Three vouchers worth $50 each, so $150 in total, for each child can be used towards the cost of a range of things for school, for example shoes, backpacks and technology and can now also be used to help cover the cost of school excursions in Term 1 and 2.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is reminding local families with school-aged children to redeem their NSW Premier’s Back to School vouchers before 30 June.
“I encourage local families to check if they have any unused vouchers in their Service NSW app – and remind them that they have until 30 June 2023 to apply for and redeem their vouchers,” Ms Cooke said.
“So far more than 24,000 vouchers have been redeemed across the electorate saving local families $1,218,249 and helping to support our local small businesses,” Ms Cooke said.
This program is one of many measures from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to help ease the cost of living for families across the region and NSW.
In NSW more than 3.5 million vouchers have been downloaded – amounting to a whopping $175 million – but there is still money on the table for families who have not yet redeemed their vouchers.
The Liberal and Nationals Government is working to ease the cost of living for families whether it’s having to buy a new backpack or shoes for school, we know these costs add up for families. Our Back to School vouchers are here to help.
Applying for the vouchers is simple and easy via the Service NSW app, calling Service NSW, or visiting a Service NSW Centre. Businesses that accept vouchers are listed on the Business Finder tool on the Service NSW website.
Fee-free training will be rolled out to the livestock sector in the region and across NSW thanks to the expansion of a NSW Nationals Government program investing in upskilling and growing the agricultural workforce.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the announcement saying the program is designed to deliver industry-relevant training, drawing on new and emerging technologies, with a focus on driving efficiency and productivity.
“Our State’s agriculture sector is already extremely dynamic and responsive, and this program will help us take it to the next level by giving more people the opportunity to gain industry specific skills,” Ms Cooke said.
“It will help farmers boost productivity, profitability and competitiveness, and create a highly skilled workforce that will drive the industry, and grow the economy for generations to come.
“Today’s announcement is all about investing in the next generation of NSW farmers and ensuing our farmers are getting the workers with the skills they need.”
Under the expanded program, livestock includes beef cattle, dairy, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, honey-bees, other livestock, animal management services used for commercial agricultural (food and fibre) production, and pest and disease management for these animals.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said from inception AgSkilled has focused on plant-based industries like cropping, cotton, viticulture and horticulture, where it has delivered approximately $9.6 million in training across the State since 2020.
“Almost 5,400 training places have been delivered through AgSkilled since mid-2020 and this expansion to the livestock sector will turbocharge the take-up of skills and training for the people driving an $8 billion industry,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $3.1 billion skills budget was delivering more fee-free training opportunities than ever before.
“A single, streamlined training and workforce development program for the entire agricultural sector will generate more opportunities for people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” Mr Henskens said.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the program is about removing barriers for people to get skilled for in-demand jobs.
“This program will help address industry workforce shortages, give more people the skills they need to secure meaningful employment and provide career development opportunities for those already in the industry.” For more information about AgSkilled 2.0, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/vet-programs/agskilled.
Steph Cooke | 23 Feb 2023 | All LGAs Community Education
An innovative approach to teacher training in regional NSW has proven wildly successful and is now being doubled to accommodate demand from aspiring teachers.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the program’s success was no surprise and was a big win for local students.
“Our support staff across the electorate have strong ties to their local community and are already doing fantastic work supporting students in our country schools,” Ms Cooke said.
“This program is removing barriers for them to pursue their dream of becoming a teacher without having to travel away from home, so it’s no wonder it’s proving so popular.”
The Grow Your Own Teacher Training program initially planned to support up to 100 School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) to upskill and study teaching degrees while working in local schools, its popularity now means the program will double to 200 participants in 2023 alone, with another 300 set to commence in 2024 and 2025.
Grow Your Own Teacher Training Program has commenced in:
Cowra Public School
Wallendbeen Public School
West Wyalong High School
Young High School
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the program is part of a range of programs to diversify teacher supply, with SLSOs remaining employed in their school while they complete their study.
“Regional areas are incredible places to live and work, and now thanks to this program more people can train to become teachers without leaving their local communities,” Ms Mitchell said.
Ms Mitchell said there are about 45,000 support staff across NSW schools, representing a large proportion of the workforce and a rich talent pool.
“This program is about modernising teaching pathways in NSW and encouraging people already working in our schools to take the next step by becoming a teacher,” Ms Mitchell said.
The NSW Department of Education has partnered with Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University to deliver the Grow Your Own Teacher Training program.
Participants receive a $10,000 training allowance per year (up to $30,000 for the degree) and can work part-time as an educational paraprofessional in their final four semesters of study.
The Grow Your Own program is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Teacher Supply Strategy. Building on the existing successful pipeline of teachers, the strategy will deliver 3,700 teachers with the right subject qualifications placed in locations of need over the next 10 years. In just over a year, the strategy has delivered 460 current and trainee teachers.
Steph Cooke | 20 Feb 2023 | Education Temora Shire
Two new fee-free courses have been added to the list at TAFE NSW Temora to help meet the demand for fitness and health professionals in the local regional area.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the fee-free courses in fitness and allied health assistance (physiotherapy) reflect jobs growth and are now open for enrolments at TAFE NSW Temora for Semester One.
“We know how strong the demand is for health professionals, especially in regional and rural areas like ours, and TAFE NSW has an important part to play in giving locals the opportunity to be trained in allied health fee-free in their own community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Many of these graduates will choose to stay and practice locally, providing a win-win for the local Temora community and surrounding areas.”
The Certificate III in Fitness has not been offered at TAFE NSW Temora for more than 30 years, while the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance is being offered for the first time in 10 years.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is leading the nation in supporting people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, which is helping grow the economy, securing a brighter future for the people of NSW.
“TAFE NSW trains 46 per cent of government funded TAFE students in Australia. It is the nation’s largest and best training provider, and we have invested record funding in TAFE NSW to ensure it continues to deliver a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers,” Mr Henskens said.
“Our record skills budget is delivering more fee-free training which is helping people find in-demand jobs and contributing to NSW’s low unemployment rate.”
Both courses will be delivered through a mix of face-to-face workshops at TAFE NSW Temora and virtual classrooms. For more information about courses available at TAFE NSW Temora, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
The littlest learners at Coolamon Pre School are set to benefit from just under $15,000 in funding to improve facilities and support programs for their early childhood education and care services thanks to a funding boost from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the funding to improve quality learning environments that make a positive impact for preschool-aged children.
“This is fantastic news for Coolamon Pre School, I know how important these services are to our community and so the funding will make a tangible difference for our young learners.” Ms Cooke said.
“Playtime is an important part of a child’s development, by releasing energy and learning the skills to interact with other children.”
Coolamon Pre School Association Inc Director Ms Corie Flanigan said this funding is to purchase a range of outdoor equipment for the children to enjoy as part of their engagement in the Fundamental Movement Skills program sessions that were delivered by the students of Coolamon Central School during term four of 2022.
“The equipment will continue to develop, strengthen and extend the children’s physical development through fun and engaging experiences and to extend environments where children are creating,” Ms Flanigan said.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said Coolamon Pre School were amongst the nearly 300 services to benefit from the first round of the $21 million Quality and Participation Grants Program.
“These grants had an overwhelming response from the sector, which is fantastic because it means more children, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, will benefit,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in our littlest learners, because we know the early years are incredibly important. These grants will help our amazing early childhood educators provide high-quality learning environments for children across the state.”
The funding can be used by services for a range of activities such as providing transport services to improve access, bringing in specialised staff for Aboriginal children and children from low-income families and minor capital works, such as renovations and new play areas.
The NSW Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood commitments announced as part of the 2022-23 budget to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW. Through the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is ensuring NSW is the best state to live, work and raise a family
New financial packages will make it easier for teachers to take jobs at regional schools and settle in communities. The incentives will include $10,000 to help cover stamp duty costs when buying a home in their new school community.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to removing barriers for teachers and helping them make the move to a country town.
“Regional, rural and remote communities are an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family,” Ms Cooke said.
“That is why the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is providing additional support to help cover the costs of teachers moving to our communities, and support to help them buy a home so they can put down roots.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said offering additional support for teachers after they’ve relocated was the logical next step.
“Once we’ve helped a teacher move to a regional, rural or remote school, we need to do everything we can to make sure they become part of the community,” Ms Mitchell said.
Ms Mitchell said a new Support for Rural Beginners program has also been introduced to provide hundreds of early career teachers with access to a range of supports to help them settle into their community and make local connections.
“We want to reduce the level of social isolation experienced by new teachers who have moved to the country and improve retention by encouraging them to build a sense of belonging in their communities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The program includes a one-off financial incentive of $600 to be used towards building social connections such as registering with a local sporting team, signing up for art classes or even having coffee with new friends.”
To be eligible for the program, teachers must be within their first five years in the classroom and have recently moved to teach in a regional, rural or remote school in the principal networks of Gundagai, Narrandera, Temora, West Wyalong, as well as selected Connected Communities schools.
NSW has the most comprehensive rural and remote incentives scheme in Australia and, subject to eligibility, teachers can access up to $40,000 on top of their base salary annually, plus an additional $20,000 recruitment bonus. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has also invested more than $20 million in teacher housing in priority areas. In 2022, the incentives program supported 1,700 teachers in regional, rural, and remote schools.
Teachers who are first home buyers already receive stamp duty relief under the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s First Home Buyer Assistance scheme and the First Home Buyer Choice scheme, and may receive an additional $10,000 under the First HomeOwner Grant scheme.
Steph Cooke | 31 Jan 2023 | Education Hilltops Council
A joint-use community library facility located on the grounds of Young High School is nearing the final stages of construction.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was excited to see the progress of works carried out by Joss Group, with the project expected to commence internal fit-out shortly.
“It is fantastic to see how far works have progressed since August, as this incredible new community facility really takes shape,” Ms Cooke said.
“This Library is going to benefit both the students at Young High School and the broader community, with access to library services in the one place.”
“Our public libraries play an important role in community life, fostering lifelong learning and can often be a central hub for the community to meet.”
The new facility will include learning spaces, video conferencing and multimedia facilities, dedicated children’s activity area, coffee bar and a Wiradjuri learning and cultural centre.
Preparation works are also taking place for the external landscaping at the front of new building, including the remaining footpath and landscaping to be finished on the side at Carrington Park.
The remaining works scheduled over the next four weeks include the installation of all the glazing, installation of the main staircase and commencement of the internal fit-out.
The project is a partnership between the NSW Government, Schools Infrastructure and Hilltops Council.
Steph Cooke | 30 Jan 2023 | Community Education News
As children head back to school it is a timely reminder for motorists to take care in and around our school zones.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said since 2011 the NSW Government has installed 163 sets of flashing lights across the electorate.
“School children are some of our most vulnerable road users, which is why since 2011, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has ensured every school in NSW has at least one set of flashing lights in place, with many having multiple sets,’ Ms Cooke said.
“As a result, we have delivered more than 5,700 sets of flashing lights in school zones around the state.
“The lights are an incredibly effective reminder to motorists that they are entering a school zone and they should slow down and take care to help keep our children safe. With school returning this week I’m urging motorists to take extra care whenever they see these lights flash.
“On top of the lights, the NSW Liberal and Nationals have invested $18.5 million to deliver an additional 300 school crossing supervisors bringing the total number of supervisors to 1,300 of which 739 are based in regional NSW.
The NSW State Government is making it easier for parents in the region, who are set to receive cost relief on their preschool fees with savings of up to $4,220 a year thanks to a landmark investment in preschool.
For the first time, parents whose children attend preschool programs at Long Day Care settings will enjoy subsidised fees, following the introduction of the new $1.3 billion Start Strong Affordable Preschool Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Liberal and National Government are easing the cost-of-living pressure for families in regional NSW and ensuring more children receive high-quality early education.
“Research has shown that preschool is where the building blocks for lifelong success are established. It is vital that we can support families in accessing quality early childhood education,” Ms Cooke said.
“This investment shows that NSW Government is committed to ensuring families across the state have brighter futures and less pressure on wallets.
“This announcement builds on more than 70 costs of living measures already available to people right across the region. People are encouraged to visit service.nsw.gov.au or their local Service NSW Centre for more.”
Nationals Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said families can now save up to $4,220 per year depending on where their child attends preschool.
“The NSW Nationals in Government has been providing significant fee relief for families attending community and mobile preschools for the last two years, and from this year fee relief will be available for more families than ever before,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This government is investing in the futures of our children at a level never seen before and in a way that also helps parents with the household budget.”
From this month, all NSW families will be eligible for:
up to $4,220 per year in fee relief for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds attending a community or mobile preschool,
up to $2,110 per year in fee relief for 4 and 5-year-olds attending preschool in a long day care setting on top of their Child Care Subsidy payment, and
the equivalent of 5 days a fortnight of affordable preschool fee relief for all children in Department of Education preschools.
To access the Start Strong 2023 preschool fee relief, parents are encouraged to speak to their service today. Families enrolled in a community preschool or long day care service must complete a declaration form and nominate one service from which they would like to receive the fee relief.
The NSW Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood commitments announced as part of the 2022-23 budget to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.
The introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief, are just some ways in which the NSW Government is ensuring NSW is the best state to live, work and raise a family. You can find out more about the Early Years Commitment on the Department of Education website. https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/early-years-commitment
Steph Cooke | 23 Jan 2023 | Education Roads and Transport Services Weddin Shire
Grenfell Preschool and Long Day Care Inc Centre have been awarded $142,934 thanks to the NSW Government’s commitment to ensure that all parents with children at public primary schools have greater access to Before and After-School Care.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the latest round of the NSW Government’s Transport Grant Program to support Before and After-School Care (BASC) has been assessed and awarded to services in Weddin Shire.
“I’m so pleased that Grenfell Preschool and Long Day Care Inc Centre are among the beneficiaries of this funding,” Ms Cooke said.
“This funding for the purchase of a bus will increase the viability of the service, which currently has a bus hire arrangement in place.
“By providing a transport service for school-aged children means an increase in enrolments and access for parents and families within Grenfell and surrounding villages.”
“I’m proud to be part of a government that is providing funding to ensure that all parents with children at public primary schools have access to Before and After-School Care (BASC). These services support students and their families.”
Grenfell Preschool and Long Day Care Centre Director Wezley Makin said this funding will enable their service to create a dedicated program for their Before and After School Children when travelling between their local primary schools.
“This will also allow us as a service to provide a better connection with our local community within the Weddin Shire to allow students and children of our service to easily get out and about through excursions through Vacation Care and even branching out into surrounding communities,
“By enabling deeper community engagement and improving accessibility for our parents, families, and children for our service,” Mr Makin said. Grants worth a total of $3.9 million were awarded to 33 applicants spread across the state. BASC service providers were invited to apply for grants of up to $160,000 to support transport solutions to increase access to BASC services, with priority given to students in small, regional and/or remote public schools who do not currently have access to these services.
