Category Archives: 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 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 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.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is urging motorists to take care during the Christmas holiday period after ten people lost their lives on the state’s roads over the weekend, including “a much-loved man” of the Cowra community.

An 84-year-old man died after the minibus he was travelling in, was involved in a collision in Cowra on Saturday night. The driver of the bus – the Cowra Bowling Club courtesy bus – along with four other passengers were injured.

“This is a tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies are with the deceased gentleman’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” Ms Cooke said.

“My thoughts and prayers are also with those injured in the accident. Nobody ever wants to hear news like this, particularly at Christmas time, and I want to extend my most heartfelt support to the families of all those involved, and to Bowling Club staff and patrons, some of whom I sat down and spoke with today, and who are understandably extremely shaken by what’s happened.

“The club has offered staff and patrons access to counselling services, and I applaud them for the support they’ve provided,” she said.

Ms Cooke also met with members of the Cowra Police to thank them for their response, and extended her appreciation to the NSW Ambulance paramedics, and the members of Fire & Rescue NSW who attended the scene and provided support.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the emergency responders and thank them for being on call during the Christmas season, standing ready to assist if and when they’re needed; they work tirelessly to respond to emergencies, often sacrificing time with their own families during the holiday period, and I want them to know their service is never taken for granted,” Ms Cooke said.

As the school holidays get underway and traffic increases, Ms Cooke said the entire community has a role to play in being vigilant and responsible on the roads.

“I simply encourage everyone to exercise caution on the roads, adhere to speed limits, drive to the conditions, avoid distractions, and by doing so, hopefully we can help ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely,” Ms Cooke said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has praised the imagination, creativity, and talent displayed by the local school students who took part in the Happy Little Vegemite Art Competition.

Ms Cooke said there was an overwhelming response to the competition celebrating Vegemite’s 100^th birthday, with entries submitted from schools right across the electorate.

“We had hundreds of wonderful artworks created by local students of all ages, from Kindergarten right through to Year Six,” Ms Cooke said.

“I was just so impressed by the talent on display; the competition well and truly exceeded expectations, so much so, that it was too difficult to narrow the entries down to only two winners. Instead, a winner has been chosen from each year group,” she said.

After careful consideration of the many impressive entries, Ms Cooke said she’s delighted to announce the following winners, with their artworks now on display in the Young Electorate Office for the community to enjoy:

• Kindergarten: Audrey Emmett-Daley – Quandialla Public School

• Year 1: Charlotte Dicker – Barellan Central School

• Year 2: Liam Surilla – Young Public School

• Year 3: Eva Power – Ardlethan Central School

• Year 4: Billy Petit – St Mary’s War Memorial School West Wyalong

• Year 5: Taite Johnson – St Patrick’s Primary School Gundagai

• Year 6: Gracie Elphick – Jugiong Public School

“Congratulations to the winners and to all those who entered; I’m truly impressed, and I commend all participants for their exceptional artistic talents,” Ms Cooke said.

Image: Steph Cooke with Year 2 prize winner Liam Surilla at Young Public School.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the completion of significant upgrades at Bob Aldridge Park, marks a new era for sport in Temora.

Ms Cooke was joined by Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman, council staff, and members of the community to officially open the new-look park facilities on Wednesday.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities at Bob Aldridge Park will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs,” Ms Cooke said. 

Ms Cooke said the changes include the construction of a new amenities building incorporating state-of-the-art change rooms and accessible restrooms. Ms Cooke also emphasised the importance of investing in local infrastructure to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

The upgrades have been made possible thanks to a $518,078 grant provided under the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund, along with funding from Temora Junior Rugby League ($30,000), Temora Touch Association ($10,000), and Temora Shire Council ($30,000).

“The previous government also invested $55,000 to upgrade the lighting at the park, as part of the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrade Program,” Ms Cooke said.

“I was proud to be a part of a government that invested heavily in the regions, especially in projects that increased sporting participation, promoted healthy lifestyles, and fostered vibrant communities.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging the participation of girls and women – and people with a disability – in sport, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman thanked Ms Cooke on behalf of the community, adding that the upgrades promise to have a positive impact on local sports and recreational activities.

“Two of our sporting clubs utilise this facility, Temora Touch Football and Temora Schoolboys Rugby League; both are hardworking clubs with dedicated officials and players, so they deserve this significant upgrade,” Mayor Firman said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project will reinforce water supply and security in the Bland Shire to support residents, industry, and agriculture into the future.

Ms Cooke was on-hand today to help officially open the project, which consists of a new water tower, 8km water supply trunk main, 7km distribution water main, and new transfer pump station.

“The water network had reached capacity, so the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project has upgraded the existing distribution network in a way that will support future expansion in West Wyalong and across the Bland Shire,” Ms Cooke said.

Along with supporting future growth opportunities, Ms Cooke said the close to $14 million project will also address residents’ concerns about water pressure.

“The project will increase water pressure to the Wyalong & West Wyalong townships, increase security of water supply, and allow for future expansion of the Lake Cowal mine, the township, and agricultural industry,” Ms Cooke said.

“Water infrastructure is so very important for every community across our regions; this infrastructure will help incentivise future development – both residential and commercial – which will boost the growth of the region by supporting industries that create jobs, enhance productivity, and help reinforce the local economy.

“The Coalition in New South Wales knows just how vital water is to the sustainability of our towns and villages; it is the lifeblood of our communities, so I’m very proud to have been a part of a government that prioritised projects like this, and contributed the funds needed to help make it a reality,” she said.

Funding for the West Wyalong Water Reliability Project was made available under the previous Federal Coalition Government as part of the Commonwealth’s National Water Grid Fund Connections Pathway ($4.5 million), along with the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Resources for Regions Fund ($2.65 million), Bland Shire Council ($800,000) and Goldenfields Water ($5.25 million).

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.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined with members of the Gooloogong community to help officially mark the opening of the revamped amenities building at Gooloogong Park.

Ms Cooke said the state-of-the-art upgrade was made possible thanks to a $70,300 investment by the previous Coalition Government – under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund program – and serves as a testament to the commitment of the Coalition in improving infrastructure and essential services in regional communities.

“Our villages are the beating heart of rural and regional communities; whenever I visit and chat with locals, I’m always so encouraged by their passion for their district, and their pride in their area; you couldn’t bestow an investment on a more grateful group of people,” Ms Cooke said.

“And it’s certainly no different in Gooloogong, where the renovated amenities building – which includes accessible showers and toilets – not only enhances the village for the benefit of residents, but also acts as a drawcard for tourists, with the park providing camping sites for visitors.

“It’s these kinds of investments that are crucial to the longevity of our towns and villages; they may only be relatively small, but assets like this pay huge dividends for local communities, with tourism having a flow-on effect throughout the economy, as visitors stop and spend money locally, before moving on to the next destination to spread the word among other travellers about where they’ve been.

“I will always be a steadfast advocate for local development opportunities, and will lobby the government strongly to continue investing in regional infrastructure, ensuring that the evolving needs of our communities are met, and that they have access to vital facilities like these.

“Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves means residents have access to quality spaces for sports and fitness, or to just relax, rejuvenate and stay in touch with each other.

“As Gooloogong looks to the future, the amenities building stands as a symbol of progress and a testament to the positive outcomes that collaboration and investment can yield,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has applauded all those involved in the 2023 National Cherry Festival in Young, praising their dedication and hard work in making the event a resounding success.

Ms Cooke commended the meticulous planning of the organisers, volunteers, and sponsors, who all contributed to the festival’s success.

“This year’s event was hands-down one of the greatest National Cherry Festivals Young has ever seen,” Ms Cooke said.

“I had a wonderful weekend experiencing the sights and sounds of the festival. Young came alive and was such a hive of activity; I spoke to so many people who all commented on the vibrancy of the town, and the wonderful activities and attractions on offer,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the festival’s diverse array of activities, from cherry picking, to live musical entertainment, wood-chopping, carnival rides, pie-eating competitions, and live poetry performances, made it a memorable experience for all.

“Congratulations to the organisers for once again putting together an amazing event, and to all those who took part – from the musicians, to the float organisers, to those who marched in the parade, the market stall-holders, the council staff, the list goes on – it was a big effort, and one that well and truly paid off,” Ms Cooke said.

“A big congratulations also to the winners of the various festival prizes, including Young High School for ‘best overall’ in this year’s parade, and Young Public School for ‘best cherry-themed float’,” she said.

Ms Cooke also highlighted the festival’s role in promoting local businesses, fostering tourism, and highlighting Young as a vibrant regional hub.

“It’s events like this that contribute significantly to the prosperity and growth of our region. It’s become such a popular drawcard for visitors on the region’s calendar, and it’s all thanks to the unwavering commitment of organisers and participants,” Ms Cooke said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke was on hand to help officially open this year’s National Cherry Festival alongside (from left), Hilltops Deputy Mayor Alison Foreman, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Hilltops Mayor Marg Roles, Young High School student Bella Charles, and reigning Cherry Queen Brianna Long.