Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members in the Riverina on Saturday to celebrate the official opening of the new Illabo Rural Fire Brigade’s fire station and the delivery of three state-of-the-art new fire trucks.
“The new $240,000 fire station on Turland Street will now accommodate the brigade’s two tankers and provide a fit-for-purpose base of operations for the Brigade, as well as an important hub for the community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to providing our frontline emergency services personnel with the very best facilities to enable them to keep communities safer and stronger when future hazards emerge.”
Ms Cooke said the handover of keys to a Category 6 fire truck and Category 17 prime mover to the Junee Brigade and a Category 1 tanker to the Old Junee Brigade was a significant boost to the firefighting capabilities in the Riverina.
“These firefighting appliances are worth a combined $1 million but to our RFS members, they are a priceless resource that will greatly assist them protecting the community.”
“The prime mover is a particularly impressive addition to the Junee Brigade and I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of the public in helping fund the asset through the RFS and Brigades Donations Fund.”
Members of the Bethungra, Illabo, Junee and Wantabadgery brigades were also recognised for their efforts during the devastating Black Summer bush fires as well as dedication to the Brigade and local community over many years, with the presentation of 17 National Emergency Medals.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the National Emergency Medal is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally significant emergencies in Australia, including the 2019-20 bush fires.
“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting communities across the state, especially during that devastating season,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Riverina.
“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”
Steph Cooke | 27 Feb 2023 | Community Cowra Shire Emergency Services
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on Saturday to officially open the doors on the new purpose-built headquarters at Goolongong, which will help coordinate its response to flood and storm emergencies.
Ms Cooke said the new $630,000 facility will ensure a targeted and rapid response to future emergency events attended by the SES.
“This new facility is now officially open and with the continued flooding that has occurred in the Central West trough the past year, will further enhance their response,” Ms Cooke said.
“It has a shared environment for connectivity and communication, making it easier to work together during major weather events.”
The Unit headquarters, which is a partnership between the Cowra Council and the SES, will provide additional garages for rescue vehicles and boats, storage for equipment, offices, a training room, a kitchen, changeroom facilities and a laundry.
The Gooloogong Unit is made up of seven members and has responded to 48 incidents over the past three years of intense flooding and storms.
SES Zone Commander, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Pickup, attended the opening and presented a number of awards to members, including the SES Long Service Award.
“The SES Long Service Award recognises the dedication Gooloogong members have put into their community during emergencies,” Chief Superintendent Pickup said.
“The SES Long Service Award recipient, Rodney Gavin, has devoted more than 30 years’ to the agency and will be recognised today for his commitment.”
Gooloogong Unit Commander Catherine Thompson said Rodney is extremely deserving of the Award.
“Rodney was one of the longest serving members of the unit, dedicating thousands of hours to serving his local community,” Ms Thompson said.
“We often call on Rodney as he has a wealth of knowledge, which is really valued in times where the unit comes together and responds to incidents.
“His wife joined shortly after him, she will also be approaching her 30 years’ of service to the Gooloogong Unit.”
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 | 22 Dec 2022 | Community Cowra Shire Emergency Services
The NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) Cowra Unit is delighted to take ownership of a new General Purpose Trailer to bolster their operational efficiency in storms and floods.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke handed over the keys of the trailer to volunteers at a ceremony held today.
“Following prolonged rain and flooding across the State, this trailer is a welcome addition to ensure our volunteers are well-equipped to respond to any emergencies or requests for assistance,” Ms Cooke said.
“The trailer will provide a much-needed boost in transporting items such as sandbags, tools, water, food and medicines to communities across the Central West.”
Valued at approximately $10,200, the trailer is the newest asset to the SES’ fleet through the Fleet Replacement Program, thanks to a $116 million commitment from the NSW Liberal National Government.
SES Commissioner Carlene York said the General Purpose Trailer will provide additional capability for volunteers.
“With the volunteers at the Cowra SES Unit already responding to 244 requests for assistance this year alone, the General Purpose Trailer will allow them to optimise the transport and travel of equipment and supplies,” Commissioner York said.
“This investment into one of our regional units ensures that the SES will always be there to assist the community in their time of need.”
Commander of the Cowra SES Unit Raymond Johnston said volunteers will utilise the trailer in their everyday operations.
“This addition to our resources with its increased payload will make a vast difference to our members’ response times,” Mr Johnston said. “We will be able to respond to multiple requests for assistance without having to return to reload between tasks.”
Nine firefighters have joined the ranks of Fire and Rescue NSW at Coolamon, Cootamundra, Cowra, Grenfell, Junee, Narrandera and Temora Fire Stations after completing weeks of intensive training at the Emergency Services Academy in Sydney.
Of the 227 new recruits, 60 are becoming permanent firefighters while 167 are becoming on-call, or part-time, firefighters. Made up of 161 men and 66 women are a welcome boost to Fire and Rescue NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the nine firefighters are a welcome boost to the capability and capacity of emergency services in the region.
“I want to congratulate and thank each new recruit for putting service above self and making the decision to join Fire and Rescue NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether it’s responding to fires, chemical emergencies, car crashes or natural disasters, Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters are prepared for any situation.”
“Every day they answer the call to help, putting themselves on the frontline of danger to protect and save others. I’m very proud to see these new recruits joining that proud tradition.”
“Fire and Rescue NSW is widely known as one of the most professional and well-respected emergency services organisations in the world, and I am confident these 227 new recruits will serve their local community with distinction,” she said.
Each of the new firefighters has spent up to 14 weeks learning their trade, studying various techniques to deal with different emergencies, how to apply first aid, search and rescue skills, heavy vehicle driving and HAZMAT response know-how.
Some of the new firefighters have already been deployed to their new fire stations, while others will join from Monday onwards.
Helicopter crews will take off from Cowra Airport from today onwards, undertaking inspections to ensure fire trails are in good condition in preparation for bushfire conditions.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the aerial inspections are being conducted by Crown Lands in conjunction with the Rural Fire Service.
“All of our fire combat agencies including the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Corporation rely on properly maintained fire trails,” Ms Cooke said.
“These inspections will allow fire trails surrounding Cowra to be efficiently checked so that they are accessible should firefighters need to use them to access blazes this summer.”
“While ongoing wet weather has dampened the immediate bush fire risk, it has also caused erosion in some areas and sparked vegetation growth which needs to be managed before hot, dry and windy weather returns.”
Once the aerial inspections are conducted, the Soil Conservation Service undertakes any follow-up ground maintenance work.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said helicopter inspections are more efficient than four-wheel drive checks in remote locations and where fire trails cross multiple land boundaries.
“Inspections identify if trees have fallen and need removal; if erosion or vegetation growth has impacted trails; and if watercourse crossings require repair,” Mr Anderson said.
“Other work includes constructing and maintaining fire vehicle passing and turning bays, signage and gates to protect trails from illegal access and dumping.”
Cowra has welcomed four Rescue Paramedics thanks to the NSW Government’s commitment to prioritising the health needs of our regional communities.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Cowra community has benefited from the recent deployment with many newly accredited NSW Ambulance Rescue Paramedics based across regional NSW.
“The addition of these highly trained paramedics is an invaluable asset to the community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Over eight weeks, these paramedics undertook training in a range of different environments and skillsets including abseiling, water rescue, vehicle rescue, four-wheel driving, industrial rescue, breathing apparatus, overnight care and tactical medical operations.”
Part of the second Rescue Paramedic Class of 2022, these Special Operations Paramedics are trained to rescue people in remote areas such as mountains and canyons, locations that are difficult to access, as well as car accidents, floods and industrial facilities. They work with our aeromedical crews and other agencies to treat people on the scene and extract them using specialised rescue equipment.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said based across NSW, the newly accredited NSW Ambulance Rescue Paramedics will be an invaluable asset to their communities,
“Having these highly trained paramedics in our regional towns and cities shows this government’s continued focus on improving the state’s already world-class health system,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These paramedics bring their new skills to their local communities and provide an essential service that will save lives.”
Photo courtesy of Cowra Guardian and NSW Ambulance
Steph Cooke | 14 Oct 2022 | Bland Shire Emergency Services News Uncategorized
Paramedics at the West Wyalong Ambulance Station are benefiting from a newly refurbished station thanks to the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the station upgrade has delivered improved amenities and an updated workspace to provide local paramedics with a better working environment to meet the emergency care needs of the West Wyalong community.
“The West Wyalong ambulance station refurbishment will ensure our local paramedics can continue to deliver high-quality emergency healthcare for our region,” Ms Cooke said.
“A range of enhancements have been delivered including upgrades to wash bays, as well as refurbishments to the kitchen, medical store, bathroom, locker room and change areas.
“The station has also been revitalised with upgrades to mechanical, electrical and data equipment as well as new office furnishings, joinery, floor finishes and painting.”
In the Cootamundra electorate, station upgrades have been completed at West Wyalong, Narrandera, Temora and Young, with six new stations also delivered through the RAIR program – at Cowra, Grenfell, Cootamundra, Harden, Ardlethan and Coolamon.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the investment in West Wyalong highlights the NSW Nationals in Government’s commitment to the region.
“It’s great news for our local paramedics and the community, who deserve quality health facilities that meet their needs now and into the future,” Mrs Taylor said.
The Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration program (RAIR) is the single largest investment in regional NSW Ambulance’s 127-year history, with 6 new or upgraded ambulance stations already delivered as part of the $132 million Stage 1 of the program. Another $100 million investment into ambulance assets is being delivered under Stage 2 of the program.
NSW Ambulance will recruit 2,128 new staff and deliver 30 more stations over the coming years after a $1.76 billion boost announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
The $1.76 billion over four years will provide NSW with 1,858 extra paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.
Steph Cooke | 04 Oct 2022 | Emergency Services Health Narrandera Shire News Uncategorized
NSW Ambulance staff in Narrandera are now even better equipped to serve the community thanks to a $680,000 upgrade to the local ambulance station as part of the Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program.
The funding has supported improvements and upgrades that have been carried out at the station, including a new kitchen and bathroom, better storage, increased office space, a dedicated training room and a new roof.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she is delighted to see this investment providing a more pleasant work environment for the hardworking staff.
“These improvements will make coming to work far more comfortable for our hardworking paramedics who are busy serving our community day and night,” Ms Cooke said.
“The project has managed to modernise the building without losing its unique and original feel.”
Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor said the upgrades were a welcome boost to the overall station operations.
“These upgrades will mean our diligent ambulance staff have access to improved amenities that will allow them to continue to deliver high-quality lifesaving care to people living in the Riverina region,” Minister Taylor said.
On June 5 2022, the NSW Government announced a $1.76 billion investment over four years to fund 1,856 paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses, eight doctors and 30 new ambulance stations over the coming years.
Eight stations have already been announced across NSW. In addition, recruitment and on-boarding has begun for the paramedic workforce enhancement. To date, 103 graduate and credentialled paramedics have completed induction and have been on-road from mid-August of this year.
The main street of Coolamon has turned red, as part of the Fire Engine Muster organised by the Coolamon Fire Museum.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was a privilege to officially open the 2022 Coolamon Fire Engine Muster and pay a special tribute to emergency service personnel.
“Fire Engine owners, history enthusiasts along with locals and visitors alike came to view the vast display of emergency service vehicles, and enjoy the day’s program of events,” Ms Cooke said.
“The main street was bursting with life and there was something for everyone to enjoy. Educational displays, classic cars and bikes, market stalls and even a Firefighters Fun Relay were on offer as part of the festivities.”
“It is well known our emergency services personal work very hard throughout the year, and this is a wonderful and unique way for the community to come together to pay tribute to them.”
Chris and Joanne Berry, managers of Coolamon Fire Museum together with Coolamon Fire and Rescue co-ordinated this event, supported by Coolamon Shire Council.
The Coolamon Fire Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving firefighting equipment, uniforms and memorabilia for the enjoyment and education of all.
