Category Archives: Grants

Six local projects spearheaded by Temora Shire Council have received over $890,000 under the fifth round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said these projects will benefit communities around the Temora Shire, with a focus on providing upgrades to parks and recreational areas. 

“The planned upgrades are not only practical but will also beautify community assets, making them even more attractive places for local residents and visitors to the area to enjoy,” Ms Cooke said. 

The successful projects are: 

Harper Park in Ariah Park – toilets and accessibility upgrades	$100,000
Upgrade of athletics area – Nixon Park	$128,621
Nixon Park amenities building upgrades	$120,000
Temora Parks upgrades	$350,000
Bundawarrah Centre Upgrades	$100,000
Temora Recreation Centre barbecue area upgrade	$100,000

Temora Shire Mayor Cr Rick Firman said he was delighted to see this funding being put to use on projects which will enhance local spaces. 

“We have so many wonderful parks, sporting areas and community facilities in the area, and the funding to improve these assets for all to enjoy is greatly appreciated,” Cr Firman said. 

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: Stronger Country Communities Fund | NSW Government 

Weethalle Country Club has been successful in securing funding of $156,213 to install a new kitchen through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was delighted to see this project successful for the benefit of members and guests of the Weethalle Country Club. 

“I am very proud to have supported the Weethalle Country Club in their efforts to modernise and increase the existing kitchen space,” Ms Cooke said. 

“These improvements will also include new cabinetry combined with the increased floor space will give the club kitchen a new lease of life.” 

“While the previous kitchen has served the community and visitors to the club well, the small space needed to be expanded to accommodate as more people come through the doors.” 

“With local trades from West Wyalong engaged to undertake the work means this project will also be a welcome boost for the local economy.”  

Weethalle Country Club Treasurer Leanne Hanlon said it is very exciting news for their small but welcoming community club.  

“The upgrades to the Kitchen will allow for more space to move around, which in turn will make it safer and reduce the risk of injuries such as burns,” Ms Hanlon said. 

Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $5.2 million for 29 projects across Bland Shire as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund. 

Coolamon Shire Council has received over $900,000 for two major projects through the fifth round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed investment of $563,819 to establish Coolamon Showground as a hub for harness racing training, as well as $350,000 for new synthetic bowling greens at Ganmain Sports Club. 

“The project at Coolamon Showground will involve works to establish the grounds as a world-class harness racing training facility, attracting members of the industry from right across the state,” Ms Cooke said. 

“It is fantastic the project will involve construction of a new multi-purpose building to be available for community use including auctions, weddings and other events.” 

Ms Cooke said the project is a collaboration between Coolamon Shire Council, Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) and other bodies including the MTC and Charles Sturt University.

Coolamon Shire Council Mayor Cr David McCann said the funding will boost the economy by bringing another important industry to Coolamon, while providing a much-needed adaptive space for the community.    

“Coolamon is ideally located to host a Harness Racing Training Facility in southern NSW, and when complete it will complement the major Harness Racing track in Wagga Wagga,” Cr McCann said. 

Cr McCann said the Ganmain Sports Club project is equally important for the community, following the amalgamation of Ganmain Bowling Club and Ganmain Sports Club. 

“This upgrade will provide a space for people to get active and stay fit and provide a local outlet for this very popular sport.” 

“This much-needed project will be a huge benefit to the Ganmain community and will allow the Sports Club to provide greater facilities to its members and the wider 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  

Bland Shire Council has secured $894,780 in funding to deliver five projects through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced the funding which will enhance local attractions as well as boost engagement with local youth.

“I know that Bland Shire Council is investing in their local communities here, and the funding from the NSW Government will provide a helpful boost to these projects,” Ms Cooke said

“I am thrilled that these successful projects cover a vast range of areas such as youth, encouraging tourism, improving local infrastructure for locals and visitors to the region.”

“All of which allow for further stimulation of the local economy including employment opportunities.”

The successful projects awarded to Bland Shire Council include:

• Bland Shire Youth Space Coordinator and Programming – $152,192, which will establish a dedicated youth space in West Wyalong. The funding will provide for a Youth Space Coordinator to support social and educational opportunities, youth events and activities, and access to youth outreach services.

• Bland Shire Town Signage Project – $307,317, will enable Council to undertake the design, construction and installation of new, modern and engaging entry statements (signage) at key tourist entry points to the Shire as well as to each of the villages. This signage will help to promote the shire and our historic communities.

• Active Movement Upgrades – $162,888, will see the renewal of existing pathways in Herridge Park, Wyalong and McCann Park, West Wyalong will significantly improve accessibility and enhance the user experience for locals and visitors.

• Bland Shire Heritage Revitalisation – $104,713, will enable protecting the historic fabric of two heritage buildings in Wyalong by replacing the ageing roof, guttering and downpipes and renewing the floor coverings in the Wyalong School of Arts building as well as extending the life of the timber floor by sanding and recoat the floorboards in the Wyalong Hall will meet an identified need while helping to preserve a valuable community asset.

• Restoration of Douglas DC3 Dakota Aeroplane Display – $167,670, a well-known landmark feature at the entrance to West Wyalong will be improved with the engagement of experts to undertake the treatment of rust, repainting and the application of historic markings that will reflect the plane’s heritage.

Bland Shire Mayor Brian Monaghan said the funding will assist Council across many areas of its work, celebrating our youth, protecting the future of key buildings, improving our active movement networks and ensuring travellers know they are entering the shire and towns, with hearts of gold.

“The famous DC3 Dakota at Lions Park will be restored to its former glory and provide a point of interest for travellers, as they come into West Wyalong,” Cr Monaghan said.

“Council recognises the need to invest in its communities and renew its existing infrastructure for future generations.”

The Stronger Country Communities Fund has been delivering for local communities, with more than $3.9 million for 21 projects in the Bland Shire since Round 1 of the program.

Barmedman Bowling Club has successfully received $202,500 through Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the funding which will allow for a refurbishment of amenities at the Barmedman Bowling Club.

“Patrons and visitors of the club will benefit from the modernised facilities and improved overall accessibility,” Ms Cooke said.

“The amenities at the club have not been updated for many years and the refurbishment is very much needed.”

“Patrons and visitors will benefit from the upgrades as there are many community events and private functions held at the venue and adjoining Community Centre.”

President of the Barmedman Bowling Club Michael Owers was thrilled to learn of their successful application.

“We would like to thank Steph Cooke for her support and those locally who assisted with the application,” Mr Owers said.

“The funds will help us to make some big improvements to our facilities.”

The Barmedman Bowling Club is used for recreational and competitive lawn bowls and basketball competitions. A number if local organisations also meet at the club, including the Barmedman RFS Brigade, NSW Farmers Federation, Barmedman Tennis Club and the Barmedman Mineral Pool committee.

Temora Golf Club has successfully received funding of $308,271 to undertake upgrades to the club facilities through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was delighted to join members of Temora Golf Club on Friday 13 January to make this announcement.

“The upgrades will modernise the club and allow for inclusive facilities that meet the needs of patrons and visitors to the Club,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Temora Golf Club is a valued community asset with over 450 members with the course maintained predominately by volunteers.”

“These improvements will increase community participation in golf and other recreational activities.”

The upgrades to club facilities will include accessible toilets, improvements to the women’s change rooms which will include a complete refurbishment making the area slightly larger, ramp access and improvements to the lighting and ventilation.

The outdoor function area which is over 30yrs old will undergo a complete replacement with overhead heating and cooling to make a comfortable experience for patrons and visitors to the club.

Temora Golf Club run competition golf on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In addition during daylight savings, there is a Summer Competition that brings extra participation.

Temora Gold Club welcomes visitors with social golf as an option every day with an easy walking course and meals available at the club on Friday nights, with catering available for other functions.

Temora Golf Club President Barry Flakelar said these upgrades were identified areas of improvement needed for the club as part of their strategic plan.

“The Board of Temora Golf Club greatly appreciate the significant contribution to this project. We pride ourselves in our volunteer effort. The improved facilities will benefit the whole community, bolster morale and promote participation,” Mr Flakelar said. For further information about Temora Golf Club visit: www.temoragolfclub.com.au

Koorawatha Progress Association has secured $441,360 for a new playground at Koorawatha Memorial Park through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project will bring the community together in a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment.

“It is fantastic to support the vision of the Koorawatha Progress Association with this exciting project, having heard about their plans for this location over a number of years,” Ms Cooke said.

“This playground will revitalise Koorawatha Memorial Park and allow younger members of the community, along with visitors to the area, to enjoy a modern facility which challenges, excites and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.”

“I congratulate the Koorawatha Progress Association on their successful application because it takes a lot of time and hard work to them pull together.”

Koorawatha Progress Association Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs Jane Fisher said the provision of funding for this project demonstrates confidence in the future of their small community.

“Works will include a new children’s playground with pathways, seating and shade to provide a place where people of all ages and abilities can connect and be active in a safe and welcoming outdoor environment.”

“The playground will also be a big attraction for visitors, especially as Koorawatha is situated on the Olympic Way. We are absolutely thrilled,” Mrs Fisher said.

Over five rounds of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, more than $11.7 million in funding has been awarded to 45 projects across the Hilltops Local Government Area.

For more information about the Stronger Country Communities Fund, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke was excited to attend the opening of the upgrades to the Temora Swimming pool recently. These upgrades were completed thanks in part to a $990,000 contribution from the NSW Government’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund, with funding of $1.21 million co-contributed by Temora Shire Council.

“These upgrades create an accessible and friendly sporting facility, for locals and visitors alike to utilise for generations to come,” Ms Cooke said.

“I congratulate ELM Aquatics, based in Griffith for their fantastic workmanship. Mark McLean and his team have delivered an outstanding project in record time, despite the most challenging of weather during the building process.”

The project has achieved the key objectives of the fund to improve the standard of an existing sporting facility and enables increased participation in the sport of swimming, through the provision of a widened, relined and accessible 50m swimming pool.

Part of the upgrades include in pool steps, pool widening to 15 metres, an increase of lanes, relining the pool and relocating the diving board.

Temora Shire Council Mayor Mr Rick Firman said the project is the major achievement of the long-term vision of Council and the community, driven by a community working group, which has supported other significant projects along the journey, including the indoor heated pool, amenities upgrade, kiosk upgrade, front building entrance upgrade, waterslide, splash park and disability change room, water wheelchair and hoist.

“The 50m pool is a modern, accessible swimming complex for the community to enjoy participating in swimming for recreation, fitness and sport, which has both physical and mental health benefits,” Mr Firman said.

“The increased usage will enable a greater level of community connectivity and social inclusion, as the swimming pool provides a destination for residents to enjoy time with family and friends during the warmer months.

Wyangala Country Club has secured a total of $19,424 in funding through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements and equipment to local facilities.

“I congratulate the Wyangala Country Club in their successful application to purchase a grounds mower and bistro dishwasher,” Ms Cooke said.

“This funding is just another way that Wyangala Country Club are committed to enhancing their facilities at Matt Morrison Oval for the community to enjoy.”

“This program has been hugely successful across the Cootamundra electorate allowing local groups to undertake a wide range of projects.”

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

Community organisations in Junee have been successful in securing funding totalling over $29,000 for three projects through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements and equipment to local facilities.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make difference for community groups in Junee,” Ms Cooke said.

The successful organisations to receive funding are:

• Junee Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc
• Junee Motor Club Inc
• St Vincent De Paul Society

Junee Junior Rugby League Football Club are receiving $5,000 to purchase a new freestanding commercial deep fryer.

Junee Motor Club has been successful in receiving $16,278 to purchase maintenance equipment and a storage shed.

The local St Vincent De Paul Society has been successful in receiving $8,557 to install solar panels on their Junee building.

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