Steph Cooke | 01 Dec 2023 | All LGAs Bland Shire Community Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Grants Hilltops Council Junee Shire Local projects Narrandera Shire News Temora Shire Weddin Shire
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.
Steph Cooke | 09 Nov 2023 | Junee Shire Local projects News
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says 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 met with Junee Mayor Bob Callow today to announce that $2,241,530 in additional road repair funding has been secured for the Junee Shire Council, under the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF), to undertake maintenance work on the 877 kilometres of local and regional roads within the LGA.
“It’s my job to shine a light on issues in our electorate, and one of my number one priorities is making sure we have adequate funding to help provide access to roads that are safe and convenient for our communities,” 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 $2.2 million in additional funding for much-needed repair and maintenance of our local roads in and around Junee, which is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of our community members,” she said.
Junee Shire Council Mayor Bob Callow said small road maintenance projects can drive big benefits in the bush.
“The funding will be dedicated to addressing a range of road issues, including pothole repairs, resurfacing, and general road safety improvements,” Mayor Callow said.
“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,” he said.
Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, with Junee Shire Council Mayor Bob Callow.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong has serious questions to answer over the Government’s shock decision to take over the running of the Junee Correctional Centre.
Ms Cooke said the Minister’s failure to provide critical responses to Opposition questioning during a Budget Estimates hearing today, is deeply concerning.
“This decision is looking murkier by the day; either the Minister is not across his brief, or he was deliberately avoiding questions around the NSW Labor Government’s decision to take over the running of the Junee Correctional Centre,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Minster was unable to provide any credible rationale for the decision, and instead hid behind technical jargon to justify what appears to be a highly dubious move from this Government.
“By his own admission, the Minister failed to consult the community about his decision, and made no firm commitments to come to Junee and speak face-to-face with those that are impacted directly on the ground.
“In contrast, the Minister freely admitted to meeting with the union, multiple times, and refused to deny that he spoke with the Public Service Association about the Junee facility.
“When pressed on whether there would be any job losses, the Minister again danced around the question, which as a local member, concerns me greatly.
“The Minister acknowledged the financial contributions the current operator GEO Group has provided to the Junee community over the years, but was unable to guarantee that the government would be able to provide a similar level of support going forward.
“This is simply not good enough. The Minister must come out of hiding, clear his diary, and make every effort to get to Junee as soon as possible, to front-up and provide the vital answers the community deserves,” she said.
Steph Cooke | 21 Apr 2023 | Community Junee Shire Local projects News
Investment of over $400,000 into facilities at Junee Showground has seen a range of improvements completed including an upgrade of the Lord Pavilion, new amenities and other crucial maintenance.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was pleased to join Junee Showground Land Managers to view the progress of works throughout the grounds.
“With a range of events over the course of the year, including the annual show as well as Can Assist’s long lunch and the Junee Poker run, it is great to have improvements undertaken which will be of benefit to all user groups” Ms Cooke said.
“A particular highlight is the face-lift of Lord Pavilion with new flooring and insulation, electrical wiring and the installation of partitions, allowing the hall to be used for smaller functions.
“The new dedicated changeroom facilities to support female jockeys involved with Junee Harness Racing is also important work, given the number of women involved in the sport.”
Ms Cooke said crucial drainage and electrical maintenance are also expected to be completed in coming months.
Junee Showground Land Manager Chairman Martin Honner said the upgrades support growing numbers for the area, including increased female participation for the harness club, providing a functional and accessible space for a number community and social events.
“The committee is thrilled with the upgrades of the Pavilion and around the Showground and we would like to thank all of our volunteers and local trades who have worked hard to support this project, especially Col Randal who attended the ground each day to ensure the works were being carried out,” Mr Honner said.
The improvements have been made possible thanks to $313,216 through the Showground Stimulus Fund, $27,745 through the Showground Safety Upgrade program and $65,965 through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund.
Steph Cooke | 15 Mar 2023 | Community Grants Junee Shire
The entire community of Junee will benefit from upgrades to the Junee Senior Citizen’s Hall thanks to a cash boost of $60,783 through the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding would help Junee Seniors Citizen’s Club continue its invaluable work in supporting our local active senior’s population.
“I am delighted the hall will receive an upgrade to improve the amenities and security for its patrons and those who hire the venue,” Ms Cooke said.
“This much-needed cash injection helps our regional groups do what they do best in serving their local communities.”
“It is hoped the funding will ignite community spirit and boost participation across the areas of sport and recreation, the arts and cultural activities.”
The works on Junee Citizen’s Hall will include the replacement of the existing toilets with a single unisex, accessible toilet and security upgrades with the installation of security grills on windows and CCTV.
There will also be a large television and internet connection installed to modernise the equipment and technology, allowing seniors to host various presentations, information sessions and small movie events.
Junee Seniors Citizens Club Treasurer, Ms Barbara Guthrie said the hall is used by a number of groups and these improvements are needed to ensure that it is fully functional for all people.
“We are delighted to know that people with walkers and wheelchairs will now have access to the toilets along with some technology to help us move into the 21st century,” Ms Guthrie said.
Junee Shire Council have been successful in receiving funding of $37,500 for their business case to implement Junee Shire Industrial Park thanks to an additional $10 million which brings the total program commitment to $34 million thought the NSW Government’s Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the additional funding will enable Junee Shire Council to identify potential sites that would suit an industrial area.
“I commend the council for taking part in this program, to help strengthen the opportunities for business and the local economy in Junee for now and into the future,” Ms Cooke said.
“As our regional areas continue to grow it is important that we continue to look forward, plan ahead and ensure that we have adequate measures in place to support this growth.”
Junee Shire Council Mayor Cr Neil Smith said Council has for a number of years, expressed the desire to attract light industry to Junee. At present, Junee has no formally zoned industrial areas.
“Council has recognised that this is not particularly good planning. Nor does it give potential developers any confidence when they are considering potential locations,” Cr Smith said.
“These funds will give council the impetus to do what it has been talking about for a number of years.”
“Armed with this knowledge and an understanding of what strategic features Junee has to offer over and above other areas, we will be able to appropriately zone the right location and begin to attract businesses that best fit with Junee and it’s position in the region.”
This project is one of four across the electorate awarded, the Business Case and Strategy Development Fund supporting 143 projects across regional New South Wales, helping these organisations prepare for future grant opportunities and build their capacity to plan for important projects.
The Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund and will help create a pipeline of investment-ready projects for future funding opportunities.
Steph Cooke | 28 Feb 2023 | Junee Shire Roads and Transport
Old Cootamundra Road at Dirnaseer is set for an overhaul with funding of $2,684,423 secured by Junee Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Road users have made regular contact with me about the condition of our road network, so I am very pleased to have secured this funding to support much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on this road every day.”
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Junee Shire Council General Manager Mr James Davis said they are thrilled with the funding announcement which provides for extensive road renewal works.
“It’s great to see the State Government is continuing to support rural councils through its Fixing Local Roads programme which is very much appreciated,” Mr Davis said.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members in the Riverina on Saturday to celebrate the official opening of the new Illabo Rural Fire Brigade’s fire station and the delivery of three state-of-the-art new fire trucks.
“The new $240,000 fire station on Turland Street will now accommodate the brigade’s two tankers and provide a fit-for-purpose base of operations for the Brigade, as well as an important hub for the community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to providing our frontline emergency services personnel with the very best facilities to enable them to keep communities safer and stronger when future hazards emerge.”
Ms Cooke said the handover of keys to a Category 6 fire truck and Category 17 prime mover to the Junee Brigade and a Category 1 tanker to the Old Junee Brigade was a significant boost to the firefighting capabilities in the Riverina.
“These firefighting appliances are worth a combined $1 million but to our RFS members, they are a priceless resource that will greatly assist them protecting the community.”
“The prime mover is a particularly impressive addition to the Junee Brigade and I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of the public in helping fund the asset through the RFS and Brigades Donations Fund.”
Members of the Bethungra, Illabo, Junee and Wantabadgery brigades were also recognised for their efforts during the devastating Black Summer bush fires as well as dedication to the Brigade and local community over many years, with the presentation of 17 National Emergency Medals.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the National Emergency Medal is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally significant emergencies in Australia, including the 2019-20 bush fires.
“Every single one of these members should be proud of themselves and their dedication to protecting communities across the state, especially during that devastating season,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Riverina.
“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”
Steph Cooke | 09 Feb 2023 | Junee Shire Roads and Transport
Junee Shire Council will soon receive funding of $1,598,163 through the NSW Government’s $280 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Junee Shire has over 870km of roads to manage, with this latest funding a welcome boost allowing further repairs to be undertaken.
“This investment is all about improving the roads we use every day, making them safer for the freight industry, tourists, and the commute to and from work or school,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is fantastic to have this funding secured, which builds on an initial cash injection of $301,004 for council to fix potholes announced in December.
“I am advised council has been sent the funding deeds, and once the deed is executed the money goes into the bank.”
Junee Shire Council General Manager, Mr James Davis said this funding is welcomed news which will be very helpful in carrying out important repairs to the road network.
“Our roads have sustained a great deal of damage, and this funding will go a long way to getting them back to ensure the safety of our community and visitors to the area,” Mr Davis said.
The NSW Government continues to support local government areas in making our road network smoother and safer. Over the past five years, Junee Shire Council has secured over $7.4 million in NSW Government funding to deliver 6 road projects through Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads, on top of assistance through Regional Roads Block Grant program and NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
Mrs Gail Commens of Eurongilly is amongst sixty-nine women across NSW added to the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network, the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll recognises women across regional, rural and remote NSW who have given their time and energy to helping others in their community.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated Mrs Commens for being included in the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
“Gail joins over 70 women in the Cootamundra electorate who have been recognised since 2010 for their commitment and dedication to volunteering to support the community,” Ms Cooke said.
“As President of the Eurongilly CWA, Gail has chaired a state-wide Rural Women’s Gathering and has overseen projects benefiting women and children in developing countries.
“Gail is also the founding Chairman of the Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum, a Life Member of the CWA and the Junee Show Society, a Lay reader in the St. Luke’s parish and an opportunity shop volunteer.
“In Gail’s busy schedule, she has also been heavily involved in the distribution of cash and essential items to drought-affected communities and individuals, as well as to bushfire and flood victims.”
Mrs Commens said she was initially taken back by the nomination, and is honoured to be acknowledged for her volunteer work across numerous organisations.
“I like meeting people and helping, it’s just what I enjoy,” Mrs Commens said.
“It’s a group effort and I could not do what I do without the support of my loving family and friends along with the numerous other volunteers of the groups I am part of.
“Nobody can achieve community goals alone, plus you feel you are winning on all levels when everyone works together.”
