Steph Cooke | 10 Nov 2023 | Bland Shire News Roads and Transport
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says ensuring rural and regional communities continue to get their fair share of road funding is vital for the ongoing safety and productivity of our local towns and villages.
Ms Cooke met with Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan today to announce that $6,481,778 in additional road repair funding has been secured for the Bland Shire Council, under the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF), to undertake maintenance work on the 2,536 kilometres of local and regional roads within the LGA.
“Our roads are the backbone of the community; it’s how we get to work, school, medical appointments, how we socialise and keep in touch with friends and family,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s with this in mind that I have advocated tirelessly for our region, to ensure the Roads Minister fully understands and appreciates the pivotal role our roads play in connecting our towns, and enabling economic growth.
“As a result I am thrilled to announce that we have been able to secure more than $6.4 million in additional funding for much-needed repair and maintenance of our local roads in the Bland Shire, which is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of our community members,” she said.
Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan says small road maintenance projects can drive big benefits for safety and the economy in the bush.
“We are always under pressure to further fund our roads network; this funding will greatly assist Council’s ability to deliver safer roads for residents,” Mayor Monaghan said.
“Council is extremely pleased that Steph Cooke is listening to local communities. Particularly as we have an enormous road network in the Bland Shire and the damage caused by the recent wet period has resulted in deterioration beyond the Council’s ability to independently fund repairs,” he said.
Maintenance work may include heavy road patching, reshaping and smoothing unsealed roads, carrying out work to improve drainage from the road surface, rehabilitating sections of road, and resurfacing work.
Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan in West Wyalong.
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 | 10 Mar 2023 | Bland Shire Roads and Transport
Girral Road and Blow Clear Road are set for improvements and rehabilitation after funding of $3,000,000 was secured by Bland Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“People living in the Bland Shire have been in regular contact with me regarding the state of the local roads. This funding will go a long way toward repairing the road network as well as improving safety for motorists on the school bus run, the commute to and from work or for popping down to the shops,” Ms Cooke said.
Bland Shire Council General Manager Mr Grant Baker said Bland Shire Council are very grateful to receive this funding.
“This will help with capital upgrades for our large road network,” Mr Baker said.
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Wyalong Motor Sport Club Inc will receive a new life-saving device through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this grant will cover the cost of the defibrillator, providing the club with peace of mind when they are holding their motorsport events.
“As the members of Wyalong Motor Sport gear up to return to the racetrack it’s reassuring to know this new life-saving device for the club will have a big part to play in keeping competitors, spectators and volunteers safe,” Ms Cooke said.
“Volunteers and members of the club have been working hard to get the club back up and running for motorsport enthusiasts to enjoy, along with constructing a newly built 50cc track for little bike riders.”
“We see people of all ages participating in motorsport and this funding will equip the club so they can respond to life-threating emergencies when needed.”
Wyalong Motor Sports Club member Leanne Iverach said as a newly formed committee they are greatly appreciative of this grant, as the club is dedicated to making many improvements for their riders, volunteers and spectators to enjoy motorsport.
“As we all know, motorsport can be dangerous, having an AED on site will give all involved at our events, both directly and indirectly, peace of mind knowing we have the ability to help onsite, within those first eight critical minutes of such a medical event,” Ms Iverach said.
“As a club member, resident, a motorcycle racing enthusiast, mother and partner to riders of our local track, I am grateful to live in an electorate that values safety in local sport and make this opportunity to have these AEDs readily available.”
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government program provides sports with early access to a defibrillator and ensures they are better equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies.
For further information on the Local Sports Defibrillator Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au.
Steph Cooke | 10 Mar 2023 | Bland Shire Community Sport and Recreation
West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club is set to receive $10,000 which will go toward installing new starting blocks, thanks to investment from the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the starting blocks are the latest improvement to the Holland Park Swim Centre after the recent completion of a project to install a new PA System, which has modernised the centre for all to enjoy.
“New starting blocks will greatly enhance the competitive swimming events held at the centre, with a number of schools also set to benefit from this upgrade when they hold their school swimming carnivals,” Ms Cooke said.
“These upgrades will ensure the pool meets current Swimming Australia standards allowing larger carnivals to be held.”
“Replacing the blocks is a small but important step in maintaining a pool in which the community and visitors can enjoy.”
West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club Secretary Dayanna Jordon said these new blocks will be the same used by athletes at the Sydney Olympic pool.
“These improvements allow our club to stay competitive and provide us with the opportunity to host large carnivals, allowing us to showcase the wonderful area we live in,” Ms Jordon said.
Since 2017 we have seen a total of 64 projects to the value of over $353,000 delivered across the Cootamundra electorate under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.
Grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 per project were available with up to $50,000 available in each electorate.
More information about the program is available online.
Steph Cooke | 07 Mar 2023 | Bland Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Education Weddin Shire
Five projects across schools in the electorate will see more students with a green thumb thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Sustainable Schools Grants.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this investment by the NSW Government will deliver hands-on, sustainable-focused projects that link to the NSW Curriculum.
“I am thrilled that we have seen two schools being Naradhan Public School and Henry Lawson High School under round three and a further three schools, being Cootamundra Public School, Woodstock Public School and Wyalong Public School under round four in the electorate taking part in this great initiative,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our region is passionate about sustainability and this program inspires and empowers students and schools to develop ideas and implement plans that will benefit the environment by helping to save energy or water, reduce waste, or improve biodiversity.”
“I know the whole community joins me in looking forward to seeing these wonderful projects soon come to life at our local schools.”
Round 3 Schools and projects include:
Naradhan Public School will receive $15,000 for a sensory, native indigenous garden.
Henry Lawson High School in Grenfell will receive $15,000 to create its own community produce garden.
Round 4 Schools and projects include:
Cootamundra Public School will receive $15,000 to establish ‘Waste Busters’ project, to minimise waste and educate students on waste management.
Woodstock Public School will receive $14,912 to construct Woodstock’s Wholesome Community Food Garden
Wyalong Public School will receive $15,000 for an inclusive and sustainable Kitchen Garden
Henry Lawson High School Principal, Mr Aaron Flagg said the main objective of this initiative is to create a garden that is open to the public.
“The garden encourages students and the local school community to explore ideas and solutions around sustainable food production, green waste management and reducing food miles by producing locally for school and community use,” Mr Flagg said.
“Initially, the garden will be planned and constructed by our year 7 STEM class as well as other school and community groups to encourage ownership of the garden and to foster long-term participation in food production and management within the community.”
Naradhan Public School Relieving Teaching Principal, Ms Tracy Johnston said Native plants will be used with the aim of teaching our children about bush tucker, and the other uses for plants by our indigenous ancestors
“The garden will be located at the entrance to the school, providing students, staff and visitors with a sensory experience as they walk through the project to the school buildings,” Ms Johnston said.
“We look forward to our students being able to access the garden in the near future.”
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.
Steph Cooke | 07 Mar 2023 | Bland Shire Community News
Louise McCabe from West Wyalong is one of two recipients in the Cootamundra electorate being awarded a one-year scholarship under the 2023 NSW Rural Scholarship Program.
The program will begin with the finalists attending the Future Women Leadership Summit in Sydney on March 6 and 7, as part of the 2023 NSW Women’s Week celebrations.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said regional women like Louise are a tremendous example of someone who loves their community and enjoys giving back.
“A dedicated volunteer in her role as President of the West Wyalong United Hospital Auxiliary and the West Wyalong Rugby Union Club, coach for the women’s rugby team, along with conducting several fundraising events for the hospital including compiling the 2023 calendar,” Ms Cooke said.
“Louise was one of the first responders whilst attending a local rugby union match where she provided CPR when a player suffered critical injuries.
“As a result of her quick life-saving response, Louise was awarded with a NSW Government Community Service Award.
“Having worked in the health sector for over 20 years we are so lucky to have her as one of our amazing registered nurses at the West Wyalong Hospital looking after our community.”
Ms McCabe said she is really grateful for this opportunity provided by the NSW government and is looking forward to immersing herself in all that the Future Women Leadership Program has to offer.
“I feel that it is important for women wherever we are geographically located, to continue to expand our horizons and challenge ourselves,” Ms McCabe said.
“I’m aiming to accelerate my professional journey with this unique opportunity to network with other like-minded women. As well as developing my leadership skills within the supportive program. This enables me to the pass on knowledge learnt to those I support and work within my community.”
Not only do the winners get access to the coveted Future Women Platinum+ Emerging Leaders Program, valued at over $6,000 each, but all 237 women who entered will also receive a complimentary one-year Gold membership, which gives them access to FW Advance, a year-long career development webinar series, and a 50 per cent discount to attend the Future Women Leadership Summit on 6-7 March.
Sixty-nine new names, including Ms Amanda Stitt of West Wyalong, have been added to the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. This honour roll pays public tribute to the girls and women across regional, rural and remote NSW who have given their time and energy to helping others in their community.
Coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network, the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll recognises volunteering contributions made in those years.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated Ms Stitt, for being included in the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
“Women like Ms Stitt play an important role in community development and make rural NSW a great place to live. It is so important we honour their contributions to ensure that voluntary work is valued and respected,” Ms Cooke said.
“Many of us know Ms Stitt as the driving force behind the Cooinda Waters precinct which encourages family outings on the water, a quiet achiever with a lifetime of service and dedication to the Bland Shire community.”
“If there is ever an event to help and support the community then Ms Stitt is there, a woman who always puts others before herself, and never asks for anything in return.”
Ms Stitt joins more than 1,000 women from across rural and regional NSW who have been enshrined on the honour roll since 2010, each of them nominated by a member of their local community.
Ms Stitt joins over 70 women in the Cootamundra electorate who have been recognised since 2010 for their commitment and dedication to volunteering and supporting the local community.
Ms Amanda Stitt said she was so surprised to be nominated and thought she was doing a good job flying under the radar however, this obviously was not the case as she had hoped.
“It is lovely to be recognised but also humbling because I feel so many others in our community are far more deserving,” Ms Stitt said.
“After working full time for many years, I feel it is such an honour to be able to volunteer, not only do you get to give back to your community you are also rewarded in so many ways.”
“You meet so many interesting people, hear their stories, laugh and cry with them, see them challenge themselves and succeed and make new lifelong friendships.”
Hidden Treasures is a project of the Rural Women’s Network, a state-wide initiative of Women NSW that is funded by a $3.7 million investment from the NSW Government.
Steph Cooke | 09 Feb 2023 | Bland Shire Roads and Transport
Bland Shire Council will soon receive funding of $4,623,796 through the NSW Government’s $280 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Bland Shire has over 2500km of roads to manage and this latest funding will provide a welcome boost, allowing further repairs to be undertaken.
“This investment is all about improving the roads we use every day, making them safer for the freight industry, tourists, and the commute to and from work or school,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is fantastic to have this funding secured, which builds on an initial cash injection of $870,863 for council to fix potholes announced in December.
“I am advised council has been sent the funding deeds, and once the deed is executed the money goes into the bank.”
Bland Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Rodney Crowe said Council welcomes the additional Regional and Local Roads Repair funding which will be used to expand our scope for the rehabilitation and renewal of our transport assets.
“This funding will be crucial to providing a safe and efficient network that services our agricultural, business and mining sectors and improving road user safety for all motorists.” Cr Crowe said.
The NSW Government continues to support local government areas in making our road network smoother and safer.
Over the past five years, Bland Shire Council has secured over $9.1 million in NSW Government funding to deliver 8 road projects through Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads, on top of assistance through Regional Roads Block Grant program and NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
