Steph Cooke | 19 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Local projects News
Renovations to change rooms at Langtry Oval will be completed thanks to $119,656 in funding to Marrar Football and 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 Marrar Football and Netball Club members and participants, but also benefits visitors to the oval and the local community.
“I look forward to seeing clubs and the broader community enjoying these fantastic upgraded facilities soon,” Ms Cooke said.
“Community sport plays such an important role in bringing people together, whilst also encouraging us all to be active and healthy.”
Marrar Football Netball Club Treasurer and Secretary Cathie Fox said they are very grateful for this much-needed funding.
“The upgrades will allow for the changerooms to be rendered which will improve the overall appearance along with the overall investment of our local community infrastructure.”
“Sporting clubs play an important role in building health routines, providing them with the financial support to replace and upgrade facilities allows them to grow their sport and best meet the needs of the local community,” Ms Cooke said.
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.
Steph Cooke | 19 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Grants Local projects News
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.”
Steph Cooke | 18 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Grants Local projects News
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.”
Steph Cooke | 18 Jan 2023 | Community Grants Local projects Temora Shire
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.
Steph Cooke | 18 Jan 2023 | Community Coolamon Shire Grants Local projects News
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.
Steph Cooke | 17 Jan 2023 | Bland Shire Community Local projects News
Work is complete at the Barmedman Shop after the Barmedman Development Association secured $11,000 for roof repairs under the 2021 Community Building Partnership program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed completion of the project, with the works carried out by local business.
“The Barmedman Shop, known as ‘Arts and Crafts, Coffee and Cakes’, is a bustling community hub where locals come together to enjoy a cuppa and local produce,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is fantastic to have supported this project to ensure the shop building is well-maintained into the future, for the benefit of the entire community.”
“To have engaged local tradies for the job also keeps the money local, which is great news for our regional economy.”
President of Barmedman Development Association Anne Schubert said it is exciting to have the project finished after some early delays due to wet weather.
“The work was completed in early December and the town is forever grateful,” Ms Schubert said.
“We thank Gary and Nathan Doneley Roofing from Junee for a job well done.”
The Barmedman Progress Association is one of 23 local organisations to receive funding through the 2021 Community Building Partnership.
The program has funded more than 100 community projects across the Cootamundra electorate since 2017.
Steph Cooke | 17 Jan 2023 | Bland Shire Community Grants Local projects News
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.
Steph Cooke | 13 Jan 2023 | Community Grants Hilltops Council Local projects
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.
“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.
Businesses could benefit from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund Round Three that aims to enhance job opportunities, boost staff retention, and grow and diversify business in regional NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced Expressions of Interest (EOI) will open on Friday, 13 January for applications that attract investment through co-funded projects and initiatives to support economic growth, productivity and diversity in the region.
“Local businesses contribute greatly to our economy and the Regional Job Creation Fund continues to support regional business by co-funding projects that drive investment, create jobs and boost economic growth,” Ms Cooke said.
“Already in our region, we have seen 12 businesses benefit from a share in over $3 million in funding creating over 170 jobs.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said previous rounds of the Regional Job Creation Fund provided $140 million to close to 200 regional projects, enabling more than $360 million of private investment into regional NSW and creating 6,500 new jobs in key industries.
“We’ve already seen the difference this fund is making to regional businesses right across the State – and now we want to build on that by opening Expressions of Interest (EOI) for our next round of funding.
“This Fund is doing exactly what it was designed to do – creating jobs in regional NSW that support the economic growth of our regions, and ensure business confidence from Bourke to Byron Bay.”
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between $100,000 and $10 million for projects such as replacing plant equipment, upgrading technology and ensuring businesses that might otherwise have to relocate can remain operational in regional areas.
Expressions of Interest for Round Three of the Regional Job Creation Fund open on Friday, 13 January 2023 and close 5pm Monday, 6 March 2023. Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit detailed applications from May 2023.
For further information about the Regional Job Creation Fund, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RJCF.
Steph Cooke | 23 Dec 2022 | Community Hilltops Council Local projects Sport and Recreation
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is excited to announce Hilltops Council has been successful in their application for $1,044,850 to undertake works at Jugiong Memorial Pool, thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five.
The improvements to Jugiong Memorial Pool will involve an upgrade to the existing medium size pool, kiosk, amenities and ancillary equipment.
“The engagement of local contractors and of materials from local suppliers together with hiring of staff to operate the centre will provide an important boost to the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.
“It will be great to see increased use of this facility from local swimming clubs, schools, sporting groups and visitors once these upgrades are completed.”
“These upgrades will mean that the pool’s future is secure and will continue to be used and enjoyed by the Hilltops community now and into the future.” Ms Roles said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past five years the Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered more than 2000 grassroots projects, benefitting every Local Government Area in regional NSW.
“This is just one of 530 projects that will make regional communities stronger and an even better place to call home,” Mr Toole said.
