encourage local fishing – both for residents, and tourists to the region.

“Fish restocking obviously helps enhance the health of our waterways, but it has the added benefit of boosting tourism in our towns and villages, which is great news for the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.

“As well as the economic benefits, fishing is a wonderful activity for kids, and I know the council has a particular focus on creating an environment that encourages budding anglers to try their luck,” she said.

Bland Shire Council Environmental Officer Glenn Neyland said approximately 2,000 Golden Perch (also known as Yellowbelly or Murray Perch) were released at each of the five locations selected within the shire.

“The team released the fish in some of the old town water supply dams, and other larger dams in the area, including at Barmedman, West Wyalong wetlands, Ungarie, Weethalle, and Tallimba,” Mr Neyland said.

“The last restock that was undertaken was back in early 2022; it takes around two years for the fish to grow so this latest drop has been timed to ensure we see a continuous supply of fish in the dams.

“The council’s restocking program is very much about promoting recreational fishing; I often get feedback from younger members in the community about the fish they’ve caught, and the best spots to drop a line in,” he said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Leigh Logan from the Tara Native Fish Hatchery, who provided the fish for the restock.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the local area by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.

Nominations are now open for the awards program, with the winners to be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival, taking place from 11th – 24th March, 2024.

The NSW Seniors Festival celebrates and acknowledges the important role that seniors play in our community.

It is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, with an estimated 250,000 seniors participating in hundreds of free or discounted events.

“This annual festival is all about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families, and broader community,” Ms Cooke said.

“The festival provides an important opportunity for seniors to participate in their communities in meaningful and engaging ways.

“The awards too are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of our seniors.

“So many seniors go above and beyond for our community as volunteers, carers, and role models, so if you know a senior who helps make our community a better place to live, then I encourage you to nominate them,” she said.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 1st March 2024.

To nominate a senior or find further information on the awards program, phone: 6382 2399 or email: cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au

For more information about the NSW Seniors Festival visit: www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated students, parents, and teachers on completing the 2023 school year, and has praised the achievements of all schools – large and small – across the electorate.

“I’ve had the great honour and privilege in recent weeks of attending many school presentations right across our electorate, and I have just been so impressed by what students have achieved; we have a lot to be proud of,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our students really have had an amazing year, and I’ve enjoyed hearing all about the academic and sporting achievements, as well as watching students perform across music and the arts; we really punch well above our weight, particularly given that many of our schools are small schools,” she said.

Ms Cooke praised the work of teachers, school staff, parents, and volunteers in ensuring students are well supported and able to thrive.

“Our teachers are so passionate about their classes and their students, and the results speak for themselves in the classroom, so congratulations and thank you for the work you do supporting the younger members of our community,” Ms Cooke said.

“The P&Cs too do a wonderful job throughout the year, hosting activities and fundraisers that help provide students with those extra opportunities that enrich their school lives,” she said.

Ms Cooke said while she does her best to visit as many schools as possible, it does take time to get around them all.

“There are 82 schools in the Cootamundra electorate, and I visit on average about 20 schools a year – and this year’s no different – so it takes me four years to get around them all. So if I haven’t quite got to your school lately, I promise you it’s on the list; it just takes me a little while to get to each and every one of them in-person,” Ms Cooke said.

“To all the school communities – large and small – well done on another successful year, have an enjoyable break, and good luck for 2024; I can’t wait to see what you all do next,” she said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with award winners from Junee North Public School following their end of year presentation.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project will reinforce water supply and security in the Bland Shire to support residents, industry, and agriculture into the future.

Ms Cooke was on-hand today to help officially open the project, which consists of a new water tower, 8km water supply trunk main, 7km distribution water main, and new transfer pump station.

“The water network had reached capacity, so the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project has upgraded the existing distribution network in a way that will support future expansion in West Wyalong and across the Bland Shire,” Ms Cooke said.

Along with supporting future growth opportunities, Ms Cooke said the close to $14 million project will also address residents’ concerns about water pressure.

“The project will increase water pressure to the Wyalong & West Wyalong townships, increase security of water supply, and allow for future expansion of the Lake Cowal mine, the township, and agricultural industry,” Ms Cooke said.

“Water infrastructure is so very important for every community across our regions; this infrastructure will help incentivise future development – both residential and commercial – which will boost the growth of the region by supporting industries that create jobs, enhance productivity, and help reinforce the local economy.

“The Coalition in New South Wales knows just how vital water is to the sustainability of our towns and villages; it is the lifeblood of our communities, so I’m very proud to have been a part of a government that prioritised projects like this, and contributed the funds needed to help make it a reality,” she said.

Funding for the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project was made available under the previous Federal Coalition Government as part of the Commonwealth’s National Water Grid Fund Connections Pathway ($4.5 million), along with the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Resources for Regions Fund ($2.65 million), Bland Shire Council ($800,000) and Goldenfields Water ($5.25 million).

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging community groups to secure the region’s fair share of state government investment, and apply for funding under the latest round of the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program.

“We want to make sure that we continue to see the same level of investment in our regional towns and villages, as we saw under the previous Coalition Government, so it’s important we put our hand up and let the NSW Labor Government know about the projects in need of support west of the Great Divide,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Clubgrants Category 3 Program, reinvests profits from gaming machines into community projects, and is crucial in supporting initiatives that contribute to the development and improvement of our communities.

“Infrastructure grants of between $50,000 up to $300,000 are available to not-for-profit community organisations and local councils, and are delivered across four categories: arts and culture, community infrastructure, sport and recreation, and disaster readiness.

“The funding can be used for halls, sports centres, playgrounds and swimming pools, capital equipment, evacuation centres, museums, art galleries, and cultural centres.

“These groups are the lifeblood of many communities, and I want these organisations to not just keep their doors open, but to grow and prosper.

“This kind of funding helps empower local organisations to undertake projects that matter most to our community members.

“Applications close on Monday the 18th of December 2023, so I certainly encourage groups that are thinking about applying, to start putting their application together as soon as possible.

“Any groups seeking assistance with their application are invited to contact my office for support,” she said.

For more information or to apply, visit:

www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrants-category-3-fund