Steph Cooke | 21 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Education Employment News
More young people in out-of-home-care (OOHC) will have an opportunity to pursue their university dreams with the NSW Government funding 10 scholarships across Charles Sturt University’s six regional campuses.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the scholarships will be available at each of the Charles Sturt University campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.
“This is an opportunity for young people in our community to receive financial support so they can continue their studies, while being able to attend university closer to home,” Ms Cooke said.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the scholarships will provide a life-changing opportunity for young people in regional NSW who want to pursue further studies after school.
“More young people across the regions will receive financial support so they can continue their studies, while being able to attend university closer to home,” Mr Toole said.
“It is another way the NSW Government is helping those in rural and regional areas reach their full potential without having to leave their communities.”
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said each scholarship provides up to $28,500 across three years of study; enough to earn an undergraduate degree.
“These scholarships will support young people who have experienced trauma and other challenges to secure a brighter future,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“They will offer much-needed support to students from regional, rural and remote areas across the State who are in OOHC, or have been in Foster or Kinship care in the last three years.”
The NSW Government also funds scholarships for young people in OOHC through Western Sydney University.
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 | 13 Dec 2022 | Community Education Grants Hilltops Council
Boys to the Bush, which has hubs in Young and Leeton, will share in $4 million from the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Community Connection and Wellbeing Program to deliver a community wellbeing project.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the group will receive $74,200 to establish their ‘Shed Talks’ project, offering up to 500 disadvantaged regional youth and interested community members more opportunities to connect with their local community.
“Through events and activities that bring people together, we can kickstart and revive a better sense of connection and social wellbeing, which took such a hit during COVID-19,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’m confident this project will support our community by facilitating a sense of belonging, which research shows is strongly linked to improved mental health outcomes.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said research conducted by the NSW Mental Health Commissioner found that 4 out of 10 residents have experienced negative impacts to their life following the pandemic.
“The past few years have been incredibly isolating for many people across our state, and by creating more opportunities for connectedness across NSW communities will play an important role in mitigating this,” Mrs Taylor said.
Steph Cooke | 13 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Community Education News
Parents across the State can access $150 worth of vouchers through the Premier’s Back to School NSW program from Monday, giving a boost to household budgets through savings on textbooks, uniforms, stationery and other school essentials.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Summer holidays are a good time for families to start buying supplies for the new school year and the voucher program would help cover those costs.
“The NSW Government wants to make sure every child attending school has the opportunity to strive for their best when they are in the classroom and providing access to essential items for learning is our priority,” Ms Cooke said.
“Parents, guardians and carers, including foster carers, can apply for three $50 Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers per child, which can be used at registered businesses towards items including bags, shoes, prescribed textbooks and lunchboxes.”
“The end of year is an expensive time for many households with Christmas and family holidays to pay for which is why the NSW Government is investing $193 million into the vouchers to help ease those cost of living pressures.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said people can start applying for the vouchers from Monday, until they expire on 30 June 2023, giving everyone plenty of time to take advantage of the savings.
“Applying for the vouchers is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes using the Service NSW app, on the phone or by visiting a Service Centre,” Mr Dominello said.
“Parents and carers can search for registered businesses in their local area by using the online Business Finder Tool and can use multiple vouchers in one transaction.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Premier’s Back to School NSW program would ensure every school-aged child has a brighter future.
“Whether your child is about to begin kindergarten next year or is heading to high school, families of every child enrolled in a government or non-government school, or registered for home-schooling in 2023 is eligible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These vouchers will help make sure every child is equipped with the essential items they need to succeed as the new school year kicks off.”
The Premier’s Back to School NSW program is one of more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program.
Steph Cooke | 09 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Community Education Tourism
Parents of school-aged children including those starting Kindergarten in 2023, now have more opportunity to claim a $500 voucher for Before and After School Care (BASC), just in time to help with the cost of vacation care over the summer holidays.
The NSW Government’s $155 million BASC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 263,000 vouchers worth $500 have already been claimed by parents. Of these, more than 197,000 have been redeemed at a BASC service to help families with the cost of care.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that BASC vouchers have been a huge success.
“I encourage families who have not already downloaded and redeemed a BASC voucher before the summer holidays to do so, this will help cover the cost of vacation care,” Ms Cooke said.
“These vouchers aim to alleviate some of the financial pressures that we know occur after the summer break and the start of school.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said parents should download and redeem the $500 vouchers available to them.
“Every family with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can now download their voucher until 31 January 2023 if they have not yet done so.”
“These vouchers support students in getting quality before and after school care, but also allows parents to have more money back in their household budgets.”
The Before and After School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW.
Customers can register and apply online via a My Service NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.
More fee-free training will be available in priority industries thanks to a landmark 12-month agreement signed by the Australian and NSW Governments.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the $319 million agreement will deliver a significant boost to the NSW skills and training sector.
“This funding will deliver 120,000 fee-free training places across NSW, and will help local people get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” Ms Cooke said.
“It will target priority industries and provide more opportunities for people in our community to get a first job, a new job or a better job.”
This will provide immediate support through approximately 120,000 fee-free training places in 2023.
The course list will see approximately 40,200 fee-free places in the care sector (including approximately 10,000 in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector), 9,900 in technology and digital, 6,900 in agriculture, 5,200 in construction, 5,000 in hospitality and tourism, 1,200 in sovereign capability, and 51,400 in other priority sectors including foundation skills.
The Agreement will increase opportunities and workforce participation of priority groups, including First Nations Australians, young people (17-24), people out of work or receiving income support, unpaid carers, women undertaking study in non-traditional fields, people with disability and certain categories of visa holders.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the additional $164 million from the Australian Government builds on the NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion in the skills and training sector this financial year.
NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training and this additional investment from the Australian Government recognises our State as the economic powerhouse of the nation.
This additional investment in fee-free training places will target priority industries and help address skills and labour shortages that are hampering businesses across NSW. For more information about courses available, visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/ or https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw.
Steph Cooke | 07 Dec 2022 | Community Education Grants News Services
A prestigious NSW Coalition Government scholarship program will lend a helping hand to five Cootamundra apprentices facing hardship in their study, boosting their budget to ensure they complete their trade and add to the State’s skilled workforce.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships provide first-year apprentices with up to $15,000 over three years, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthening pathways to vocational education and training.
“The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships program is about backing apprentices in the region by giving them a helping hand to complete their training, gain a qualification and secure a brighter future,” Ms Cooke said.
“I had the opportunity to catch up recently with one of the successful recipients Joshua Karchinsky who is at the end of his first year as an apprentice electrician.”
Joshua Karchinsky from Boorowa is one of five local recipients under this program employed by Spectrum Solar and Electrical.
“This scholarship helps me purchase the tools and equipment which is needed for my trade and I am very grateful,” Mr Karchinsky said.
The NSW Coalition Government launched the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships in 2014 to support apprentices who demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and training and are committed to their on the job and formal training.
The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said this year’s program would provide assistance to 146 apprentices from all walks of life so that they can ply their skills and trade in the workforce.
“Apprenticeships are a critical part of ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers, but we also understand the financial challenges that can arise for apprentices while completing a trade,” Mr Henskens said.
“Whether it is to purchase new tools, cover fuel and car maintenance costs or pay for additional training materials, these scholarships have helped people overcome personal barriers to finish their apprenticeships and go onto rewarding careers.”
Steph Cooke | 05 Dec 2022 | Community Education News
More students than ever before are set for a cooler summer as the rollout of the first dedicated school air-conditioning program continues to deliver for public schools across NSW.
53 schools in the Cootamundra electorate will benefit from the $500 million Cooler Classroom program, which began in 2018.
The five-year program delivers heating, cooling and fresh air ventilation in NSW public schools. This is the first time there has been a dedicated program to install air-conditioning in schools with those in the hottest part of the state prioritised.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was another example of the Liberals and Nationals in government delivering for NSW public schools.
“I am so pleased that the region continues to benefit from this important program thanks to the NSW Government investment,” Ms Cooke said.
“Works have been completed in 44 schools, meaning students and staff are benefitting from the cooler climate.
Ardlethan Central School
Ariah Park Central School
Barellan Central School
Barmedman Public School
Caragabal Public School
Coolamon Central School
Cootamundra High School
Cootamundra Public School
Cowra High School
Cowra Public School
EA Southee Public School
Ganmain Public School
Gooloogong Public School
Greenthorpe Public School
Grenfell Public School
Gundagi High School
Illabo Public School
Jugiong Public School
Junee High School
Junee North Public School
Junee Public School
Molyan Public School
Murringo Public School
Murrumbarrah High School
Murrumburrah Public School
Nangus Public School
Narrandera East Infants School
Narrandera High School
Narrandera Public School
Stockinbingal Public School
Temora Public School
The Henry Lawson High School
Ungarie Central School
Wallendbeen Public School
West Wyalong High School
West Wyalong Public School
Wombat Public School
Woodstock Public School
Wyalong Public School
Wyangala Dam Public School
Young North Public School
Young Public School
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the program is ahead of schedule for the existing schools receiving the system and she was thrilled to add more schools to the program.
So far through our Cooler Classroom Program we’ve delivered air-conditioning to more than 7,100 learning spaces and 460 libraries,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We know how important it is to provide students with a comfortable learning environment and this investment has seen works completed at more than 570 schools, with another 420 underway.”
The systems installed as part of the Cooler Classrooms Program incorporate ‘smart systems’ technology that offer heating, cooling, and the provision of outside fresh air. The units will automatically shut-down after hours and will be powered by solar technology and battery storage to off-set energy usage at more than 700 schools. The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Steph Cooke | 02 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Education Health
Key healthcare workers in regional NSW will be given the opportunity to enter the workforce or upskill, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this will help support people to enter a career in healthcare with extra support.
“This program isn’t only open to current workers, it’s for people entering the workforce too,” Ms Cooke said.
“These scholarships range from helping out with the cost of travel or relocation to study to reskilling our current workforce to ensure each individual is equipped to treat our community the best they can.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the program will not only attract new staff to the regions but support existing healthcare workers.
“From Bourke to Bega, I’ve heard loud and clear that our health workers want to be provided with the opportunities to advance their careers without having to leave their families, their workplace and their communities,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These scholarships are flexible to individuals needs and are available across a range of health professions including allied health, nursing and midwifery and Aboriginal healthcare.”
“This is about growing and empowering our regional health workforce and builds on the NSW Government’s $883 million regional health workforce incentive scheme, announced as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.”
The Rural and Regional Health Scholarships form part of Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025, a NSW Government initiative outlining immediate priorities and long-term strategies to make regional NSW an even better place to call home. To find out more about Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ourvision
Steph Cooke | 01 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Education News
The NSW Government will allocate a record $20.8 million to 63 public schools across the Cootamundra electorate in 2023 delivered through the Resources Allocation Model (RAM) funding.
This funding is part of a total annual $10.93 billion being delivered to NSW public schools in 2023 that will drive improved student learning outcomes.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said schools are receiving more funding than ever before under this government.
“This level of funding going to our schools means students have the opportunities and support to reach their potential through a quality education,” Ms Cooke said.
“This government is proud of its investment in public education. Principals will use this funding allocation to effectively plan the strategic use of resources, putting students and their education needs first.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said school funding is needs based, supporting all students to achieve their best no matter their background.
“The NSW Government will also better support students learning with disability thanks to an update low-level adjustment for disability methodology,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The allocations are part of a total $10.93 billion investment being delivered directly to public schools in 2023, supporting our students and improving their learning outcomes.”
The NSW Government is also simplifying school budgets and reducing time by Principals allowing them to focus on improving their schools and delivering for the students learning there.
The NSW Government is working towards creating Australia’s best education system and providing students with world-class education no matter where they live.
