Coolamon Open for Business

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke was on hand in Coolamon today to help officially open the new Business Park in the town.

“The Business Park has been built to help turbo-charge opportunities for business and employment in Coolamon, which is obviously great news for the town and its surrounding areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“Already, we’ve seen great outcomes for local businesses, with 50 regionally based contractors involved in the construction process.

“And given the high level of interest already from businesses in the park, the project looks set to deliver on its intended purpose,” she said.

The project received a boost of $1.97 million under the Drought Stimulus Package introduced by the previous Coalition Government in the wake of the most recent and devastating drought.

“That package was designed to off-set the flow-on effects that drought can have on regional businesses and communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“And as we once again face the prospect of yet another dry time, these kinds of mitigation measures that protect against the ripple effects dry spells can have, will really come to the fore.

“When it comes to our regional communities in general, and particularly in relation to drought, it’s all about keeping businesses open and jobs in town.

“Strong employment obviously then feeds into other areas like schools, housing, medical services, emergency services, and the like, so projects like the Coolamon Business Park ensure our local communities can thrive well into the future,” she said.

Next Step in State-Wide Rollout of ‘Single-Employer’ Rural Doctor Model

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for local GP clinics to participate in a state-wide rollout of the Single Employer Model for rural doctors are well underway.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said EOIs were being undertaken now via the NSW Division of Regional Health, Local Health Districts (LHDs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in preparation for the first intake of doctors across the region early next year.

“Despite GPs being the responsibility of the Federal Government, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has been actively looking for solutions to the GP workforce shortage in rural and regional NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“This could see doctors undertaking advanced training at Cowra and Young Hospitals as early as next year, and eventually networked out to health facilities in areas such as Cootamundra, Gundagai, Temora, Narrandera, West Wyalong and Grenfell.”

“The Single-Employer Model originally designed by, built and trialled out in parts of Southern NSW is showing real promise in helping with the GP shortages that are impacting our communities. I’m pleased to see that concrete steps are being taken here in the Cootamundra electorate to establish the program.

“The EOI stage will identify which GP practices wish to participate in hosting and supervising a doctor in their practice, on the days they are not working in the local hospital.

“I know that GP shortages are a concern, so I strongly encourage all GP clinics and practice managers across the Cootamundra electorate to contact their Local Health District or the PHN to express a firm interest in this great program if they have the capacity to participate.”

A formal Memorandum of Understanding is yet to be signed between NSW and the Commonwealth to formalise the required arrangements and federal exemptions, however, NSW is ready for a state-wide rollout of the program. By beginning the EOI process, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is ensuring that regional areas are set and ready to receive new doctors.

The Single-Employer Model is commonly known as the Rural Generalist Training Pathway or the Murrumbidgee model, and was first trialled in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in 2020. Since its inception, it has been lauded as an important step in giving trainee GPs the chance to work in private practices and local hospitals to provide a greater range of care for local patients.

The model allows seamless transition between hospital and General Practice training placements. Trainees are employed on up to a four year contract (depending on level of entry to the pathway) and remuneration and award entitlements align with other medical specialty training giving certainty and the protection of the industrial award.

UNI Scholarships Help Youth

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.

Information about the CSU scholarships can be found https://study.csu.edu.au/get-support/scholarships/find-scholarship/foundation/1st-year/nsw-department-of-community-and-justice-scholarship

More Fee-Free Training Places to Grow the Skilled Workfo

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.

TAFE NSW Cootamundra Gives Students a Running Start to Careers in Nursing

TAFE NSW is helping to build a pipeline of nurses in the Cootamundra area through increasing the accessibility of high-quality training.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Diploma of Nursing which recently commenced at TAFE NSW Cootamundra is expanding opportunities for regionally-based students to get in-demand skills in the booming industry.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with students embarking on a career in nursing. We know there is a great demand for Nurses right across NSW but particularly in rural and regional areas.” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s fantastic that students will be able to learn these Nursing skills right here in their own community and when they finish they will have their placement in a regional hospital.”

“By running the course with both virtual classroom and face-to-face components with local accommodation where required, TAFE NSW is making it easier for people to fit study around their other commitments.”

“Our healthcare heroes have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and it’s crucial we continue to support them to deliver quality healthcare.”

Recent funding for a Connected Learning Point at TAFE NSW Cootamundra also shows the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting locals to upskill.

“Connected Learning Points like the one at TAFE NSW Cootamundra are technology-enabled spaces designed to increase access to education and training by virtually connecting students to teachers and courses they may not otherwise have access to,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is delivering more opportunities than ever before to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

“By investing in our local communities and in courses like this, we can help secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Henskens said.

“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training, with more people in training than any other state, ensuring that we continue to build a strong pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers to help grow our economy.”

Next year TAFE NSW Cootamundra will offer an Introduction to Careers in Health course which will provide further opportunities to pick up in-demand skills for a rewarding career.

For more information on courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

NSW Leading the Nation in Skills and Training

The latest national data on apprentices and trainees shows the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record investment in skills continues to drive nation-leading results, with more than 115,000 apprentices and trainees in training across the State.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the recent National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) report shows NSW continues to lead the nation, with more apprentices and trainees than any other state or territory.

“It’s great to see the number of apprentices and trainees continuing to grow across the region off the back of the NSW Government’s record investment in skills and training,” Ms Cooke said.

“Across the board, the number of people commencing and completing apprenticeships and traineeships has increased, which is further strengthening the pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers in our state,”

“We have over 1,870 apprentices and trainees across the electorate, with Certificate III in Carpentry at the top of the list, closely followed by Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care which is fantastic for our local economy.”

The report also reveals that over the last two years, NSW has recorded a 42 per cent increase in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements. With commencements of females students up 59 per cent.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is removing barriers to vocational education and training for young people through unprecedented investments in fee-free training and programs like the Educational Pathways Program and Careers NSW.

“The NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training in the Budget will further turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training, securing a brighter future for people in NSW,” Mr Henskens said.

“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training, with more people in training than any other state, ensuring that we continued to build a strong pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers to help grow our economy.”

Reforms to the HSC and ATAR will also increase the take-up of vocational education and training, by significantly expanding the education and employment pathways available to young people.

Connect for Success This Small Business Month

CONNECT FOR SUCCESS THIS SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

Small business owners and operators are invited to “Connect for Success” at hundreds of NSW Small Business Month events being held during November.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said there are hundreds of events being held across the State to help small businesses learn new skills and strategies for growing their business, and connect with other small business owners.

“Small Business Month is about bringing together small businesses across the State to learn, to collaborate and to celebrate the experience and expertise of our 800,000 small businesses in NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“Having been in small business myself I understand the importance of networking and sharing ideas to help support, grow and make your business successful,”

“Small businesses are a vital contributor to our State, employing 1.8 million people and adding more than $400 billion into the economy every year,”

“I encourage local small businesses or those interested in starting a business to get involved and attend one of the many events held this month.”

Boorowa Business Chamber and the Young Chamber of Commerce are hosting breakfast workshops designed to help connect your business to the right people across the Hilltops Region and beyond.

The theme for Small Business Month, “Connect for Success” points to the importance of business owners, experts and industry leaders coming together to share ideas and build networks after the challenges of the past two years.

Hundreds of organisations are hosting NSW Small Business Month events and activities in November.

So far, 136 not-for-profit organisations, including councils, chambers of commerce and industry associations, have received grants to host events free-of-charge.

Small businesses have a variety of ways to participate in Small Business Month, including attending live online events and connecting in-person at events in their local area.

For more information on NSW Small Business Month events go to www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au.

School Leavers Score New Skills Over Summer

Students wrapping up their schooling will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government’s Summer Skills program will help school leavers find their feet as they try to match their early career opportunities with the right training.

“Businesses in the electorate and across NSW need workers now and this program will help upskill young people and find jobs this summer,” Ms Cooke said.

“Summer Skills gives young people meaningful opportunities to get jobs, whether it’s a gig at their local café or securing work in the aged care sector.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers, as part of the NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training.

“If you’re completing your HSC, now is the perfect time to get skilled for free and jump straight into a well-paid and rewarding job over the summer,” Mr Henskens said.

“This program is helping people boost their budget by slashing course costs, so that young people can get the skills they need for the jobs they want – whether that’s to kick start a career or earn money while they study.”

“It will also help businesses address labour shortages so that they can employ more people and have a bumper summer.”

Summer Skills courses will be available for people between 16 and 24 who have left school through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations.

For more information, visit https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.

$110 Million to Unlock Investment in the Region

The NSW Government will invest $110 million to activate new and emerging industries, drive high-value jobs and help the regions reach their economic potential.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Regional Investment Activation Fund is aimed at making regional and rural NSW the location of choice for private sector investment.

“The NSW Government has a big, bold vision for regional areas and this fund is one of many initiatives that will help bring that vision to life,” Ms Cooke said.

“We’re putting more than $100 million on the table to co-invest in game-changing projects that turbocharge priority industries or locations in the regions.

“This fund will be open to expressions of interest from investors across Australia and around the world interested in driving forward the economy in the region.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the fund would help activate the economic potential of the State’s Special Activation Precincts, Regional Job Precincts, and other priority locations.

“The NSW Government’s unprecedented investment is making regional NSW the location of choice for investors both here and around the world,” Mr Toole said.

“This fund will help support new and emerging industries where regional NSW has a competitive edge and put our communities in the box seat for the future.”

The Regional Investment Activation Fund will co-invest with eligible businesses in projects that aim to deliver, significant economic, social and/or environmental benefits for a priority industry or location.

Projects must be based in regional NSW, support sustainable employment opportunities and be completed by 30 May 2025.

Applications are now open. For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/RIAF .

Building a Career in Construction

Students across the Cootamundra electorate now have more opportunities after completing school, thanks to the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Traineeship Program.

The two-year traineeship program is a collaboration between NSW Government infrastructure agencies and industry partners, offering Year 12 school leavers a rounded experience in the infrastructure sector.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said applications are now open to all students who would be interested in taking on this opportunity.

“This program will have more than 100 trainee roles available to do rotational office-based infrastructure jobs,” Ms Cooke said.

“The program provides opportunities and experience for fantastic careers in the infrastructure sector for our young people.”

“The infrastructure industry is booming, with the NSW Government committing over $8.6 billion in school infrastructure projects alone.”

Trainees run through three rotations of eight months each with government agencies, contractors and consultant organisations.

Miss Claire Wiltshire from Ganmain was part of the 2022 program intake and is currently undertaking a Cert IV in Project Management.

“I highly recommend anyone living in a regional area, interested in a career in construction, to pursue this opportunity,” Miss Wiltshire said.

Miss Wiltshire is one of 78 trainees from the 2022 intake set to graduate in 2024. They will leave with diverse knowledge in areas of Business, Project Management, Practice and Procurement and Contracting, as they pursue a future career in the infrastructure sector.

Applications are now open for the 2023 Infrastructure Traineeship – 2022 high school leavers are encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply, please visit: www.apprenticeshipcareers.com.au/infrastructure-traineeships