Steph Cooke | 28 Oct 2022 | Bland Shire Grants Health News
The Mornings, Melodies and Memories community-led initiative from Bland Shire Council has been successful in receiving $50,000 from the third round of the NSW Government’s Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this is a wonderful program to establish connections between community and allow members to share their stories about living within Bland Shire.
“I eagerly await to hear about these amazing stories which will empower our seniors to be active and connected in their local community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Following this round of the program, the NSW Government have now supported 71 different programs with some $2 million to support seniors and keep them connected with their local communities right across the state.”
“Seniors are an integral part of our society and we want to make sure they don’t run the risk of falling into social isolation.”
Ms Alison Balind Director of Corporate and Community Services at Bland Shire Council said that the Mornings, Melodies and Memories program is a series of gatherings held across the Shire to share local history and build connections.
“The project is designed to run for approximately 10 months with monthly events in the communities of Barmedman, Ungarie and Weethalle and bi-monthly in the communities of Tallimba and Mirrool,” Ms Balind said.
It is important to support our local seniors as they play such an important role in breaking down those barriers of social isolation.
Funding of up to $50,000 were on offer in the third round of the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grants program. Projects must run through 2022-2023.
Steph Cooke | 25 Oct 2022 | All LGAs Bland Shire Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Hilltops Council Junee Shire Narrandera Shire Roads and Transport Temora Shire Weddin Shire
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $50 million to help regional and rural councils fix the increasing number of potholes brought on by this year’s extreme wet weather.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said under the new Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round, Councils across the electorate can apply for funding to help them address their highest priority pothole repairs.
“It is hard to drive anywhere on our road network without dodging potholes as a result of the wet weather we have experienced this year,” Ms Cooke said.
“We have heard the calls for help loud and clear and fixing the hundreds of potholes caused by recent heavy rains and flooding is a priority.
“This additional support will help ease the pressure local councils are facing and boost the resources they can draw upon to repair their most damaged roads to improve safety and reduce wear and tear on vehicles.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW has had more than its fair share of natural disasters and extreme weather and that more than 135,000 potholes have been repaired on State roads in regional NSW since February.
“We certainly have plenty more potholes that still require attention, particularly on council-managed roads, which is why our Government is putting more money on the table for councils to repair potholes on the roads regional communities use every day,” Mr Farraway said.
“This funding is available to help every regional council across the state to carry out emergency repairs and would fix roughly more than 420,000 potholes on their roads.”
The new funding builds on the $500 million invested by the NSW Government through the Fixing Local Roads program to help regional councils repair, maintain and seal local roads across the state.
Funding under the Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round is available to 95 regional councils and authorities to help repair potholes on regional and local roads. Work must be completed between 1 January 2023 and 1 January 2024.
Applications for funding are open for two weeks from today with funding announced in November so councils can begin work as soon as possible.
Steph Cooke | 18 Oct 2022 | Bland Shire Community Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Environment and Heritage Hilltops Council Junee Shire Narrandera Shire News Temora Shire Uncategorized Weddin Shire
Return and Earners in the region could be in for a massive update, with the NSW Government planning to expand the scheme so it includes containers like glass wine and spirits bottles and larger containers.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this is an exciting opportunity to build on one of Australia’s most successful recycling initiatives and improve recycling practices in households across NSW.
“More than 8 billion bottles have been returned and given a new life since the scheme started in 2017, a huge achievement and I thank the regional communities for embracing this new way of thinking about beverage containers,” Ms Cooke said.
“Together we have driven down drink container litter rates by an impressive 52 per cent, increased recycling rates and donated funds to charities,”
“Return and Earn has achieved an enormous amount so far and now we’re looking to take the next step as we strive towards our vision for a circular economy in the region.”
Return and Earn locations across the Cootamundra Electorate are located at:
Consultation is now open on the Scheme’s expansion, which would see almost all beverage containers between 150 ml and 3 litres accepted for refund.
For example, this would include:
Wine and spirits in glass bottles
Cordials and juice concentrate
Larger containers up to 3 litres of beverages already in the scheme, such as flavoured milk, fruit and vegetable juice, cask wine and sachets.
Plain milk and health tonics would continue to be excluded from the scheme.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority will be holding targeted stakeholder information sessions and webinars in the coming months around NSW so a transition can be as smooth as possible for new suppliers to the scheme.
The discussion paper Driving NSW’s circular economy is available at https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/ and will be open for consultation until 5pm 2 December 2022.
Steph Cooke | 17 Oct 2022 | Bland Shire Local projects News Uncategorized
Bland Shire Council is among the latest successful applicants announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project will help support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.
“I’m thrilled to announce the funding of $2,524 in support of the ‘Kinder Kick AFL Sessions’ that will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever,” Ms Cooke said.
“Projects like the ‘Kinder Kick AFL Sessions’ are a great example of how we can help young people recover, build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and resources they need to grow.”
This AFL sporting program is aimed to capture children from culturally diverse families and provide peer support and mentoring. It will allow children access to coaches which will create bonds, friendships, and provide another outlet of support for children.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.
“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.
“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”
The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for wellbeing programs, events and resources as part of the initiative which are open now and close on 31 December 2022, or when fully allocated. For program and eligibility guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing
Steph Cooke | 14 Oct 2022 | Bland Shire Community Grants News Uncategorized
West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club has completed a project to install a new PA System at Holland Park Pool, West Wyalong in time for the 2022/23 swimming season.
The new equipment was funded by $15,000 through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program, ensuring visitors will hear important calls and announcements while enjoying the facility.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new PA system is a practical addition to support the numerous events held at Holland Park Pool throughout the season.
“As a passionate swimmer who has swum many laps at this pool, I know these upgrades will only improve the experience for spectators, participants and visitors alike,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether you’re hosting a swimming carnival, or taking part in Bland Shire’s Australia Day poolside events, it is important for all involved to hear announcements from organisers.
“I congratulate the Club for getting this project done in time for the coming season, allowing it to be used every day for squad training, Learn to Swim classes, Scuba Diving and of course, the ‘Water World’ obstacle course set to return later this year.”
West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club Secretary and Public Officer Dayanna Jordan said the system will be very useful given the number of local schools which hold swimming carnivals, along with the various school holiday programs.
“When our Club hosts the Southern Inland Swimming Carnival in February next year, we won’t be let down by a faulty PA System. Our National Anthem will proudly be heard by all attendees,” Ms Jordan said.
This is the latest project at Holland Park Pool to have been completed thanks to funding from the NSW Government, following refurbishment of the waterslide and installation of pool heating in the first round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Steph Cooke | 14 Oct 2022 | Bland Shire Emergency Services News Uncategorized
Paramedics at the West Wyalong Ambulance Station are benefiting from a newly refurbished station thanks to the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the station upgrade has delivered improved amenities and an updated workspace to provide local paramedics with a better working environment to meet the emergency care needs of the West Wyalong community.
“The West Wyalong ambulance station refurbishment will ensure our local paramedics can continue to deliver high-quality emergency healthcare for our region,” Ms Cooke said.
“A range of enhancements have been delivered including upgrades to wash bays, as well as refurbishments to the kitchen, medical store, bathroom, locker room and change areas.
“The station has also been revitalised with upgrades to mechanical, electrical and data equipment as well as new office furnishings, joinery, floor finishes and painting.”
In the Cootamundra electorate, station upgrades have been completed at West Wyalong, Narrandera, Temora and Young, with six new stations also delivered through the RAIR program – at Cowra, Grenfell, Cootamundra, Harden, Ardlethan and Coolamon.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the investment in West Wyalong highlights the NSW Nationals in Government’s commitment to the region.
“It’s great news for our local paramedics and the community, who deserve quality health facilities that meet their needs now and into the future,” Mrs Taylor said.
The Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration program (RAIR) is the single largest investment in regional NSW Ambulance’s 127-year history, with 6 new or upgraded ambulance stations already delivered as part of the $132 million Stage 1 of the program. Another $100 million investment into ambulance assets is being delivered under Stage 2 of the program.
NSW Ambulance will recruit 2,128 new staff and deliver 30 more stations over the coming years after a $1.76 billion boost announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
The $1.76 billion over four years will provide NSW with 1,858 extra paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.
Bland Shire Council has been successful in receiving funding of $239,651 under the NSW Government’s $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that this funding will deliver six events designed to see the local community reconnect and bolster local economic recovery.
“I am excited to see the range of events supported by this program across Bland, including a number of upcoming events and I encourage everyone to get involved,” Ms Cooke said.
The events that have been funded:
The100th anniversary of Bellarwi CWA
The Ungarie CWA Centenary celebrations
The Hearts of Gold Festival and Cooinda Waters Lighting Show
Senior’s Week Festivities
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Community Events Program will support the state’s events and hospitality sectors while bolstering economic recovery.
“The past two years have been difficult, with many unpredictable events including floods, drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, but we know NSW residents will come out the other side stronger and more resilient,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Nationals in Government are backing events that bring local communities together and this funding will help contribute to a sense of improved wellbeing and connectedness in 2022 and beyond.”
The $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package, designed to support economic and social recovery across regional NSW that will create new jobs and support community events, shows and festivals to boost tourism.
Steph Cooke | 02 Sep 2022 | Bland Shire Community Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Health Hilltops Council Junee Shire Narrandera Shire News Temora Shire Uncategorized
Pensioners and other concession card holders in the region can now pick up free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from any Service NSW Service Centre, Mobile Service Centre or Disaster Recovery Centre.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said eligible customers in NSW will now have access to up to 10 free RATs through Service NSW Centres, in addition to existing distribution points at more than 200 neighbourhood and community centres located across the State.
“Although we are heading out of winter, the risk of COVID-19 remains and we want to ensure RATs are easily accessible for pensioners and concession card holders in our community,” Ms Cooke said.
“We are committed to supporting our local communities and helping to drive down the cost of living where we can for vulnerable people.”
List of locations:
Cootamundra Service Centre
Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre Inc
Cowra Service Centre
Junee Community Centre Inc
Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc
Narrandera Service Centre
Temora Community Centre Inc
West Wyalong Service Centre
Young Neighbourhood Centre Inc
Young Service Centre
The roll-out is part of the NSW Government’s program to provide millions of free rapid antigen tests to ensure they are readily available to support our state’s most vulnerable.
Eligible customers need to show Service NSW staff their Commonwealth concession card at any one of our 113 Service Centres, four Mobile Service Centres or Disaster Recovery Centres across the State.
This once again shows the NSW Government is ensuring no one is left behind, especially seniors.
This builds upon our earlier commitment to pick up the Federal Government’s Concessional Access Program, which it dropped at the end of last month.
The program will run until the end of October 2022. Eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW include:
Pensioner Concession card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Care card
Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care card)
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange cards.
Steph Cooke | 26 Aug 2022 | Bland Shire Hilltops Council Narrandera Shire News Roads and Transport
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed funding for projects in Bland, Hilltops and Narrandera under the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.
“We know improving connections in our towns and villages supports residents to get outdoors, to go for a walk or bike ride,” Ms Cooke said.
“This funding will support relevant councils to plan, design and deliver better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure for our communities.”
Local projects funded under this tranche include:
$59,980 for Bland Shire Council to develop a safe network of pedestrian and cycle activities,
$72,000 for Hilltops Council to identify gaps and opportunities within the existing pedestrian and cycleway network,
$70,000 for Narrandera Shire Council to develop a long-term strategy and action plan for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and
$30,000 for Narrandera Shire Council to construct a footpath at Barellan.
The projects will now be progressed and delivered by the relevant local council.
Narrandera Shire Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka said the project at Barellan will deliver a footpath on the southern side of Mulga Street, between Myall Street and Boree Street.
“The footpath will link the school with other footpaths in the Barellan township and completes council’s pedestrian access mobility plan,” Cr Kschenka said.
“Council is committed to providing safe pathways and pedestrian access throughout the Narrandera Shire.”
Steph Cooke | 24 Aug 2022 | Bland Shire Community Education News
A project to establish a Wiradjuri native garden and turf playing field is underway at West Wyalong Public School thanks to $127,223 funding from the NSW Government.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was wonderful to inspect the progress of the project being delivered in partnership with West Wyalong Public School P&C.
“What a fantastic initiative which will not only beautify the school grounds, but also enhance the outdoor learning space for students, staff and visitors,” Ms Cooke said.
Funded through the fourth round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, the garden has been designed to educate students about traditional uses of native flora.
The project also involves the installation of a multi-purpose turfed activity space for recreational use year-round and a pathway to connect West Wyalong Public School with the West Wyalong High School Multipurpose Unit.
“I am delighted to support a project which promotes greater cultural awareness, encourages outdoor activity and provides practical linkages within the school grounds,” Ms Cooke said.
West Wyalong Public School Principal Victoria Jenkins said that the funding has provided an opportunity to create further connection with the local community.
“This project links in well with others happening in the area and we are looking forward to showcasing the Wiradjuri Garden and playing fields once they are completed.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) has provided $500 million for more than 2,000 local projects.
The fifth round of Stronger Country Communities Fund is now open, with applications closing on 23 September 2022.
