Category Archives: Local projects

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.

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.”

Cr Margaret Roles, Mayor of Hilltops Council said they are delighted to have been successful in this funding to perform these upgrades.

“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.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.

For more information, 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.

Community organisations in Temora and Ariah Park have secured funding totalling over $20,000 for projects through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

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

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

“I was delighted to drop into Temora Shed 4 Men to deliver the fantastic news they will receive $5,830 to purchase a sit-down lathe and stand for members.”

“This sit-down lathe and stand will make working on projects much more comfortable for the members, some who have trouble standing for long periods in comfort or are aided by walkers.”

Ariah Park Community Projects also successfully applied for funds, receiving $15,000 to purchase a rainbow projector bike to attract tourists as part of their light show. This projector will be used to project images and displays on local buildings including the silos in an attraction for the town, similar to Vivid in Sydney.

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

Narrandera CRC Incorporated has been successful in receiving funding of $141,589 to deliver upgrades to the CRC Plaza Theatre thanks to the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced this funding during a visit to the theatre, encouraging the community to continue enjoying this beloved venue.

“This funding will help to deliver state-of-the-art improvements and ensure local audiences and visitors enjoy high-quality cultural experiences. I am delighted the NSW Government has made this possible at the CRC Plaza Theatre,” Ms Cooke said.

“This project will provide significant improvements to front-of-house sound, speakers, the mixing desk and theatre lighting upgrades, while also making improvements to energy efficiency and stage acoustics.”

Narrandera CRC Senior Pastor, Mr Trevor Murphy said this will improve the atmosphere in the already beautiful 500-seat CRC Plaza theatre, which is a much-loved part of the Narrandera community.

“The most grateful of all will be the sound and lighting volunteers, who over many years have done a fantastic job with very modest equipment. This grant will enable them to easily utilise their expertise, train and develop others and significantly enhance the production quality of the events and organisations they serve, which I know will be a great encouragement to them,” Mr Murphy said.

This is just one of three projects across the electorate sharing in a total of $11.7 million in funding under the second round of Minor Works and Equipment Projects.

Minister Franklin said this Creative Capital funding will pay dividends for the community of Narrandera by delivering a much-needed facility upgrade.

“This investment in cultural infrastructure is recognition of the valuable role arts and culture plays in the community,” Mr Franklin said.

“The NSW Government’s $72 million Creative Capital program aims to boost equity and access to arts and culture facilities for the people of NSW. With 165 projects across the state, more people will have access to top-class arts and cultural experiences.”

“It’s projects like this that will see the many museums, galleries, performance spaces and Aboriginal Cultural Centres and Keeping Places across NSW be venues their communities can continue to be proud of,” Mr Franklin said.

Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Community groups are being encouraged to make an application for funds to conserve the state’s community war memorials under round two of the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said $125,000 would be available in round two which is now open with funding available to support the repair, protection and conservation of community war memorials across the state.

“This funding from the state is vitally important as it helps our local community protect our memorials, ensuring the service and sacrifice of our veterans are not forgotten,” Ms Cooke said.

“I encourage community organisations including memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils to apply.”

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help with projects like conservation assessments, honour roll restoration, and repairs to war memorial structures and halls.

We have seen a number of projects across the electorate receive funding from previous rounds:

• Junee Shire Council – Illabo Memorial Ground
• Junee Shire Council – Eurongilly War Memorial
• Grenfell Sub Branch of the RSL of Australia NSW Branch – Grenfell World War Two Memorial
• Temora Lutheran Community Church – Trungley Hall War Memorial
• Coolamon RSL Sub Branch – Coolamon Cenotaph
• Ariah Park Community Projects – Ariah Park War Memorial
• Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council – Muttama Hall
• Cootamundra RSL Sub Branch – Albert Park Memorial
• Bendick Murrell Memorial Hall & Recreation Ground Trust – Bendick Murrell Memorial Hall
• Koowawatha Progress Association – Koorawatha Honour Roll
• Naradhan Reserve Land – Naradhan RSL Honour Roll
• Gundagai RSL Sub Branch – Gundagai – ANZAC Grove
• Canowindra RSL Sub-Branch – Canowindra War Memorial

Round 2 of the 2022/23 Community War Memorials Fund will close at 5pm on Monday 13 February 2023. To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register For information about the program and to access the application form, please visit Grants · Office for Veterans Affairs (nsw.gov.au)

Seniors living in our region now have more opportunities to get involved in the 2023 NSW Seniors Festival thanks to grant funding provided by the NSW Government.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said a number of events and programs have been successful in receiving funding as part of the festival, which is the largest celebration of seniors in the southern hemisphere. 

“These community-led activities and events are a great way for seniors and help keep them connected with their local community during the NSW Seniors Festival,” Ms Cookesaid.

The local events to receive funding are:

• Cootamundra Ukulele Festival Inc – Seniors Concert 2023 – $1,000
• Hilltops Council – Seniors Expo – $1,000
• Junee Shire Council – You, Me, Forever Young – $3,700
• Narrandera Shire Council – Live Well Narrandera Expo – $972.00

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said more than 80 community organisations across the state that have received a share in $200,000 provided by the NSW Government to host activities during the festival.

“Each of these groups are helping make the festival even bigger, giving seniors more opportunities to get involved across the State,” Mr Coure said.

“Seniors are such an important part of our local communities and I am proud to see so many organisations want to help celebrate them.”

The activities hosted by the community groups will take place during the NSW Seniors Festival, which is scheduled to run from 1-12 February 2023.

Each of the 85 activities are to provide seniors an opportunity to get involved during the festival and connect them with their local community, no matter their background or abilities.

For more information, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has been successful in receiving funding of $239,651 under the NSW Government’s $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this program is a great way for communities to come together.

“It’s great to see the number of events that council have on offer as it is such a boost for our local tourism and economy,” Ms Cooke said.

Just some of the events that Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council are delivering include:

• Christmas on Sheridan Gundagai – 9^th Dec 2022
• Lions Club Christmas Carnival & Fireworks Display – 10^th Dec 2022
• Party on Parker Cootamundra – 15^th Dec 2022
• Community Pool Day Cootamundra – 10^th Jan 2023
• Family Multi-sports Day Cootamundra – 20^th Jan 2023
• Coolac Hall Community Day – Jan 2023 exact date TBC
• Festival of Lights Cootamundra – 24^th March 2023
• Rock the Bidgee Gundagai – March 2023 exact date TBC
• Wattle Time Fair Cootamundra – Date TBC
• Adjungbilly Community Night – Date TBC
• Campdraft Youth Clinic Gundagai – Date TBC

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Mayor Charlie Sheahan, said they are very grateful to the NSW State Government for recognising the importance of community events.

“These wonderful events in our region have a significant impact on the well-being of our residents by bringing our communities together,” Mr Sheahan said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Community Events Program will support the state’s events and hospitality sectors while bolstering economic recovery. 

“The past two years have been difficult, with many unpredictable events including floods, drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, but we know NSW residents will come out the other side stronger and more resilient,” Mr Toole said.

“People have been disconnected from family and friends but now they’re getting out and about again, we want to see communities thriving and businesses benefitting from more local activities, events and opportunities in the regions.”

“The NSW Nationals in Government are backing events that bring local communities together and this funding will help contribute to a sense of improved wellbeing and connectedness in 2022 and beyond.”

The $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package, designed to support economic and social recovery across regional NSW that will create new jobs and support community events, shows and festivals to boost tourism.

For further information, go to: nsw.gov.au/CommunityEvents. For more information on these events hosted by Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council please visit: What’s On Events — Visit Cootamundra or What’s on — Visit Gundagai

Applications are now open for the 2023 NSW Women’s Week Grants Program, with $100,000 in funding available for women-focused events held between 6-12 March, 2023.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has encouraged local councils and not-for-profit organisations to apply for a share of the funding to hold events that celebrate and connect women and girls across the region.

“NSW Women’s Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments of women and girls in the region,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said NSW Women’s Week is a time to shine a light on what we can do to bring women together, share our strengths, support each other and work towards gender equality.

“I urge organisations to submit their applications to help them deliver these important events for their local community,” Mrs Taylor said.

Events funded by the grants program must support at least one of the key priorities of the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-26:

· Economic opportunity and advancement

· Health and wellbeing

· Participation and empowerment

Applications close Sunday, 4 December 2022. Apply online at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-womens-week-grant

Young people in the region will have their voices heard through more youth-led radio and podcast initiatives, thanks to a new round of the NSW Government’s Regional Youth Radio Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said $250,000 is available for projects that enable young people to develop skills in podcasting, radio production and presentation.

“This program will promote work-ready skills for regional youth, develop a greater sense of belonging within their communities and give them a platform to talk about important issues and share ideas,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said eligible applicants can apply for grants up to $25,000 for programs to develop the skills or training of young people in audio broadcasting, or to fund essential equipment to support youth radio and podcasting.

“The 2023 Regional Youth Radio Program gives young people living in the regions a vehicle to talk about the issues that are important to them,” Mr Franklin said.

“The program will offer young people the opportunity to hone their radio and podcast production skills, as well as empower them better connect with their communities.”

As part of the 2023 Regional Youth Radio Program, $75,000 will be dedicated to Aboriginal community projects, ensuring young First Nations people will have their voices heard.

Applications are open and close at 4pm on 2 December 2022, for projects to be delivered in 2023.

For program and eligibility guidelines visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-youth-radio