Category Archives: Community

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 has welcomed new Probationary Constable Tom Perkins to the region following his first shifts at Young Police Station, after his graduation from the Goulburn Police Academy. 

“Congratulations on your posting Tom; Young is lucky to have you, and I wish you all the very best as you start your career here in our local area,” Ms Cooke said.

“Policing is like no other profession; it is a selfless career where officers run towards danger to protect us and the wider community, rather than the natural instinct to run in the opposite direction.

“Coming into the holiday period, this is a timely reminder that there is no break for our police, who will be serving our Cootamundra community through Christmas and the New Year.

“Their commitment to fostering a safe and thriving environment is invaluable, and we want each and every officer to know that their efforts are deeply appreciated.

“Please share a thought for those officers forgoing time with their family and friends to keep us safe over the holidays,” she said.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole joined in welcoming Probationary Constable Perkins and all the enthusiastic new recruits commencing duties across the state.

“I am proud to welcome the new recruits into the NSW Police Force; they have taken up the incredibly challenging but rewarding responsibility of serving and protecting the people of NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“These probationary constables are certainly helping strengthen the ranks of our modern and world-class police force,” he said.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with new Probationary Constable Tom Perkins, Detective Sergeant Mark Lake, and Senior Constable Kurt Lyzun.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has praised the imagination, creativity, and talent displayed by the local school students who took part in the Happy Little Vegemite Art Competition.

Ms Cooke said there was an overwhelming response to the competition celebrating Vegemite’s 100^th birthday, with entries submitted from schools right across the electorate.

“We had hundreds of wonderful artworks created by local students of all ages, from Kindergarten right through to Year Six,” Ms Cooke said.

“I was just so impressed by the talent on display; the competition well and truly exceeded expectations, so much so, that it was too difficult to narrow the entries down to only two winners. Instead, a winner has been chosen from each year group,” she said.

After careful consideration of the many impressive entries, Ms Cooke said she’s delighted to announce the following winners, with their artworks now on display in the Young Electorate Office for the community to enjoy:

• Kindergarten: Audrey Emmett-Daley – Quandialla Public School

• Year 1: Charlotte Dicker – Barellan Central School

• Year 2: Liam Surilla – Young Public School

• Year 3: Eva Power – Ardlethan Central School

• Year 4: Billy Petit – St Mary’s War Memorial School West Wyalong

• Year 5: Taite Johnson – St Patrick’s Primary School Gundagai

• Year 6: Gracie Elphick – Jugiong Public School

“Congratulations to the winners and to all those who entered; I’m truly impressed, and I commend all participants for their exceptional artistic talents,” Ms Cooke said.

Image: Steph Cooke with Year 2 prize winner Liam Surilla at Young Public School.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the completion of significant upgrades at Bob Aldridge Park, marks a new era for sport in Temora.

Ms Cooke was joined by Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman, council staff, and members of the community to officially open the new-look park facilities on Wednesday.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities at Bob Aldridge Park will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs,” Ms Cooke said. 

Ms Cooke said the changes include the construction of a new amenities building incorporating state-of-the-art change rooms and accessible restrooms. Ms Cooke also emphasised the importance of investing in local infrastructure to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

The upgrades have been made possible thanks to a $518,078 grant provided under the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund, along with funding from Temora Junior Rugby League ($30,000), Temora Touch Association ($10,000), and Temora Shire Council ($30,000).

“The previous government also invested $55,000 to upgrade the lighting at the park, as part of the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrade Program,” Ms Cooke said.

“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.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging the participation of girls and women – and people with a disability – in sport, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman thanked Ms Cooke on behalf of the community, adding that the upgrades promise to have a positive impact on local sports and recreational activities.

“Two of our sporting clubs utilise this facility, Temora Touch Football and Temora Schoolboys Rugby League; both are hardworking clubs with dedicated officials and players, so they deserve this significant upgrade,” Mayor Firman said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has praised the team behind the local Boys to the Bush support service, with the organisation going ahead in leaps and bounds since the Young hub was established in 2022.

“When it comes to having a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of people in our towns and villages, the programs provided by Boys to the Bush, are up there as some of the best,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit charity providing prevention and early intervention strategies for young men between the ages of nine and 22 who are at risk of disengagement.

“The team support disengaged young men across the region by providing camps and mentoring to not only teach valuable life skills, but to also help improve their education and employability,” Ms Cooke said.

Their mission is to ‘provide an environment free from the distractions in their lives, allowing boys the opportunity to be surrounded by positive influences and giving them opportunities to succeed. Encouraging mateship, resilience, and a sense of belonging’.

“I stopped-by the Young hub recently for a chat with team members Pete Butcher and Cassandra Tyack, who filled me in on their latest outreach programs. They tell me they’re growing all the time, providing on-the-ground support to dozens of boys and young men, making sure they know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to go it alone,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to have been a part of a Coalition Government that contributed funding in 2022 to the establishment of the hub in Young, and another in Leeton.

“The funding allowed for a permanent base to be established at Young and Leeton a few years ago, which provided local employment and additional support. It’s been a fantastic ‘add-on’ to the range of support services that we have available in the region,” Ms Cooke said.More information is available at www.boystothebush.org.au

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Boys to the Bush team members Pete Butcher and Cassandra Tyack at the organisation’s Young hub.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined with members of the Gooloogong community to help officially mark the opening of the revamped amenities building at Gooloogong Park.

Ms Cooke said the state-of-the-art upgrade was made possible thanks to a $70,300 investment by the previous Coalition Government – under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund program – and serves as a testament to the commitment of the Coalition in improving infrastructure and essential services in regional communities.

“Our villages are the beating heart of rural and regional communities; whenever I visit and chat with locals, I’m always so encouraged by their passion for their district, and their pride in their area; you couldn’t bestow an investment on a more grateful group of people,” Ms Cooke said.

“And it’s certainly no different in Gooloogong, where the renovated amenities building – which includes accessible showers and toilets – not only enhances the village for the benefit of residents, but also acts as a drawcard for tourists, with the park providing camping sites for visitors.

“It’s these kinds of investments that are crucial to the longevity of our towns and villages; they may only be relatively small, but assets like this pay huge dividends for local communities, with tourism having a flow-on effect throughout the economy, as visitors stop and spend money locally, before moving on to the next destination to spread the word among other travellers about where they’ve been.

“I will always be a steadfast advocate for local development opportunities, and will lobby the government strongly to continue investing in regional infrastructure, ensuring that the evolving needs of our communities are met, and that they have access to vital facilities like these.

“Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves means residents have access to quality spaces for sports and fitness, or to just relax, rejuvenate and stay in touch with each other.

“As Gooloogong looks to the future, the amenities building stands as a symbol of progress and a testament to the positive outcomes that collaboration and investment can yield,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has applauded all those involved in the 2023 National Cherry Festival in Young, praising their dedication and hard work in making the event a resounding success.

Ms Cooke commended the meticulous planning of the organisers, volunteers, and sponsors, who all contributed to the festival’s success.

“This year’s event was hands-down one of the greatest National Cherry Festivals Young has ever seen,” Ms Cooke said.

“I had a wonderful weekend experiencing the sights and sounds of the festival. Young came alive and was such a hive of activity; I spoke to so many people who all commented on the vibrancy of the town, and the wonderful activities and attractions on offer,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the festival’s diverse array of activities, from cherry picking, to live musical entertainment, wood-chopping, carnival rides, pie-eating competitions, and live poetry performances, made it a memorable experience for all.

“Congratulations to the organisers for once again putting together an amazing event, and to all those who took part – from the musicians, to the float organisers, to those who marched in the parade, the market stall-holders, the council staff, the list goes on – it was a big effort, and one that well and truly paid off,” Ms Cooke said.

“A big congratulations also to the winners of the various festival prizes, including Young High School for ‘best overall’ in this year’s parade, and Young Public School for ‘best cherry-themed float’,” she said.

Ms Cooke also highlighted the festival’s role in promoting local businesses, fostering tourism, and highlighting Young as a vibrant regional hub.

“It’s events like this that contribute significantly to the prosperity and growth of our region. It’s become such a popular drawcard for visitors on the region’s calendar, and it’s all thanks to the unwavering commitment of organisers and participants,” Ms Cooke said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke was on hand to help officially open this year’s National Cherry Festival alongside (from left), Hilltops Deputy Mayor Alison Foreman, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Hilltops Mayor Marg Roles, Young High School student Bella Charles, and reigning Cherry Queen Brianna Long.

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

The following is a statement attributable to the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke:

“I have been informed today by Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District that the promised Tresillian Residential Unit will no longer be included in the Cowra Hospital redevelopment.

“This involved the inclusion of two new inpatient beds as part of a dedicated Tresillian residential inpatient service, designed to support families in our community.

“To say I am devastated by this outcome is an understatement.

“I am now seeking an urgent meeting with Health Minister Ryan Park to ask him to overturn what I firmly believe is quite plainly the wrong decision; one that has been made with no community consultation whatsoever, and no attempt at finding a compromise or alternative solution.

“I have been told that the reason for the decision relates to construction together with ongoing operational costs. However, this fails to take into account the social cost of not going ahead with what would have been an extremely important service for families across the Central West.

“This was something I fought incredibly hard for; having this service would have meant that new and expectant parents in Cowra and across the entire Central West region, would no longer have to travel to Sydney or Canberra for specialised support.

“I have been assured the services provided by the Tresillian Family Care Centre will not be impacted by this decision, and that there will be no interruption to the services they are currently providing to so many families in our community.

“I have received assurances from Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District, that there will be no further changes to the scope of the Cowra Hospital redevelopment project, and that the promised components of the Clinical Services Plan as it currently stands, will be delivered in full, and that the main works will commence in January 2024.

“I have spoken to Cowra Mayor Ruth Fagan to inform her of this news, and to assure her that from my perspective, this is not the end of the matter, and as always I will keep the community updated on any new information as it comes to hand.”

Image: Steph Cooke Member for Cootamundra with Rob Mills, CEO of Tresillian Early Parenting

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke praised the importance of community organisations like the Country Women’s Association during a special event celebrating the 100th birthday of the Young CWA Branch.

“The CWA here in Young has been supporting women, children, and the wider community for 100 years, which is a truly remarkable achievement,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s an amazing milestone and represents a long and valued history of dedication by members to enrich the lives of those in our local towns and villages.

“The ladies of the CWA are invaluable members of our community; whether it be fundraising, providing a network of support, lobbying for important causes, passing on their skills to others, or providing educational grants, their contribution is second-to-none.

“The CWA has consistently championed important causes, from supporting local families, to advocating for essential rural services, and today is a chance for us to shine a light on the fantastic work these women do, often without the recognition they deserve.

“Congratulations once again to all members of the Young CWA Branch; thank you for your continued generosity, and for the amazing work that you all do for our communities,” she said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke, Young CWA Branch President Jenny Thompson, and Hilltops Council Mayor Marg Roles.