New- Look West Wyalong Recreation Ground Opened

Sport and recreation in West Wyalong has been transformed after the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground, by the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to do the honours, having secured an investment of close to half a million dollars for the upgrades, which includes the resurfacing of the netball courts, renovation of the cricket nets, an upgrade to the sports lighting, and renewed fencing.

“This is a fantastic community and I’m just so delighted to have been able to secure the $485,000 in funding, that has breathed new life into the recreation ground here in West Wyalong,” Ms Cooke said.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric, and the upgraded facilities will encourage greater community participation in sports, and support growth in our local sporting clubs.

“Congratulations to the council and all those involved in making this project a reality; it’s by enhancing our local infrastructure that we can continue to grow investment and interest in the West Wyalong community, and indeed, right across the Bland Shire,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the West Wyalong Recreation Ground project was one of five in West Wyalong that shared in a $2.1 million funding injection under the previous Coalition Government’s Resources for Regions fund, round seven.

These included Cooinda Waters Canoe Circuit ($350,000), West Wyalong Harness Racing Club refurbishment ($354,763), West Wyalong Golf Course rejuvenation & sustainability project ($299,236), and West Wyalong Aerodrome upgrade ($606,173).

“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,” Ms Cooke said.

“An important focus of these funds was around encouraging growth in our rural and regional towns and villages, and I will continue to pressure the current government to ensure they don’t lose sight of that focus,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan joined with members of the sporting community to celebrate the official opening of the renovated West Wyalong Recreation Ground.

A New Era for Sport at Temora’s Bob Aldridge Park

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.

Building on a Legacy of Local Investment

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to take every opportunity to build on the legacy of investment by the previous Coalition Government, and apply for various funding programs in order to help secure the region’s share of resources.

“The Coalition Government had a very strong track record of investing in grassroots projects, whether it be infrastructure, sporting clubs, recreation facilities, community groups and organisations, and vital transport upgrades,” Ms Cooke said.

“I want to ensure that the residents of towns and villages across our Cootamundra electorate continue to receive their fair share of government investment, and to that end, there are two grant programs currently taking applications that I would strongly encourage local groups to apply for.

“Applications for the Local Sport Grant are currently open; there’s $50,000 available per electorate, with grants starting at $2,000, so if your sporting club needs some new uniforms, or would like to replace some worn-out equipment, or perhaps is looking to update the website, this may be a way to get some extra financial help.

“I’d also like to see local groups apply for investment under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF). It supports Crown land managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements on Crown reserves. I’m proud to say the previous Coalition Government invested heavily in local projects under this program, and I’d like to see that level of investment continue into the future.

“I will never stop fighting for our fair share of government investment, so if you or your club would like help with your application, my door is always open,” she said.

Impressive Talent on Display at Boorowa Sports Carnival

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined thousands of students, parents, and teachers from Canberra and across NSW at the 2023 Boorowa Touch & Netball Carnival today.

Ms Cooke said the event showcased the exceptional sportsmanship and talent of the more than 4,500 young athletes, who travelled from far and wide to compete in the more than 870 games staged during the event, which has been running in various formats for almost 60 years.

“This is the first time the carnival has been held since 2019, after COVID-19 and flooding put a stop to the competition in recent years. But it is certainly back bigger and better than ever, and is a wonderful event on the local sporting calendar,” Ms Cooke said.

“It was my first time at the carnival and I was so impressed by the skills and dedication on display, and I congratulate all the competitors who took part and made it such a great event,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the cheers and support from the thousands of spectators gathered on the sidelines, added to the atmosphere.

“I want to give a special shout-out also to the teachers, parents, and volunteers who all worked so hard and went that extra mile to help stage this huge event. Many helpers no longer have school-age children participating in the carnival, but offer their time every year to lend a hand, which is lovely to see,” Ms Cooke said.

“I had a lot of fun helping out in the canteen, which was an absolute hive of activity, catering for the thousands in attendance. The barbeque certainly got a workout, with 2,000 sausages cooked and sold, along with 1,000 steak sandwiches, 1,000 hot dogs, 1,000 bacon & egg rolls, and an incredible 6,000 Zooper Doopers!

“I’d like to acknowledge too the contribution of local businesses in making the day the success that it was, including Peta Jenkins at IGA Boorowa, IGA Young, IGA Yass, Boorowa Bakery, Ziems Quality Meats in Harden, and Woolworths bakery in Young, who answered a distress call from organisers and baked 170 loaves of bread on short notice, after the original bread supplier couldn’t make the delivery deadline.

“The success of this event highlights the importance of community engagement in fostering the growth and development of our young athletes, and I certainly look forward to cheering everyone on again next year,” she said.

Working Together to Secure our Fair Share

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the announcement of a government program aimed at boosting female participation in sport, and is calling on local groups to put their hands up to secure the region’s share of the money that’s been made available.

The Level the Playing Field Program is open to providers of grassroots sports to fund new and upgraded facilities, and deliver fit-for-purpose amenities, like change rooms and lighting.

“Prior to the release of the State Budget I called on the government (Daily Telegraph OpEd 25/8 below) to do more to increase female participation in sport – particularly in rural and regional areas – so I’m pleased to see the government were listening and have recognised the importance of nurturing our local talent, particularly our younger community members,” Ms Cooke said.

“Grassroots infrastructure projects like these were previously supported through the Coalition’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF), which the NSW Labor Government has cancelled.

“Under SCCF round four for example, almost $50 million was invested in projects aimed at increasing female participation in sport specifically in rural and regional areas.

“Compare that with Labor’s program, which is worth $30 million and is to be distributed across the entire state, and it’s clear that we must do our utmost to ensure a decent share of the funding on offer, goes to rural and regional areas.

“There are a number of projects in our Cootamundra electorate that would certainly benefit from funding under the Level the Playing Field Program, and my message to those groups is to apply as soon as possible – I’m more than happy to help if you need any help or support.

“By investing in sports at the grassroots level, we are promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social cohesion, all of which leads to building healthier more vibrant communities,” she said.

Applications close at 1pm Thursday 30 November, 2023. For more information about the Level the Playing Field Program, email cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au or phone Steph’s office on (02) 6382 2399.

Teamwork Make the Dream Work

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke joined with proud local residents in Ganmain on Sunday, to officially open the revamped Ganmain multi-purpose sports facility.

“I had so much fun in Ganmain cheering from the sidelines as the Ganmain Grong Grong Matong (GGGM) Football Netball Club sides, played host to arch-rivals the Coolamon Rovers Football Netball Club,” Ms Cooke said.

“Cutting the ribbon to officially open the renovated netball and tennis courts at the Ganmain Sports Ground was a very special moment for me, and I was honoured to be asked along, to help launch what is sure to be the start of an exciting new era for sport in the area.

“Many volunteer hours went in to making the project a reality, and I congratulate everyone involved in helping create what is now a wonderful asset for current and future generations to enjoy,” she said.

Various groups provided funding for the project including Advance Ganmain, the Ganmain Show Society, GGGM Senior & Junior Football Netball Clubs, Ganmain Tennis Club, Coolamon Shire Council, and GrainCorp.

“It was a huge team effort, and you know what they say: teamwork makes the dream work,” Ms Cooke said.

“I’m proud to say the previous Liberal/Nationals State Government also played a part, contributing $193,883 towards the upgrade, under round four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“Every day we’re reminded of the success of this program, and how it has made a really meaningful difference to the lives of people living in communities all across our Cootamundra electorate,” she said.

Slam Dunk for Narrandera Sports Stadium

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.

Improvements for Holland Park Swim Centre are off the Starting Blocks

West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club is set to receive $10,000 which will go toward installing new starting blocks, thanks to investment from the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the starting blocks are the latest improvement to the Holland Park Swim Centre after the recent completion of a project to install a new PA System, which has modernised the centre for all to enjoy.

“New starting blocks will greatly enhance the competitive swimming events held at the centre, with a number of schools also set to benefit from this upgrade when they hold their school swimming carnivals,” Ms Cooke said.

“These upgrades will ensure the pool meets current Swimming Australia standards allowing larger carnivals to be held.”

“Replacing the blocks is a small but important step in maintaining a pool in which the community and visitors can enjoy.”

West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club Secretary Dayanna Jordon said these new blocks will be the same used by athletes at the Sydney Olympic pool.

“These improvements allow our club to stay competitive and provide us with the opportunity to host large carnivals, allowing us to showcase the wonderful area we live in,” Ms Jordon said.

Since 2017 we have seen a total of 64 projects to the value of over $353,000 delivered across the Cootamundra electorate under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.

Grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 per project were available with up to $50,000 available in each electorate.

More information about the program is available online.

Temora Sporting Facilities see the Light

Three sporting facilities in Temora will benefit from lighting upgrades, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Temora Shire Council have been successful in funding of over $150,000 to deliver three lighting-upgrade projects for the community to enjoy.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric and these upgrades will help build participation and support local clubs to grow,” Ms Cooke said. 

“These lighting upgrades mean sporting groups can play and train longer into the night and field more teams, which supports an active and healthy community.”

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active, and by helping boost participation, we will ensure anyone who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive and safe environment.”

  • Temora Town Tennis Courts will see $53,750 to replace existing outdated lightbulbs with new LED lights.
  • Bob Aldridge Park will see $55,000 to replace existing outdated lightbulbs with new LED lights.
  • Temora West Sportsground will see $50,000 to replace existing outdated lightbulbs with new LED lights.

Temora Shire Council Mayor Cr Rick Firman said council and the Temora Shire community are delighted with this latest announcement.

“This will make an enormous difference to these sporting facilities of ours and I know all our user groups are extremely grateful to NSW Government for making this important grant programme available,” Cr Firman said.

Since 2017 the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said major events including the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup are creating enormous excitement and inspiring the next generation of female sporting stars.

“Whether it’s on the court, field or track, we continue to be inspired by our homegrown talent like Ellyse Perry, Lauren Jackson and Madison de Rozario, who are captivating the nation with their extraordinary athleticism and passion,” Mr Henskens said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s investment in community sport infrastructure is improving facilities for women and girls, and boosting female participation in sport, in line with our Her Sport Her Way strategy.”

More information about the program and the list of successful recipients is available: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/female-friendly-community-sport-facilities-and-lighting-upgrades-grant-program/2022/23-grant-recipients

Nominations Open for Awards Recognising Outstanding Local Women in Sport

Local champions and young achievers in sport will be recognised as part of the NSW Government’s Her Sport Her Way Awards, with nominations now open. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Her Sport Her Way Awards celebrate and honour the achievements of women and organisations that are breaking down barriers for women’s sport in NSW.

“The Her Sport Her Way Awards recognise the achievements of women and organisations in driving powerful change and leaving a legacy for the way women’s sport is played in NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“Women make such an incredible contribution to sporting clubs and organisations across our community and if you know a local who is going above and beyond for the sport they love, nominate them for these awards.”

The Her Sport Her Way Awards feature five categories – Young Achiever, Local Champion, Outstanding Organisation, Trailblazer and Overall Champion.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the awards are part of the NSW Government’s women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way.

“This program is all about increasing female participation in sport, whether that’s on the field or in administration, coaching and volunteer roles,” Mr Henskens said.

“Since the inception of this program four years ago, the number of women and girls playing sport has sky-rocketed, and by investing in grassroots programs and initiatives across NSW, we will continue to secure a brighter future for women in sport.” Applications for the awards close on 28 February. For more information on the Her Sport Her Way program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/hersportherway.