Families Set to Save with Voucher Swap Scheme

Renee Ford, Ana Djukic, Steph Cooke MP, Carrie Giddings, David and Marko Djukic stand in front of a school crossing.

Parents will have more choice when it comes to cost of living support thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher swap initiative.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said families would be able to use the two vouchers interchangeably from Term 2, allowing kids to do more of what they love.

“Our Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers have been incredibly popular with families across the electorate and NSW, with almost 7 million vouchers, across the state, already downloaded and redeemed saving families $694 million.” Ms Cooke said.

“We want to give our kids the opportunity to do more of the things they love, which is why we’re making our voucher program more flexible.”

“Only a NSW Liberal and Nationals Government can the pressure off family budgets thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

“This is all part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to supporting families, with more than 70 waysto save across the Savings Finder program.”

The voucher swap program will commence from the start of Term 2 (26 April) and only apply to:

  • $100 Active Kids voucher for sport and recreation costs including school holiday programs.
  • $100 Creative Kids voucher for arts and cultural activities costs including school holiday classes and workshops.

Families can download their child’s vouchers via the Service NSW app or website and by calling 13 77 88.

For further information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/concessions-rebates-and-assistance/vouchers

Six Veteran Projects Given a Boost

Six local organisations have received funding for commemorative projects across the Cootamundra electorate through the NSW Government’s Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP). 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has thanked the successful organisations for their efforts in honouring the service of local veterans. 

“These initiatives are about recognising Australia’s war service history, educating a new generation and supporting the wellbeing of the veteran community,” Ms Cooke said. 

“I acknowledge these organisations for their commitment to the veterans of the region, and for thinking of unique ways in which we can honour their service.” 

The following projects have secured funding through ACGP: 

  • No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School, Narrandera – $2,000
    • Purchase a display cabinet to house additional items including war medals and memorabilia from local families. 
  • Advance Ganmain Committee – $3,000  
  • This project will preserve war memorabilia and uniforms through the installation custom-built cabinets that will preserve significant war uniforms at the Ganmain Historical Society Museum. 
  • Marrar Football and Netball Club Inc – $2,650
    • To purchase an Honour Board to increase the awareness of the sacrifice that past and present generations have made, and to preserve the history of the Club’s “Anzac Challenge” games. 
  • Advance Ardlethan – $1,858 
    • Local signature panels and Soldiers Registrar.  
    • The two projects will allow the community and visitors to the area to view, read and see the photos of the local soldiers who served in WWI and WWII. These articles will bring a new dimension to the Anzac services each year and be a permanent tactile (soldiers book) exhibit at the Museum.  
    • The Soldiers Registration Book will be scanned and copies made for the general public to view, at the Soldiers Room and Ardlethan & Beyond Museum. A digital copy will also be made and screened at annual Anzac day services. 
  • West Wyalong RSL Sub-Branch – $1,250 
    • Purchase a Memorabilia cabinet to display Medals and other small personal items from the veteran community. 
  • Wyalong Public School – $2,997 
    • To undertake repairs to their Commemorative Garden 

Revitalising Amenities in Cootamundra and Stockinbingal

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) have been successful in receiving funding of over $560,000 to upgrade amenities at Fisher Park in Cootamundra and Ellwood’s Hall in Stockinbingal.

These are just two Council led projects as part of six awarded to the Cootamundra-Gundagai area under Round Five of the NSW Governments Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said we have a number of groups who use Fisher Park and Ellwood’s Hall and these improvements will mean modernised amenities for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“Fisher Park sees visitors and participants of the Cootamundra Junior Rugby League, Women’s Tag League, Cootamundra Cycle Club, Cootamundra Cricket as well as a space for the community to enjoy monthly markets,” Ms Cooke said.

“These facilities at the Park will undergo a complete overhaul to rejuvenate and modernise the current over 30-year-old infrastructure.”

“Ellwood’s Hall will see a particular focus on upgrading the previously shared amenities to now include separate women’s facilities including new changerooms and showers.”

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said this funding is wonderful for their communities and Council appreciates the support from the NSW Government.

“Fisher Park is in need of an upgrade and desperately needs appropriate facilities for women’s sports,” Cr Sheahan said.

“Visitors and members of the Stockinbingal community will greatly appreciate the new toilets at Ellwood’s Hall.”

Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $8.7 million for 48 projects across Cootamundra-Gundagai region as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund. For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/programs-and-grants/regional-growth-fund/stronger-country-communities-fund

Ready for a Splashing Good Time at Cowra

There will be increased fun and joy at the Cowra Aquatic Centre with Cowra Shire Council being successful in receiving $981,202 to implement a splashpad through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she has welcomed this exciting project for all ages of the community to enjoy.

“I can’t wait to hear the laughter and see the joy in the faces of many children as they enjoy the thrills and excitement of this new water attraction,” Ms Cooke said.

“These improvements to the Aquatic Centre will encourage family visits and raise water confidence in younger users.”

Cowra Shire Council Mayor Cr Bill West said this is a great announcement as this project will allow them to improve and upgrade the Aquatic Centre in various stages.

“The incorporation of a splashpad and construction of a pump shed to service the splashpad will ensure that Council’s long-term plan will be implemented in due course,” Cr West said. 

The splashpad will integrate with the existing toddler’s pool creating an area specifically designed for younger users whilst incorporating inclusive design features that will be accessible to children with all levels of ability.

Over five rounds of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, more than $5.5 million in funding has been awarded to 22 projects across the Cowra Local Government Area.

For more information about the Stronger Country Communities Fund, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/programs-and-grants/regional-growth-fund/stronger-country-communities-fund

Activating our Regional Economy for the Future

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will further invest in infrastructure and facilities that will activate economic and job growth across the region through the new $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Fund will see investment in transformational infrastructure and facilities projects that will unlock housing and economic growth in regional communities.

“We all know we live in a beautiful part of the state and it’s the perfect reason why many are making the move to our regional areas to grow and raise a family,” Ms Cooke said.

“It is important that we support growth in our area whilst ensuring we have the infrastructure and housing to accommodate.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the fund will only increase the appeal to live and invest in regional NSW.

 “Our regional communities are growing faster than ever before, and this is creating exciting opportunities for infrastructure, business and economic investment across the State,” Mr Toole said.

“Housing must come hand-in-hand with these investments, and the projects supported by this Fund could include roads and other utility connections; the kind of enabling infrastructure needed to set the foundation for further housing growth.”

The $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local projects that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.

Expressions of Interest open next week on 8 February and close on 23 May 2023.

For further information about the Growing Regional Economies Fund, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/gref

Improving Access to Temora Community Centre

Families and members of the community will be among those who benefit from an upgrade to the Temora Community Centre thanks to $100,000 through the NSW Government’s Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was delighted to share the news with the Staff, Management Committee and volunteers of the centre this week.

“The work which the team at Temora Community Centre provides to the community is invaluable, they provide ‘hands-on support’ in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment,” Ms Cooke said.

“Thank you for the support provided by the 10 volunteers, as we all know our centres cannot operate without our amazing volunteers.”

“With the installation of access ramps and an automatic front door means access to the centre for people with disabilities or parents with prams will be that much easier.

“It is important that we work to create supportive and inclusive facilities that are physically accessible and welcoming to everyone and this project will see the centre improved so it can continue to serve locals well into the future.”

Temora Community Centre Manager Debra Patterson said they are thrilled with this funding as now they can provide an accessible entrance to the centre rather than the much less equitable rear of building access currently available.

“We are excited to be able to improve the entrance so all members of the community can enter the Centre safely, with ease and dignity,” Ms Patterson said.

The Centre has been supporting the Temora LGA since 1982, with services including a Community Hub, Child Youth and Family Support, Centrelink Agent and a range of visiting services that provide support in areas mental health, financial counselling, supported playgroup, parenting skills program, Tax Help to name a few.

Temora Community Centre employs four part-time staff, Manager/Support worker, Family Support Worker, Bookkeeper and Centrelink Agent they are also supported by 10 volunteers and a volunteer Management Committee. The volunteers provide an invaluable service by being the welcoming face at reception, preparing Plates of Plenty meal and food relief program and the background tasks of cleaning and maintenance.

Community Centres are valuable not only to residents of the local area but provide an important conduit to the community for services. Connected communities are more resilient communities. Having a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive place for people to gather and connect will foster greater social cohesion and support the community.

Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $5.2 million for 32 projects across Temora Shire as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.  

For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/programs-and-grants/regional-growth-fund/stronger-country-communities-fund

Over $1.3M for Projects in Grenfell District

Five projects in the Weddin Shire have received a total of over $1.3 million in funding thanks to Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said a $629,979 redevelopment of Taylor Park, including a new all-abilities playground is a particular highlight.

“I am delighted for local families, and wish to thank and congratulate local Emily Eppelstun who has worked with Weddin Shire Council on this initiative from the outset,” Ms Cooke said.

“Having met with Emily and her son Billy last year, I wholeheartedly indicated my support for the project and am so pleased we have secured this outcome for future generations.

“We know it is important to have community spaces which are user-friendly for the entire family.

“More broadly, these playground projects also help with the overall cost of living as there is no entry fee to our local parks, so to invest in making them more welcoming and better arranged when it comes to the supervision of little ones, is a big win for family outings which won’t blow the budget.”

Projects awarded funding in Weddin Shire include:

  • Weddin Shire Council
    • Taylor Park Redevelopment and all-inclusive playground $629,979
    • Upgrades to support freedom camping at Weddin Shire villages $300,000
  • Grow Grenfell Group Inc
    • Lighting at Grenfell Silos and visual display $114,753
  • Grenfell Dramatic Society
    • Upgrade of community arts premises $129,135
  • Grenfell Country Club
    • New clubhouse toilets $150,623

Weddin Shire Council Mayor Cr Craig Bembrick said they are extremely excited by this announcement and Council looks forward to delivering their projects for the enjoyment of the broader community and visitors to the area.

“The inclusive playspace is for people of all ages, abilities and cultures to come together and gather at one of our main parks. The funding also allows us to undertake other redevelopment works including the rotunda and upgrading other park infrastructure assets,” Cr Bembrick said.

“Our villages of Caragabal, Greenethorpe and Quandialla will have an opportunity to enhance their sports and showground facilities by providing formalised freedom playground sites for our tourists and visitors to camp.”

Over $5.1 million for 23 projects across Weddin Shire has been secured through the five rounds of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.

For further information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/programs-and-grants/regional-growth-fund/stronger-country-communities-fund

Kick up Your Spurs at Marrar Campdraft Arena

Marrar Campdraft Arena will undergo a makeover thanks to $107,325 in funding from Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Funding.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the resurfacing works to be carried out at Marrar campdraft arena.

“This project is vital towards ensuring the longevity of the arena and will greatly improve the safety for users and site competitors along with providing the committee the confidence to plan and run campdraft and rodeo events,” Ms Cooke said.

“These events provide a huge influx of visitors to our seat of small communities, bringing with it a positive impact in many aspects including financial and building a stronger community as we work together in creating a community event that the whole family can enjoy.

“These improvements are essential to the participation and expansion of the much-loved and growing sport.”

Marrar Campdraft Association President Mr Brendan Halden said receiving such a grant gives the committee the security to plan and run events with confidence.

“A resurface of the arena makes me very excited for the future of our Marrar Madness Rodeo and Campdraft and the future of our sport as a whole,” Mr Halden said.

“It is incredible to think we can run world-class events from our small community of Marrar. Both campdrafting and rodeos are growing sports and the resurface of the arena will allow Marrar to facilitate the growth and really put Marrar on the map.”

“We are beyond grateful to everyone involved in making the resurface happen, it’s a real game changer for our sports and our community.”

Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $5.1 million for 28 projects across Coolamon Shire as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund. For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/programs-and-grants/regional-growth-fund/stronger-country-communities-fund

New Funding Paving its Way Into Temora

Installation of a pedestrian bridge at Lake Centenary in Temora is among 11 projects on the way for communities across the state, thanks to newly announced NSW Government funding.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Temora Shire Council have been selected to receive $118,449 in funding from the Places to Swim grant program, which supports councils and eligible agencies to improve public access to natural waterways.

“We know our communities value the wonderful rivers, lakes and pools across NSW and, thanks to this latest round of funding, we are able to help ensure these natural wonders are safe and accessible for people of all ages,” Ms Cooke said.

“This project will install a pedestrian bridge in two parts, along the western edge of Lake Centenary to enable walkers, runners and cyclists to safely cross over Lake Centenary.”

Mayor Rick Firman said this project will support walkers, runners and cyclists to safely travel a complete loop around Lake Centenary supporting community and visitor enjoyment of this waterbody.

“The new bridge will encourage more visitors to enjoy this natural area beside the water,” Mayor Firman said.

“The bridge will be of high-quality, locally constructed and located in a pleasant setting among native trees which will become a highlight of the path around Lake Centenary.”

“This will provide a quieter more tranquil and enjoyable space for the community and enhance the existing 2.7km long lake loop which is highly valued and well used by our citizens and those visiting our Shire.”

Work on this latest pool of projects, will begin early next year with the aim of having all works completed and facilities open by mid-2024. 

For more information visit Places to Swim

Upgrades to Kindra Park Facilities

The facilities at Kindra Park in Coolamon are set for transformation thanks to a successful application of $160,000 made by the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Funding.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this investment not only supports the future of the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club, but also benefits visitors to the Park and the local community.

“Participants, spectators and visitors will all appreciate the construction of a new toilet and change room facility including a disabled toilet, as everyone deserves great facilities,” Ms Cooke said.

“Local clubs such as Coolamon Rovers, Coolamon Junior and Senior Cricket and the Coolamon Touch Association all utilise the facilities at Kindra Park for the playing season and these upgrades allow for all to reap the benefits of these improvements.”

Mr Scott Glyde, Secretary of the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club said that Kindra Park currently has no designated disabled access toilets so it’s great to see this project was awarded funding.

“Various sporting clubs member and supporters of Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club, Coolamon Touch Football Association, Coolamon Senior Cricket and Coolamon Junior Cricket along with students and teachers of Coolamon Central School and St Michael’s Primary School will all benefit from the sporting precinct upgrades,” Mr Glyde said.

“Sporting clubs are the heartbeat of our rural and regional communities, allowing them to replace and upgrade facilities allows them to grow their sport and best meet the needs of the local community,” Ms Cooke said.

“We want to encourage people to be active and healthy and engaged with their community, this is why the NSW Government continues to support community sports infrastructure.”

For further information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/programs-and-grants/regional-growth-fund/stronger-country-communities-fund