Category Archives: Grants

Sport and recreation in West Wyalong has been transformed after the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground, by the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to do the honours, having secured an investment of close to half a million dollars for the upgrades, which includes the resurfacing of the netball courts, renovation of the cricket nets, an upgrade to the sports lighting, and renewed fencing.

“This is a fantastic community and I’m just so delighted to have been able to secure the $485,000 in funding, that has breathed new life into the recreation ground here in West Wyalong,” Ms Cooke said.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs.

“Congratulations to the council and all those involved in making this project a reality; it’s by enhancing our local infrastructure that we can continue to grow investment and interest in the West Wyalong community, and indeed, right across the Bland Shire,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the West Wyalong Recreation Ground project was one of five in West Wyalong that shared in a $2.1 million funding injection under the previous Coalition Government’s Resources for Regions fund, round seven.

These included Cooinda Waters Canoe Circuit ($350,000), West Wyalong Harness Racing Club refurbishment ($354,763), West Wyalong Golf Course rejuvenation & sustainability project ($299,236), and West Wyalong Aerodrome upgrade ($606,173).

“I was proud to be a part of a government that invested heavily in the regions, especially in projects that increased sporting participation, promoted healthy lifestyles, and fostered vibrant communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging growth in our rural and regional towns and villages, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan joined with members of the sporting community to celebrate the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was in Temora to officially open the upgrades to the Bundawarrah Centre, including a new walkway for a revitalised entrance to the Temora Rural Museum.

Ms Cooke said recent upgrades have been made possible thanks to federal and state government funding, including $187,200 under the previous Coalition Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“I have seen many changes to the Temora Rural Museum over the years, all of which have encouraged more and more visitors to the area, boosting the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.

“Thousands of people visit the museum each year to see the amazing collection, so the upgrades to the Bundawarrah Centre will certainly enhance the experience and ensure it continues to be a major attraction in the town, both for residents and tourists alike,” she said.

During the opening, Ms Cooke also had the honour of presenting a plaque to Superintendent Steve Holden (retired), in recognition of his tireless work in showcasing the vital history around the evolution of bush firefighting in the area over many decades.

Superintendent Holden was the District Manager for the NSW Rural Fire Service (Bland Temora Zone) from 2001 to 2021.

“Not only was Steve a member of the RFS but he’s also a volunteer of the Thanowring Rural Fire Brigade which he remains a member of today,” Ms Cooke said.

“Steve has always been committed to serving the community across a number of organisations, including as a volunteer member of the Temora Rural Museum. He was instrumental in the creation of the NSW Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre, which forms one of the many historic displays within the museum,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre incorporates appliances, equipment, and many ancillary items associated with the vast history of the RFS.

“This display is a credit to Steve’s efforts, and that of the volunteers that help maintain this vital link to our fire-fighting history, including the men and women who have contributed throughout the years,” Ms Cooke said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke MP presenting Steve Holden with a plaque in recognition of his work establishing the NSW Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the completion of significant upgrades at Bob Aldridge Park, marks a new era for sport in Temora.

Ms Cooke was joined by Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman, council staff, and members of the community to officially open the new-look park facilities on Wednesday.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities at Bob Aldridge Park will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs,” Ms Cooke said. 

Ms Cooke said the changes include the construction of a new amenities building incorporating state-of-the-art change rooms and accessible restrooms. Ms Cooke also emphasised the importance of investing in local infrastructure to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

The upgrades have been made possible thanks to a $518,078 grant provided under the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund, along with funding from Temora Junior Rugby League ($30,000), Temora Touch Association ($10,000), and Temora Shire Council ($30,000).

“The previous government also invested $55,000 to upgrade the lighting at the park, as part of the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrade Program,” Ms Cooke said.

“I was proud to be a part of a government that invested heavily in the regions, especially in projects that increased sporting participation, promoted healthy lifestyles, and fostered vibrant communities.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging the participation of girls and women – and people with a disability – in sport, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman thanked Ms Cooke on behalf of the community, adding that the upgrades promise to have a positive impact on local sports and recreational activities.

“Two of our sporting clubs utilise this facility, Temora Touch Football and Temora Schoolboys Rugby League; both are hardworking clubs with dedicated officials and players, so they deserve this significant upgrade,” Mayor Firman said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined with members of the Gooloogong community to help officially mark the opening of the revamped amenities building at Gooloogong Park.

Ms Cooke said the state-of-the-art upgrade was made possible thanks to a $70,300 investment by the previous Coalition Government – under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund program – and serves as a testament to the commitment of the Coalition in improving infrastructure and essential services in regional communities.

“Our villages are the beating heart of rural and regional communities; whenever I visit and chat with locals, I’m always so encouraged by their passion for their district, and their pride in their area; you couldn’t bestow an investment on a more grateful group of people,” Ms Cooke said.

“And it’s certainly no different in Gooloogong, where the renovated amenities building – which includes accessible showers and toilets – not only enhances the village for the benefit of residents, but also acts as a drawcard for tourists, with the park providing camping sites for visitors.

“It’s these kinds of investments that are crucial to the longevity of our towns and villages; they may only be relatively small, but assets like this pay huge dividends for local communities, with tourism having a flow-on effect throughout the economy, as visitors stop and spend money locally, before moving on to the next destination to spread the word among other travellers about where they’ve been.

“I will always be a steadfast advocate for local development opportunities, and will lobby the government strongly to continue investing in regional infrastructure, ensuring that the evolving needs of our communities are met, and that they have access to vital facilities like these.

“Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves means residents have access to quality spaces for sports and fitness, or to just relax, rejuvenate and stay in touch with each other.

“As Gooloogong looks to the future, the amenities building stands as a symbol of progress and a testament to the positive outcomes that collaboration and investment can yield,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging community groups to secure the region’s fair share of state government investment, and apply for funding under the latest round of the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program.

“We want to make sure that we continue to see the same level of investment in our regional towns and villages, as we saw under the previous Coalition Government, so it’s important we put our hand up and let the NSW Labor Government know about the projects in need of support west of the Great Divide,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Clubgrants Category 3 Program, reinvests profits from gaming machines into community projects, and is crucial in supporting initiatives that contribute to the development and improvement of our communities.

“Infrastructure grants of between $50,000 up to $300,000 are available to not-for-profit community organisations and local councils, and are delivered across four categories: arts and culture, community infrastructure, sport and recreation, and disaster readiness.

“The funding can be used for halls, sports centres, playgrounds and swimming pools, capital equipment, evacuation centres, museums, art galleries, and cultural centres.

“These groups are the lifeblood of many communities, and I want these organisations to not just keep their doors open, but to grow and prosper.

“This kind of funding helps empower local organisations to undertake projects that matter most to our community members.

“Applications close on Monday the 18th of December 2023, so I certainly encourage groups that are thinking about applying, to start putting their application together as soon as possible.

“Any groups seeking assistance with their application are invited to contact my office for support,” she said.

For more information or to apply, visit:

www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrants-category-3-fund

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to take every opportunity to build on the legacy of investment by the previous Coalition Government, and apply for various funding programs in order to help secure the region’s share of resources.

“The Coalition Government had a very strong track record of investing in grassroots projects, whether it be infrastructure, sporting clubs, recreation facilities, community groups and organisations, and vital transport upgrades,” Ms Cooke said.

“I want to ensure that the residents of towns and villages across our Cootamundra electorate continue to receive their fair share of government investment, and to that end, there are two grant programs currently taking applications that I would strongly encourage local groups to apply for.

“Applications for the Local Sport Grant are currently open; there’s $50,000 available per electorate, with grants starting at $2,000, so if your sporting club needs some new uniforms, or would like to replace some worn-out equipment, or perhaps is looking to update the website, this may be a way to get some extra financial help.

“I’d also like to see local groups apply for investment under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF). It supports Crown land managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements on Crown reserves. I’m proud to say the previous Coalition Government invested heavily in local projects under this program, and I’d like to see that level of investment continue into the future.

“I will never stop fighting for our fair share of government investment, so if you or your club would like help with your application, my door is always open,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was in Ganmain recently to officially open the new synthetic greens at the Sports Club.

Funded in part by a $350,000 grant under the previous Coalition Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, Ms Cooke said the new greens have transformed the popular local club, with the event marking a significant milestone for the entire Ganmain community.

“Today’s opening signifies the club’s commitment to promoting an active and vibrant community by providing facilities that both members and visitors to the area can enjoy,” Ms Cooke said.

“These sorts of projects are about more than just infrastructure; it’s about investing in our communities and creating spaces for people to come together, enjoy sports, and build bonds.

“These upgrades will have a lasting impact on Ganmain, and I’m truly thrilled to be part of today’s opening,” she said.

In addition to the new synthetic bowling greens, Ms Cooke said the sports ground has also benefited from $49,585 in funding from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, allocated under the previous Coalition Government.

“This investment has enabled critical improvements to the fencing and lighting, ensuring that the grounds remain a safe and welcoming space for members and guests,” Ms Cooke said.

“The revitalisation of the bowling green has breathed new life into the club’s facilities, and together with the new lighting and fencing, is a testament to the commitment and hard work of all those involved in the refurbishment project; a true celebration of what can be achieved when we come together to work towards a common goal as a community,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the announcement of a government program aimed at boosting female participation in sport, and is calling on local groups to put their hands up to secure the region’s share of the money that’s been made available.

The Level the Playing Field Program is open to providers of grassroots sports to fund new and upgraded facilities, and deliver fit-for-purpose amenities, like change rooms and lighting.

“Prior to the release of the State Budget I called on the government (Daily Telegraph OpEd 25/8 below) to do more to increase female participation in sport – particularly in rural and regional areas – so I’m pleased to see the government were listening and have recognised the importance of nurturing our local talent, particularly our younger community members,” Ms Cooke said.

“Grassroots infrastructure projects like these were previously supported through the Coalition’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF), which the NSW Labor Government has cancelled.

“Under SCCF round four for example, almost $50 million was invested in projects aimed at increasing female participation in sport specifically in rural and regional areas.

“Compare that with Labor’s program, which is worth $30 million and is to be distributed across the entire state, and it’s clear that we must do our utmost to ensure a decent share of the funding on offer, goes to rural and regional areas.

“There are a number of projects in our Cootamundra electorate that would certainly benefit from funding under the Level the Playing Field Program, and my message to those groups is to apply as soon as possible – I’m more than happy to help if you need any help or support.

“By investing in sports at the grassroots level, we are promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social cohesion, all of which leads to building healthier more vibrant communities,” she said.

Applications close at 1pm Thursday 30 November, 2023. For more information about the Level the Playing Field Program, email cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au or phone Steph’s office on (02) 6382 2399.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has well and truly cemented its reputation as the nation’s leading facility of its kind, following a successful open day held over the weekend.

More than 1,200 visitors filed through the centre gates on Saturday to see for themselves the conservation and research work being undertaken at the centre.

“The fisheries centre open day was absolutely fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many people come along and experience firsthand the amazing work that’s going on right here in our own backyard,” Ms Cooke said.

“I have been a huge supporter of the centre and its talented and dedicated team for many years; I’m proud to say I’ve helped secure vital funding for the centre, including $6 million for recent upgrades, which have included a new hatchery building fitted with state-of-the-art fish breeding technology.

“I was very pleased to see the recent NSW State Labor Budget retained the $646,000 set aside by the previous NSW Coalition Government, to complete the upgrade works,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has been at the forefront of its field since it first opened in 1962, and plays a key role in breeding and conservation, as well as research into native and introduced species.

“Fish play such a key role in indicating the health of our river systems so it’s vital that we learn as much as we can about their numbers and locations,” Ms Cooke said.

“The researchers here do some wonderful work which gives a clear indication of fish health in NSW, as well as collating information about introduced species and their effects on feeding and native fish health.

“Some of their work also revolves around fish which are locally extinct and on the verge of extinction – in the Murray-Darling Basin for example – so it’s easy to see how critical their research is,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP says while she is relieved to see vital funding commitments for the Cootamundra electorate honoured in today’s NSW State Budget, there are spending cuts in other areas that are disappointing for residents in the regions.

Ms Cooke said that even though there is no new money allocated to the Cootamundra electorate in the NSW Budget, there are a number of projects that have survived Labor’s chopping block.

“After months and months of intense lobbying, I am very relieved that the NSW Labor Government has come to recognise the importance of maintaining the funding allocated by the previous Coalition Government to the Cowra Hospital, and Temora Hospital redevelopment projects,” Ms Cooke said.

“These projects represent a significant investment in the future prosperity of our regions; they are the culmination of years and years of hard work and planning, and I, along with the community, am breathing a sigh of relief that they will both go ahead as planned,” she said.

Ms Cooke said projects that retained much needed and well-deserved funding include:

•           $110.2 million for the new Cowra Hospital Redevelopment

•           $80 million for the new Temora Hospital Redevelopment

•           $90,000 to complete the Young Hospital CT Scanner project

•           $646,000 to complete the Narrandera Fisheries Upgrade

•           $7 million for Hilltops Council for emergency road repairs

•           $6.48 million for Bland Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.9 million for Narrandera Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.57 million for Coolamon Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.49 million for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.4 million for Temora Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.25 million for Cowra Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $2.75 million for Weddin Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $2.24 million for Junee Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $6.89 million for improved social housing

“I have spent recent months advocating strongly for these projects, and I am certainly pleased that the government has listened, and most importantly has realised just how important they all are for the communities they will support,” Ms Cooke said.

“I am however disappointed that the NSW Labor Government has failed to understand just how crucial the project to raise the Wyangala Dam wall is to communities throughout the Central West. It appears they are standing by their decision to scrap what would have been a vital investment in drought preparedness and flood mitigation, however the community can be assured I will continue to do what I can to ensure this project isn’t forgotten.

“I’m also disappointed to see the government reduce funding for the equally important Safe and Secure Water Program. On a day when the Bureau of Meteorology formally declared an El Niño weather event – increasing the chances of a hot and dry summer – we need to invest now more than ever in water security projects, that will guarantee the safe and secure supply of water to towns, villages, farmers, and the environment throughout the regions.

“Alarmingly it appears the State Budget is silent on the funding needed for the demerger of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council. This is most concerning, and I will be writing to the Local Government Minister for urgent clarification on this.

“The delay in duplicating the Great Western Highway on the western side of the Blue Mountains is very disappointing, given it’s the main artery connecting our residents and businesses with greater Sydney, and I will continue to seek further clarification from the government regarding their commitment to maintaining transport infrastructure across the nine local government areas in our Cootamundra electorate.

“The gutting of the Stronger Country Communities Fund is a significant blow to regional areas. Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) has provided $660 million for more than 2,530 regional projects, so its removal will leave a gaping hole in investment in our regions,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the slashing of the Regional Seniors Travel Card, along with the abolition of the Regional Student Travel Card will have a significant impact on the budgets of those who have come to rely on them, particularly in light of the cost-of-living pressures many are facing.

“Families too will be impacted by the NSW Labor Government’s decision to scale back the Active Kids Rebate, the First Lap Voucher, and the Creative Kids Rebate – all programs introduced by the Coalition Government to support families at a time when they need it most,” Ms Cooke said.

“Today’s State Budget was a chance for the NSW Labor Government to show a genuine interest in the future growth and prosperity of our regional communities, and while I am very relieved to say we’ve managed to hold on to funding for a number of vital projects, I am disappointed in the cuts that have been made in other areas.

“However, residents across our Cootamundra electorate can be assured I will continue to make a lot of noise on their behalf, to ensure the voice of rural and regional communities are always heard, and that we get our fair share of funding for projects and programs that make a tangible difference to the every day lives of people in our communities,” she said.