Young Welcomes New Probationary Constable

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed new Probationary Constable Tom Perkins to the region following his first shifts at Young Police Station, after his graduation from the Goulburn Police Academy. 

“Congratulations on your posting Tom; Young is lucky to have you, and I wish you all the very best as you start your career here in our local area,” Ms Cooke said.

“Policing is like no other profession; it is a selfless career where officers run towards danger to protect us and the wider community, rather than the natural instinct to run in the opposite direction.

“Coming into the holiday period, this is a timely reminder that there is no break for our police, who will be serving our Cootamundra community through Christmas and the New Year.

“Their commitment to fostering a safe and thriving environment is invaluable, and we want each and every officer to know that their efforts are deeply appreciated.

“Please share a thought for those officers forgoing time with their family and friends to keep us safe over the holidays,” she said.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole joined in welcoming Probationary Constable Perkins and all the enthusiastic new recruits commencing duties across the state.

“I am proud to welcome the new recruits into the NSW Police Force; they have taken up the incredibly challenging but rewarding responsibility of serving and protecting the people of NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“These probationary constables are certainly helping strengthen the ranks of our modern and world-class police force,” he said.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with new Probationary Constable Tom Perkins, Detective Sergeant Mark Lake, and Senior Constable Kurt Lyzun.

Boys to the Bush Providing Vital ‘Men’ – Toring

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has praised the team behind the local Boys to the Bush support service, with the organisation going ahead in leaps and bounds since the Young hub was established in 2022.

“When it comes to having a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of people in our towns and villages, the programs provided by Boys to the Bush, are up there as some of the best,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit charity providing prevention and early intervention strategies for young men between the ages of nine and 22 who are at risk of disengagement.

“The team support disengaged young men across the region by providing camps and mentoring to not only teach valuable life skills, but to also help improve their education and employability,” Ms Cooke said.

Their mission is to ‘provide an environment free from the distractions in their lives, allowing boys the opportunity to be surrounded by positive influences and giving them opportunities to succeed. Encouraging mateship, resilience, and a sense of belonging’.

“I stopped-by the Young hub recently for a chat with team members Pete Butcher and Cassandra Tyack, who filled me in on their latest outreach programs. They tell me they’re growing all the time, providing on-the-ground support to dozens of boys and young men, making sure they know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to go it alone,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to have been a part of a Coalition Government that contributed funding in 2022 to the establishment of the hub in Young, and another in Leeton.

“The funding allowed for a permanent base to be established at Young and Leeton a few years ago, which provided local employment and additional support. It’s been a fantastic ‘add-on’ to the range of support services that we have available in the region,” Ms Cooke said.More information is available at www.boystothebush.org.au

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Boys to the Bush team members Pete Butcher and Cassandra Tyack at the organisation’s Young hub.

Putting Our Hand up for Regional Investment

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

Hilltops Council to Benefit from $7 Million in Additional Road Funding

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed additional road funding for Hilltops Council that will go towards repair and maintenance of the local road network.

Ms Cooke joined with Hilltops Council Mayor Marg Roles to announce that $7,021,075 in additional road repair funding has been secured for Hilltops Council, under the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF), to undertake maintenance work on the 2,747 kilometres of local and regional roads within the LGA.

“Ensuring rural and regional communities continue to get their fair share of road funding is vital for the ongoing safety and productivity of our local towns and villages,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s with this in mind that I have advocated tirelessly for our region, to ensure the Roads Minister fully understands and appreciates the pivotal role our roads play in connecting our towns, and enabling economic growth.

“As a result I am thrilled to announce that we have been able to secure more than $7 million in additional funding for much-needed repair and maintenance of our local roads in the Hilltops Council area, which is a big step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of our community members,” she said.

Hilltops Council Mayor Marg Roles said maintenance work may include heavy road patching, reshaping and smoothing unsealed roads, carrying out work to improve drainage from the road surface, rehabilitating sections of road, and resurfacing work.

“It’s the small road maintenance projects that drive big benefits for safety and the economy in the bush,” Mayor Roles said.

“This additional funding will help us fix damaged roads and ensure the network our communities rely on every day is dependable, smooth and safe.

“I certainly encourage local residents and businesses to continue providing input on road conditions, and areas that require attention; this feedback helps us make informed decisions about allocating resources where they are needed most,” she said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with Hilltops Council Mayor Marg Roles at the recent Country Mayors Association meeting at Parliament House in Sydney.

Centenary Celebrations for young CWA

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke praised the importance of community organisations like the Country Women’s Association during a special event celebrating the 100th birthday of the Young CWA Branch.

“The CWA here in Young has been supporting women, children, and the wider community for 100 years, which is a truly remarkable achievement,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s an amazing milestone and represents a long and valued history of dedication by members to enrich the lives of those in our local towns and villages.

“The ladies of the CWA are invaluable members of our community; whether it be fundraising, providing a network of support, lobbying for important causes, passing on their skills to others, or providing educational grants, their contribution is second-to-none.

“The CWA has consistently championed important causes, from supporting local families, to advocating for essential rural services, and today is a chance for us to shine a light on the fantastic work these women do, often without the recognition they deserve.

“Congratulations once again to all members of the Young CWA Branch; thank you for your continued generosity, and for the amazing work that you all do for our communities,” she said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke, Young CWA Branch President Jenny Thompson, and Hilltops Council Mayor Marg Roles.

Celebrating 60 Years of Meals on Wheels in Young

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has praised the work of local volunteers who have contributed to the enduring success of Meals on Wheels in Young over the past six decades.

Speaking at celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the service in the area, Ms Cooke told the gathering at the Young Services Club, that Meals on Wheels is so much more than just a food delivery service, it’s also a lifeline for the community.

“The service not only provides meals, but a sense of connection and community that is invaluable to those it serves, so this milestone is not just about the number of years they’ve been operating, but the number of lives touched and improved,” Ms Cooke said.

“By delivering meals to the doorsteps of those in need, Meals on Wheels enables recipients to maintain their independence, and ensures that community members can continue to live in their own homes and maintain their routines.

“Meals on Wheels volunteers serve as a friendly face and a source of companionship for those who may otherwise be isolated. These visits provide crucial social interaction and welfare checks, helping to combat loneliness and depression, and promoting mental health and well-being.

“Families and caregivers also benefit from Meals on Wheels, as it offers them much-needed respite and assurance that their loved ones are cared for if they’re away.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to everyone involved with Meals on Wheels in Young – past, present, and future. Your contribution is a shining example of what makes our Cootamundra electorate community so special.

“Support for Meals on Wheels is essential in ensuring that this vital service remains accessible to all who need it, and I invite community members to support Meals on Wheels through volunteering, donations, and spreading the word about the importance of this service,” she said.

Impressive Talent on Display at Boorowa Sports Carnival

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined thousands of students, parents, and teachers from Canberra and across NSW at the 2023 Boorowa Touch & Netball Carnival today.

Ms Cooke said the event showcased the exceptional sportsmanship and talent of the more than 4,500 young athletes, who travelled from far and wide to compete in the more than 870 games staged during the event, which has been running in various formats for almost 60 years.

“This is the first time the carnival has been held since 2019, after COVID-19 and flooding put a stop to the competition in recent years. But it is certainly back bigger and better than ever, and is a wonderful event on the local sporting calendar,” Ms Cooke said.

“It was my first time at the carnival and I was so impressed by the skills and dedication on display, and I congratulate all the competitors who took part and made it such a great event,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the cheers and support from the thousands of spectators gathered on the sidelines, added to the atmosphere.

“I want to give a special shout-out also to the teachers, parents, and volunteers who all worked so hard and went that extra mile to help stage this huge event. Many helpers no longer have school-age children participating in the carnival, but offer their time every year to lend a hand, which is lovely to see,” Ms Cooke said.

“I had a lot of fun helping out in the canteen, which was an absolute hive of activity, catering for the thousands in attendance. The barbeque certainly got a workout, with 2,000 sausages cooked and sold, along with 1,000 steak sandwiches, 1,000 hot dogs, 1,000 bacon & egg rolls, and an incredible 6,000 Zooper Doopers!

“I’d like to acknowledge too the contribution of local businesses in making the day the success that it was, including Peta Jenkins at IGA Boorowa, IGA Young, IGA Yass, Boorowa Bakery, Ziems Quality Meats in Harden, and Woolworths bakery in Young, who answered a distress call from organisers and baked 170 loaves of bread on short notice, after the original bread supplier couldn’t make the delivery deadline.

“The success of this event highlights the importance of community engagement in fostering the growth and development of our young athletes, and I certainly look forward to cheering everyone on again next year,” she said.

Young Library & Cultural Precinct: The End is Just the Beginning

The Young Library & Cultural Precinct has been officially opened earlier this month as part of a community open day to welcome completion of the state-of-the-art facility.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the building is an exciting asset for the region, with the new building better reflecting the various uses of a modern library.

“This new facility is bright, engaging and very well-equipped for the many ways in which our community will seek to use it into the future,” Ms Cooke said.

“We know public libraries are much more than a home for our book collection – they are a meeting space, a hub for school holiday activities, mother’s groups and cultural events.

“To have this facility in our own backyard will help to inspire a lifelong love of books, and also encourage more involvement in everything our public library has to offer.”

Some of the stand-out features at the new facility include:

  • dedicated learning spaces,
  • children’s activity areas,
  • reading and study areas,
  • video conferencing systems,
  • multimedia stations, audio and visual assisted technology,
  • arts spaces, including a pottery workshop and kiln, and a
  • Wiradjuri Learning and Cultural Centre.

Ms Cooke said the project is the result of a successful partnership between the NSW Government, Schools Infrastructure and Hilltops Council.

“I am very pleased that students and staff of Young High School have also benefitted from the project, with enhancements to the campus an innovative way to have added even more social value to the project.

“With the building now complete and operational, it is my hope that the vision of this wonderful facility, and it’s potential for future generations, can be fully appreciated.”

Image: The Hon. Steph Cooke MP with The Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, Hilltops Council Mayor Cr Margaret Roles and Students from Young High School at Community Open Day of The Young Library and Cultural Precinct.

Hight Tech Lights at Bribbaree Level Crossing Now Operational

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the official start of a trial of new technology to boost safety at the level crossing on the Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree.

“I am very pleased to have this trial underway in our electorate, as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety at railway level crossings in regional areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“It is one of two locations in regional New South Wales to trial the new signage and LED flashing lights – aimed at reducing the risk of collisions between trains and vehicles.

“It is my hope that the data collated at Bribbaree will lead to a broader roll out of the technology to passive level crossings in other parts of the electorate.

“We have seen how the roll out of flashing lights at school zones for example has helped to boost driver safety and awareness, and this trial is an important step in response to calls for a boost to level crossing safety.”

Ms Cooke was joined for the switch-on by Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison and safety campaigner Maddie Bott, together with representatives of the Bribbaree community.

The trial is a commitment of the former NSW Coalition Government, following the community led petition presented by Ms Cooke to NSW Parliament in November 2021.

In addition to the trial, speed limits have also been reduced on the approach to several actively controlled level crossings in the region.

The trial is funded through the Digital Restart Fund, with Transport for NSW to collate the data over 24 months to determine the effectiveness of the technology.

For more information about the Level Crossing Safety petition please visit : Legislative Assembly Hansard – 11 November 2021 (nsw.gov.au)

Trial Level Crossing System Soon Operational at Bribbaree

Transport for NSW have completed safety testing and are working with Australian Rail Track Corporation and Weddin Shire Council as the trial level crossing system is installed at Mary Gilmore Way in Bribbaree.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has strongly campaigned for changes to be made to reduce the risk of collisions at level crossings between trains and vehicles in regional NSW.

“In November 2021, I led a petition with over 21,000 signatures which was debated in Parliament. As the petition attracted such strong support, I was able to voice the concerns of the community.”

“Following multiple representations and meetings with all levels of Government, we now see reduced speed limits on approaches to all actively controlled level crossings across NSW, not just on our highways.”

“I am pleased the previous NSW Coalition Government listened to the concerns of our regional communities and implemented level crossing safety measures.”

“With an investment made by Transport for NSW through the Level Crossing Improvement Program, we have seen the implementation of the Level Crossing Strategy Council Strategic Plan 2021-2030, to further improve awareness at level crossings and reducing risks for all motorists on our roads.

Ms Cooke recently met with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon. Jenny Aitchison to discuss the implementation of the trial innovative signs with LED flashing lights which are being installed at Mary Gilmore Way in Bribbaree.