Category Archives: Narrandera Shire

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said NSW Women’s Week 2024 is a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women across our Cootamundra electorate, that also serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and talent that women bring to local communities.

Ms Cooke said the week provides an opportunity to highlight the diverse roles and experiences of women of all ages, and from all walks of life.

“Today is the start of NSW Women’s Week 2024 – a chance for us all to recognise the contributions of women and girls across our Cootamundra electorate,” Ms Cooke said.

“Women play a vital role in our communities, and they deserve to be celebrated for the wonderful and tireless work they do.

“We have some fantastic local women kicking goals and doing amazing things in their field, from sport, to small business, education, health, the arts, agriculture – the list is endless.

“But this week is also about acknowledging the unsung heroes; the home-makers, the ones who give their time as volunteers, or committee members – those who are active in the community doing every role under the sun to help our amazing towns and villages thrive.

“It’s a chance for women and girls everywhere to support one another, learn from each other, and enjoy each other’s company.

“Essentially, this week is all about honouring the achievements of women, celebrating their contributions, and inspiring generations to come, so that together we can build a brighter future for all,” she said.

Find out more about the events that are going on this week from Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March here:

www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/womens-week

As the New South Wales Parliament returns for the first day of sitting for the year, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has raised concerns around parliamentary transparency and accountability, after the NSW Labor Government opted to minimise the sitting calendar in 2024.

Ms Cooke said the NSW Parliament is scheduled to sit for 48 days this year, which contrasts starkly with other years in which the Parliament has sat for up to 65 days under previous Coalition Governments.

“Fundamentally, less sitting days means less Question Time and less scrutiny,” Ms Cooke said.

“The decision to cut the number of sitting days, drastically reduces the ability of the Parliament to put forward bills, scrutinise legislation, raise matters of community concern, and ask questions on the record.

“I am very concerned about what this means for transparency and accountability in decision making, and I think the public is entitled to question why the NSW Labor Government is trying to avoid scrutiny,” she said.

Ms Cooke said that despite the shortened calendar, she will use the time to advocate for key issues across the Cootamundra electorate.

“Just last week I convened the 6^th annual Cootamundra Summit, bringing together representatives from the local governments that make up our wonderful electorate. The Summit was a chance for me to reaffirm my advocacy agenda for the year,” Ms Cooke said.

“Chief among the priorities identified is securing a safe and secure water supply for various communities, including for Boorowa residents, which is a project we’ve already made great inroads in achieving, with news this week the Government – together with Hilltops Council – has agreed to invest close to $1 million in a feasibility study to investigate further the option of a Harden to Boorowa water pipeline.

“Ensuring we have adequate police resources for our communities was another key priority identified at the Summit, and I will continue to lobby the Police Minister to ensure our towns and villages are equipped with the staff and infrastructure we need, and most importantly, deserve.

“Other issues on my agenda include continuing to fight for the Tresillian in-patient beds to be included in the Cowra Hospital redevelopment, as well as continuing to campaign loudly for the de-merge of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

“Road and rail funding, including the rollout of safety upgrades at local level crossings are high on the list, and I will be demanding answers around the delay in commencing work on the Wallendbeen Bridge.

“This is by no means an exhaustive list; it’s going to be a big year and I look forward to once again working hard to achieve meaningful outcomes for the more than 170 small communities that make up our wonderful Cootamundra electorate,” she said.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke in the NSW Legislative Assembly Chamber.

Representatives from local governments across the Cootamundra electorate gathered in Harden today for the 6^th annual Mayoral Summit hosted by local MP Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said the summit – held at the RFS Fire Control Centre – brings together mayors and general managers from across the region to discuss pressing issues, share insights, and collaborate on finding solutions to some of the challenges facing our communities.

“There are nine Local Government Areas (LGA’s) within the Cootamundra electorate; it’s a big area with over 170 small communities represented in the room today – each confronting their own unique and individual set of challenges,” Ms Cooke said.

“The annual Cootamundra Summit is an opportunity for us all to come together and listen to the issues facing different LGA’s, which then helps consolidate my advocacy agenda for the year ahead; I’d like to wholeheartedly thank the mayors and general managers who attended the summit and engaged in some really constructive discussions,” she said.

Ms Cooke said a range of problems and projects were discussed including road and rail opportunities, pothole repairs, issues around emergency response management, community transport needs, as well as the importance of mental health support services.

“We had a really constructive day and discussed a broad range of issues from water security to police resources, through to vital health infrastructure projects, and changes to councillor code of conduct requirements,” Ms Cooke said.

“There was also a lot of discussion around the impediments local governments face when it comes to securing state government investment, and utilising it in the most sensible and streamlined way possible, and I will be raising that, along with the other issues canvassed, with the NSW Labor Government,” she said.

Attendees were given the chance to ask questions directly of Water & Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson, along with representatives from the offices of the Minister for Emergency Services, and the Minister for Local Government, as well as of Shadow Corrections Minister Mark Taylor, and Shadow Agriculture & Regional NSW Minister Dugald Saunders.

“I certainly thank them all for their participation and making themselves available to hear first-hand what our priorities are on the ground here in our Cootamundra region,” Ms Cooke said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the local area by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.

Nominations are now open for the awards program, with the winners to be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival, taking place from 11th – 24th March, 2024.

The NSW Seniors Festival celebrates and acknowledges the important role that seniors play in our community.

It is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, with an estimated 250,000 seniors participating in hundreds of free or discounted events.

“This annual festival is all about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families, and broader community,” Ms Cooke said.

“The festival provides an important opportunity for seniors to participate in their communities in meaningful and engaging ways.

“The awards too are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of our seniors.

“So many seniors go above and beyond for our community as volunteers, carers, and role models, so if you know a senior who helps make our community a better place to live, then I encourage you to nominate them,” she said.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 1st March 2024.

To nominate a senior or find further information on the awards program, phone: 6382 2399 or email: cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au

For more information about the NSW Seniors Festival visit: www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au.

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 Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Neville Kschenka and General Manager George Cowan to announce that $3,976,990 in additional road repair funding has been secured for the Council, under the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF), to undertake maintenance work on the 1,556 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 close to $4 million in additional funding for much-needed repair and maintenance of our local roads in and around the Narrandera region, which is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of our community members,” she said.

Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Neville Kschenka 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 Kschenka 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.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated students, parents, and teachers on completing the 2023 school year, and has praised the achievements of all schools – large and small – across the electorate.

“I’ve had the great honour and privilege in recent weeks of attending many school presentations right across our electorate, and I have just been so impressed by what students have achieved; we have a lot to be proud of,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our students really have had an amazing year, and I’ve enjoyed hearing all about the academic and sporting achievements, as well as watching students perform across music and the arts; we really punch well above our weight, particularly given that many of our schools are small schools,” she said.

Ms Cooke praised the work of teachers, school staff, parents, and volunteers in ensuring students are well supported and able to thrive.

“Our teachers are so passionate about their classes and their students, and the results speak for themselves in the classroom, so congratulations and thank you for the work you do supporting the younger members of our community,” Ms Cooke said.

“The P&Cs too do a wonderful job throughout the year, hosting activities and fundraisers that help provide students with those extra opportunities that enrich their school lives,” she said.

Ms Cooke said while she does her best to visit as many schools as possible, it does take time to get around them all.

“There are 82 schools in the Cootamundra electorate, and I visit on average about 20 schools a year – and this year’s no different – so it takes me four years to get around them all. So if I haven’t quite got to your school lately, I promise you it’s on the list; it just takes me a little while to get to each and every one of them in-person,” Ms Cooke said.

“To all the school communities – large and small – well done on another successful year, have an enjoyable break, and good luck for 2024; I can’t wait to see what you all do next,” she said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with award winners from Junee North Public School following their end of year presentation.

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

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has well and truly cemented its reputation as the nation’s leading facility of its kind, following a successful open day held over the weekend.

More than 1,200 visitors filed through the centre gates on Saturday to see for themselves the conservation and research work being undertaken at the centre.

“The fisheries centre open day was absolutely fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many people come along and experience firsthand the amazing work that’s going on right here in our own backyard,” Ms Cooke said.

“I have been a huge supporter of the centre and its talented and dedicated team for many years; I’m proud to say I’ve helped secure vital funding for the centre, including $6 million for recent upgrades, which have included a new hatchery building fitted with state-of-the-art fish breeding technology.

“I was very pleased to see the recent NSW State Labor Budget retained the $646,000 set aside by the previous NSW Coalition Government, to complete the upgrade works,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has been at the forefront of its field since it first opened in 1962, and plays a key role in breeding and conservation, as well as research into native and introduced species.

“Fish play such a key role in indicating the health of our river systems so it’s vital that we learn as much as we can about their numbers and locations,” Ms Cooke said.

“The researchers here do some wonderful work which gives a clear indication of fish health in NSW, as well as collating information about introduced species and their effects on feeding and native fish health.

“Some of their work also revolves around fish which are locally extinct and on the verge of extinction – in the Murray-Darling Basin for example – so it’s easy to see how critical their research is,” she said.

Insulation improvement works have been completed at the Narrandera Sports Stadium thanks to funding of $65,000 secured by Narrandera Shire Council through the fourth Round through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was excited to officially unveil the completed works at the Stadium today with Narrandera Shire Council.

“The improvements at the Stadium are amazing, well done to local contractors PCR Building who have lined the internal walls with insulated cool room panels, your team have done a fantastic job,” Ms Cooke said.

“The players are going to love coming here to show off their court skills and the spectators will also benefit for the acoustic and thermal comforts.

“Participation in sport and active recreation makes us healthier, happier and has many economic benefits for the whole community.

“Our sports stadiums are so much more than a place for our athletes to compete they also provide a space for school concerts and community events.

“It is so important that we support our community infrastructure for locals and visitors to enjoy not only now but also for the future.”

Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka said he welcomes the upgrades to the Narrandera Stadium which has enabled Council to make significant improvements to this valued and popular facility.

“Local contractors PCR Building Services carried out the project, installing insulation across the interior of the walls to provide greater comfort and acoustics for users throughout the year,” Cr Kschenka said.

“Our sporting facilities are some of the best in the Riverina, and we are eager to continue making improvements to these vital venues to encourage more regional sporting events across Narrandera Shire.”

We have seen over $5.1 million invested in Narrandera Shire to deliver 30 projects since 2017 thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for local GP clinics to participate in a state-wide rollout of the Single Employer Model for rural doctors are well underway.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said EOIs were being undertaken now via the NSW Division of Regional Health, Local Health Districts (LHDs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in preparation for the first intake of doctors across the region early next year.

“Despite GPs being the responsibility of the Federal Government, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has been actively looking for solutions to the GP workforce shortage in rural and regional NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“This could see doctors undertaking advanced training at Cowra and Young Hospitals as early as next year, and eventually networked out to health facilities in areas such as Cootamundra, Gundagai, Temora, Narrandera, West Wyalong and Grenfell.”

“The Single-Employer Model originally designed by, built and trialled out in parts of Southern NSW is showing real promise in helping with the GP shortages that are impacting our communities. I’m pleased to see that concrete steps are being taken here in the Cootamundra electorate to establish the program.

“The EOI stage will identify which GP practices wish to participate in hosting and supervising a doctor in their practice, on the days they are not working in the local hospital.

“I know that GP shortages are a concern, so I strongly encourage all GP clinics and practice managers across the Cootamundra electorate to contact their Local Health District or the PHN to express a firm interest in this great program if they have the capacity to participate.”

A formal Memorandum of Understanding is yet to be signed between NSW and the Commonwealth to formalise the required arrangements and federal exemptions, however, NSW is ready for a state-wide rollout of the program. By beginning the EOI process, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is ensuring that regional areas are set and ready to receive new doctors.

The Single-Employer Model is commonly known as the Rural Generalist Training Pathway or the Murrumbidgee model, and was first trialled in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in 2020. Since its inception, it has been lauded as an important step in giving trainee GPs the chance to work in private practices and local hospitals to provide a greater range of care for local patients.

The model allows seamless transition between hospital and General Practice training placements. Trainees are employed on up to a four year contract (depending on level of entry to the pathway) and remuneration and award entitlements align with other medical specialty training giving certainty and the protection of the industrial award.