Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated local volunteer Jone Pavelic for winning the NSW Government’s Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Award.
Ms Cooke said Jone won the prestigious statewide award for her outstanding work at Temora Showground, a multi-use facility on Crown land that is central to the life of the community and the wider region.
“Jone has done a fantastic job as Chair of the Temora Showground Land Managers, even serving as the front-line point of contact for all bookings for the showground and its caravan park,” Ms Cooke said.
“I also congratulate Debbie Coddington who was shortlisted as Secretary of the Bectric Hall Committee after sourcing grants to build a camp kitchen and restore the roof so the historic 1904 hall could be opened up to campers.”
The 2022 Community Achievement Awards for Regional NSW and the ACT recognise Crown land managers who make outstanding contributions managing Crown reserves.
The Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands sponsored three awards which were announced on 25 November:
- Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Award for volunteers
- Crown Land Management Excellence Award for organisations; and
- Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award for local councils.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said Crown reserves include everything from showgrounds and racecourses to parks, recreational trails, caravan parks, public halls, Scouts halls and Girl Guides halls.
“Crown land managers include volunteers and organisations who do great work improving and maintaining reserves for their communities,” Mr Anderson said.
“There are over 34,000 Crown reserves in NSW with many at the centre of community life supporting recreation, culture and local economies.”
Significant electrical upgrades at Grenfell Showground have been completed thanks to $438,204 from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF).
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was great to have had this crucial infrastructure transformed throughout the grounds.
“I am so pleased by what has been achieved here because when you are host to large community events, it is vital the power stays on,” Ms Cooke said.
“As well as improving the reliability and set-up of the electrical network, the upgrades are also important from a safety perspective given the age of some of the buildings.
Ms Cooke said the project has also injected funds into the local economy with the majority of work carried out by local businesses.
“I thank local electricians Aden Day and Gary Day who have worked alongside other local contractors to get this job done.
“It is also great to hear the materials have largely been sourced through Oliver’s Hardware in town.”
Completed in time for the 2022 Grenfell Show, the electrical upgrade is the latest project to be delivered thanks to funding from the NSW Government, in partnership with the Grenfell Showground Land Managers and Grenfell Show Society Inc.
“The pavilion supper room has had reverse cycle air conditioning, soundproofing and installation installed through the Showground Stimulus program, with repairs to the grandstand flooring and verandah also underway thanks to CRIF,” Ms Cooke said.
“This work ensures the showground facilities are more comfortable and practical for all patrons and user groups, supporting its success as a community hub well into the future.”
The 2022 Grenfell Show is to be held on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 of September, 2022. For more information, please visit http://www.grenfellshow.com.au/
Councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations in the Cootamundra electorate are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver Holiday Break activities for young people during the upcoming spring school holidays.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the $10 million program offers young people in the region aged 12-24 years the opportunity to socialise with their peers, learn something new and have fun.
“The Holiday Break program provides ways for young people to engage and connect with people their own age in a wide range of events from arts and cultural activities to outdoor leisure pursuits,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s also a great foundation to strengthen mental health and wellbeing after what has been a difficult couple of years for many.”
“Funding of up to $7,000 will be available to all 93 regional councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver fun and exciting activities like movie nights, arts workshops, music activities and sport camps.”
Minister for the Arts and Regional Youth, Ben Franklin said that for the last three years, the Holiday Break program has provided young people in the regions with the opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves over the holiday period.
“Holiday Break allows regional youth to overcome barriers to participation by providing free or heavily subsidised holiday activities, alleviating cost of living pressures for young families and ensuring they are given equal opportunities,” Mr Franklin said.
“We want to ensure all regional young people have the opportunity to connect with each other, learn new skills, and enjoy their youth.”
“If there’s an activity that you’d like to see happen during youth week or the school holidays, I encourage you to reach out to your local council or eligible not-for-profit organisation to turn your idea into a reality.”
Applications are open now until the 29 July 2022. To find out more and for program guidelines, visit www.nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.