Steph Cooke | 03 Feb 2023 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Grants
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) have been successful in receiving funding of over $560,000 to upgrade amenities at Fisher Park in Cootamundra and Ellwood’s Hall in Stockinbingal.
These are just two Council led projects as part of six awarded to the Cootamundra-Gundagai area under Round Five of the NSW Governments Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said we have a number of groups who use Fisher Park and Ellwood’s Hall and these improvements will mean modernised amenities for locals and visitors to enjoy.
“Fisher Park sees visitors and participants of the Cootamundra Junior Rugby League, Women’s Tag League, Cootamundra Cycle Club, Cootamundra Cricket as well as a space for the community to enjoy monthly markets,” Ms Cooke said.
“These facilities at the Park will undergo a complete overhaul to rejuvenate and modernise the current over 30-year-old infrastructure.”
“Ellwood’s Hall will see a particular focus on upgrading the previously shared amenities to now include separate women’s facilities including new changerooms and showers.”
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said this funding is wonderful for their communities and Council appreciates the support from the NSW Government.
“Fisher Park is in need of an upgrade and desperately needs appropriate facilities for women’s sports,” Cr Sheahan said.
“Visitors and members of the Stockinbingal community will greatly appreciate the new toilets at Ellwood’s Hall.”
Steph Cooke | 23 Dec 2022 | Community Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Hilltops Council Narrandera Shire Temora Shire Weddin Shire
Young people in the region will be able to enjoy a vast range of activities during the upcoming summer school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Holiday Break Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the latest suite of activities and said they offer great opportunities for young people to stay connected, have fun and maybe even discover a new interest.
“Across the electorate, events and workshops will be delivered to help the youth in our region access social and recreational activities within their local communities while on their summer holiday break,” Ms Cooke said.
“These activities are a wonderful way to ensure we break down barriers for our regional youth, making it easier for them to socialise and have some fun during the summer break.”
“The NSW Government invests in this program because we know it is important to provide opportunities for young people to connect, socialise and have fun during the school holidays,” Mr Franklin said.
“We also know that keeping the kids entertained over the holidays can be costly for families, so these free activities will help to relieve the financial pressure on family budgets these Summer holidays.
“The programs on offer will provide social and recreational outlets to help regional youth become more involved in their local communities, and to show that living in a regional location is not a barrier for young people to try new things.
“Our continued program partnerships mean we’re able to deliver an assortment of activities that allow youth to hone their artistic skills, explore a completely new area of interest or get moving with a fun physical activity over the school holidays.”
A list of events across the electorate includes:
Cootamundra Youth Council
31/12/2022 7:30pm – 12:30am
New Years Eve Movie night for ages 12-17 – The Arts Centre Cootamundra.
16/01/2023 9am – 3pm
Family Fun Sports Day – Cootamundra Sports Stadium.
Teen boot camp-fun and fitness in the sun – Carberry Park (opposite Council Chambers Gundagai).
20/02/2023 2pm – 3:30pm
Skateboard and scooter lessons and grip tap art workshop – Gundagai Skate Park.
13/01/2023 6pm – 9pm
Open Night at the Gundagai Pool – Swimming, games and giveaways – Gundagai. Memorial Pool.
Hilltops Youth Action Group
29/01/2023
Back 2 Skool Pool Party featuring the World’s oldest Rocking DJ’s & Nursing home escapee’s the Rockafellas.
Temora Shire Council
05/01/2023 9am -10:30am
Cooking Class with Local Caterer – Platform Y.
06/01/2023 9:45am – 3pm
Trip to Wagga with lasertag and Shopping time – Platform Y.
09/01/2023 9:30am – 10:15am
Yoga Class for ages 12-24 – Platform Y.
09/01/2023 11am – 2:30pm
Mixed Media Art Workshop – Platform Y.
12/01/2023 10am – 11:30am
Gaming Day – including VR headsets – Platform Y.
Narrandera Shire Council
04/01/2023 – 03/02/2023 10am -9pm
The Summer Sessions will include two Paint with mates sessions, a cultural tour and an afternoon of music followed by a movie night – Lake Talbot Water Park.
Weddin Shire Council
21/01/2023 10am – 7pm
Beach themed pool party. Laser Tag, Water inflatables, Craft activities and beach themed catering. To find out more about activities near you and for program guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/ holidaybreak
Steph Cooke | 22 Dec 2022 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has been successful in receiving $149,600 as part of the NSW Government grants to reduce the impacts of floods.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the grant will fund critical flood risk management projects as part of the 2022-23 Floodplain Management Program, which has been running since the 1980’s.
“The region knows the reality of what life is like when this area floods and how important it is to be prepared in order to reduce the impact of floods on our homes and businesses,” Ms Cooke said.
The local Flood Study project consists of the initial development of a wide-scale flood study encompassing the entirety of the Murrumbidgee River floodplain within the Cootamundra-Gundagai local government area (LGA) which is then used to facilitate the development of individual flood studies for the Villages of Coolac, Nangus, Tumblong and Darbalara.
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the NSW Government is funding the project to better understand risks and take action to reduce the impact of floods on the community.
“The funding that’s being delivered to Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council to help them be better prepared for and protected from potential flooding,” Mr Griffin said.
“As La Nina continues to batter the community, these grants will help councils future-proof their flood plans, and ensure communities are more prepared for flood risks.”
In the past decade, the NSW Government has provided approximately $165 million through the Department of Planning and Environment’s Floodplain Management Program to fund more than 770 local council projects.
Steph Cooke | 22 Dec 2022 | Community Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Emergency Services Hilltops Council Junee Shire Narrandera Shire
Five new probationary constables from ‘Class 356’ will commence duties across the region following their Police Academy attestation and formal ceremony held at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, 9 December.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated the new recruits as they embark on their policing careers from Junee, Cootamundra, Narrandera and Young Police stations.
“I welcome all our newest police officers to the region and wish them every success in such an honourable role,” Ms Cooke said.
“Being sworn in as a police officer is a great honour and I commend these recruits for their commitment to their communities.”
“These new officers will play major roles in keeping our communities safe and it is great to see more and more officers gaining experience in our rural areas”
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole joined NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM, to welcome the enthusiastic new recruits, who come from diverse backgrounds and professional experience.
“I am proud to welcome the 151 new recruits into the NSW Police Force, who have taken up the incredibly challenging but rewarding responsibility of serving and protecting the people of NSW,” Minister Toole said.
“These probationary constables are among 1,046 recruits to NSW Police this year, helping strengthen the ranks of our modern and world-class Police Force.”
“The NSW Government recognises the role of a police officer is like no other, which is why we’re rolling out landmark reforms to help recruit, retain and take better care of every member of the Force throughout their career, whether they’re probationary constables or those with decades of experience.” The recruits of Class 356 including 116 men and 35 women have completed eight months of foundational training before putting their feet on the beat.
Steph Cooke | 21 Dec 2022 | Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Narrandera Shire Temora Shire
Funding of over $867,000 has been secured to improve and upgrade Crown Land reserves and facilities across the Cootamundra electorate under the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the funding, which will provide benefits to the community, boost the local economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of the region.
“Crown reserves provide land for sport and recreation, homes for community organisations, open space for healthy lifestyles, and protect our environment including sensitive habitat for native plants and animals,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s fantastic that funding has been allocated to support local reserves and community facilities right across the Cootamundra electorate.”
Projects being funded include:
$625,068 for Cowra Showground, Racecourse and Paceway to upgrade its ageing electrical system and build a large all-weather undercover area for horse riders which includes Riding for the Disabled.
$16,731 for Bellevue Hill reserve in Cowra to restore habitat by removing weeds, shrubs and trees and replace them with native trees and grasses.
$173,985 for Lake Talbot Reserve in Narrandera to upgrade the barbecue shelter, seats, stairs and walking trails, and make it more accessible.
$18,105 for Coolac Public Hall to build an amenities block with separate men’s and women’s toilets and a toilet accessible for people with wheelchairs.
$18,097 for Ganmain Showground to replace benchtops in the main pavilion and lay concrete under the awning of the new Lifestyle Pavilion.
$8,847 for Sebastapol Travelling Stock Reserve for a new fence and signs to stop the public entering due to danger from old mine shafts.
$6,750 for Bectric Hall and Recreation Reserve to paint and provide maintenance upgrades to the amenities and exterior roof of the hall .
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said Crown land covers about 34 million hectares or 42 per cent of NSW, with over 34,000 reserves across the state.
“Crown reserves provide communities with land for everything from showgrounds, racecourses, surf lifesaving clubs and community halls to parks, ovals, green space and walking trails,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Cootamundra grants are part of $16.48 million being offered statewide to support 264 projects that will benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.” For further information on Crown Reserves Improvement Fund please visit: https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif
Steph Cooke | 14 Dec 2022 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Education News
Under the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program, Cootamundra Preschool has secured a total of $43,300 in funding.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements and equipment to local facilities.
“I congratulate Cootamundra Preschool in their successful application to install a kitchen and undertake building extensions,” Ms Cooke said.
“These improvements to the Preschool with benefit both the staff and the little learners,”
“I had the pleasure earlier in the year of catching up with Keryn Bell, director of Cootamundra Preschool, where she was pleased to let me know they were working on renovation plans.”
“With the kitchen renovations allowing for additional appliances to create a space where cooking experiences could enhance learning.”
“I think this is a fantastic initiative and I look forward to dropping in once the renovations are completed to test out some freshly baked cupcakes.”
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009. For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cpb
Steph Cooke | 09 Dec 2022 | Community Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Grants
Gundagai Historical Museum has secured a total of $20,118 in funding through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements and equipment to local facilities.
“I congratulate all the Gundagai Historical Museum volunteers in receiving this funding to install exit doors, lighting and hard-wired smoke detectors,” Ms Cooke said.
“These improvements to the Museum will complement the previous funding announced just last week for their improved signage under the NSW Government’s Volunteer Museum Small Grants,”
“It is important that we continue to support and preserve our local history for future generations to learn and enjoy their heritage.”
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.
For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cpb.
Steph Cooke | 05 Dec 2022 | Community Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Environment and Heritage Grants News Tourism
Gundagai’s Historical Museum has been successful in the funding of $1,370 and is one of nine cultural centres across the state to receive funding through round 2 of the NSW Government’s Volunteer Museum Small Grants.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Volunteer Museum Small Grants funding will support heritage experts and enable the area’s history and stories to be shared to a wider audience.
“Local museums and galleries play an important part in sharing regional stories, and I am thrilled that Gundagai’s Historical Museum, and our dedicated historians and volunteers are being supported by this funding,” Ms Cooke said.
“I previously visited the Museum back in April of this year when they received funding to upgrade their disabled access to the amenities block and fire exits as part of the 2021 Community Building Partnerships funding.”
Gundagai Historical Museum Communications Organiser, Izzy Perko said they are delighted they have received this funding to install new signage and replace a very old noticeboard frame.
“Professionally made signs are expensive and this opportunity will assist with promoting the museum. The volunteers are so very thankful for this grant,” Ms Perko said.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said theVolunteer Museum Small Grants Round 2 will support greater access and engagement with history projects across NSW and create opportunities for professionals in the field.
“These small grants for regional galleries and museums are targeted to create opportunities for historians and volunteers and preserve NSW’s rich history for local communities and visitors from across the state,” Mr Franklin said.
This year’s Museums & Galleries of NSW Volunteer Museum Small Grants Fund rounds one and two have supported 18 organisations across the State. All round two recipients are from regional NSW.
Steph Cooke | 28 Nov 2022 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council News Roads and Transport
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council will soon start receiving funds totalling $473,892.81 for urgent pothole repairs, under the NSW Government’s $50 million Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the money was going straight into the bank account of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council to help them cover the extra costs and workload pressures following this year’s unprecedented rain and storms.
“These grants are a rapid injection of cash to help councils get on with the job of repairing potholes to get us through the wet summer ahead,” Ms Cooke said.
“This is on top of the ongoing investment in a stronger road network through Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Roads and Fixing Country Bridges.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said all 94 regional councils that applied for funding had been approved for grants.
“From December, councils across regional NSW will receive their share of $50 million to repair pothole-ravaged local and regional roads,” Mr Farraway said.
“This additional support will help councils to repair their most damaged roads, improving safety and reducing wear and tear on vehicles.”
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is backing our councils with this dedicated pothole repair funding which is the first of its kind in NSW.”
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor, Cr Charlie Sheahan, whose area has been hit by floods and severe weather several times this year, welcomed the extra money announced under the Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round.
“We have nearly 1400 kilometres of local and regional roads to manage across the Shire. Every dollar counts towards ensuring they are repaired as quickly as possible,” Cr Sheahan said.
“Council greatly appreciates this funding as we come into harvest and the associated increased volumes of freight and heavy vehicles on the road. With Christmas just around the corner, road safety for all users is paramount.”
Steph Cooke | 24 Nov 2022 | Community Community resources Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council News
A Recovery Assistance Point will operate in Gundagai on Saturday 26 November to help individuals, families, farmers and business owners recover from flooding.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Recovery Assistance Points bring together NSW Government agencies, Commonwealth agencies, the local council, community organisations and welfare bodies all under the one roof.
“As we transition from response to recovery, it can be difficult for people to know where to start,” Ms Cooke said.
“Recovery Assistance Points function as the first port of call for people needing to access the various types of flood recovery support available.”
“Whether you need to replace damaged documents, receive assistance with the physical clean-up, access emergency accommodation or utilise mental health services, I encourage everyone who has been impacted by the severe storm and flooding to visit.”
Recovery Assistance Points continue to be stood up across NSW to connect individuals, families, farmers and business owners with a range of services and offer support, as they begin the long and difficult clean-up, rebuilding and recovery process.
The Recovery Assistance Point will operate at Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Chambers, 255 Sheridan Street, Gundagai on:
Service NSW is operating as an online one-stop shop for anyone wanting assistance remotely, with Customer Care specialists also available over the phone on 13 77 88.
