Category Archives: Temora Shire

Ongoing investment in our rural and regional roads network is vital to the long-term prosperity of our towns and villages, with robust road infrastructure the backbone of thriving local communities, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.

Speaking at the official opening of upgrades to Tara-Bectric Road at Temora – which together with other improvements, including the Tara-Bectric Road Bridge, brings total investment in the road to more than $3.5 million under the previous Coalition Government’s Fixing Country Roads program – Ms Cooke said our roads infrastructure lies at the heart of the social and economic health of the regions.

“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 said.

“Our roads are the backbone of the community – it’s how we get to work, school, medical appointments, how we socialise and keep in touch with friends and family. Our roads are vital to our local trade and commerce, as well as tourism – and it’s for these reasons we need roadways that allow people to conduct business, stay connected, and stay safe.

“When you consider that more than one-in-five jobs in the Cootamundra electorate are directly related to agriculture – that’s over 7,000 people – we need to ensure we have the infrastructure in place that supports the ag-sector, and allows the world-class goods that we produce, to get to where it needs to go efficiently and without delay.

“It’s with this in mind that I have advocated tirelessly for our region, to ensure the Regional Roads Minister fully understands and appreciates the pivotal role our roads play in connecting our towns, and enabling economic growth.

“The previous Coalition Government certainly recognised this, and committed billions in programs like Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Bridges and Fixing Country Roads, which enhanced local road networks, and provided the investment needed to repair this vital infrastructure following drought, fires, and floods.

“Road projects like this here in Temora, drive big benefits for safety and the economy in the bush, and ensures the network our communities rely on every day is dependable, smooth and safe,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was on hand to officially open the upgrades to Tara-Bectric Road, Temora. She was joined by members of the community, including Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was in Temora to officially open the upgrades to the Bundawarrah Centre, including a new walkway for a revitalised entrance to the Temora Rural Museum.

Ms Cooke said recent upgrades have been made possible thanks to federal and state government funding, including $187,200 under the previous Coalition Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“I have seen many changes to the Temora Rural Museum over the years, all of which have encouraged more and more visitors to the area, boosting the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.

“Thousands of people visit the museum each year to see the amazing collection, so the upgrades to the Bundawarrah Centre will certainly enhance the experience and ensure it continues to be a major attraction in the town, both for residents and tourists alike,” she said.

During the opening, Ms Cooke also had the honour of presenting a plaque to Superintendent Steve Holden (retired), in recognition of his tireless work in showcasing the vital history around the evolution of bush firefighting in the area over many decades.

Superintendent Holden was the District Manager for the NSW Rural Fire Service (Bland Temora Zone) from 2001 to 2021.

“Not only was Steve a member of the RFS but he’s also a volunteer of the Thanowring Rural Fire Brigade which he remains a member of today,” Ms Cooke said.

“Steve has always been committed to serving the community across a number of organisations, including as a volunteer member of the Temora Rural Museum. He was instrumental in the creation of the NSW Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre, which forms one of the many historic displays within the museum,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre incorporates appliances, equipment, and many ancillary items associated with the vast history of the RFS.

“This display is a credit to Steve’s efforts, and that of the volunteers that help maintain this vital link to our fire-fighting history, including the men and women who have contributed throughout the years,” Ms Cooke said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke MP presenting Steve Holden with a plaque in recognition of his work establishing the NSW Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre.

Residents in and around Temora are being encouraged to have their say on the design of the new Temora Hospital, after plans for the $80 million redevelopment were unveiled for the first time ahead of construction, which is expected to start next year in 2025.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the release of the concept design marked an exciting step forward for the project, which has been in the planning phase since she announced the redevelopment on-site in 2021.

“This was one of the former Coalition Government’s flagship regional health investments, and will be among the biggest ever infrastructure projects in Temora’s history,” Ms Cooke said.

“I’m encouraging everyone in the community to review the design, and provide feedback to Health Infrastructure, to ensure it is fit-for-purpose, and meets the specific needs of our community.

“As I discussed with Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman at the recent Cootamundra Summit, the new hospital is an investment that will be a game-changer in the delivery of health services in the region, and will ensure Temora has a hospital that will serve the local community for years to come.

“Not only will the new hospital deliver enhanced health services for residents in and around Temora, but it is my hope that the new state-of-the-art facility will also attract clinicians to work and live here, which would be a big win for the whole community,” she said.

The new Temora Hospital will continue to provide emergency department services, as well as modern inpatient accommodation with beds available for medical, surgical, rehabilitation, palliative care, and maternity patients. Other facilities and services to be delivered include perioperative facilities for surgery and procedures, community and allied health, ambulatory clinics, and pathology. Medical imaging facilities will also be enhanced.

Community consultation sessions will be held:

• Thursday 15 February 2024 | Temora Council | 12:00pm – 2.00pm 
• Friday 16 February 2024 | Outside Ariah Park Coffee Bar | 8.30am- 9.30am
• Friday 16 February 2024 | Temora Council | 11.30am – 12.30pm
• Monday 19 February 2024 | Online session (register via email) | 6.00 – 7.00 pm

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke discussed the Temora Hospital redevelopment with Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman at the recent Cootamundra Summit in Harden.

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.

Australia Day is all about the importance of belonging to a community, and making a meaningful contribution to the lives of others, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.

Ms Cooke travelled widely across the electorate to mark the occasion, and was on-hand for an Australia Day breakfast in Ariah Park, before meeting up with locals in Matong for the opening of the new hall. Ms Cooke rounded-out the day in Weethalle, celebrating with locals who had gathered for the opening of upgrades to the Country Club.

“Our communities are the absolute heart and soul of our towns and villages; it fills me with such pride to see people gathered together to share in the spirit of the day which to me, represents the strength of communities in uniting us and providing support when it’s need,” Ms Cooke said.

“From our Men’s Sheds, to our CWA groups, Meals on Wheels, youth groups, hospital auxiliaries, our Lions Clubs, the list goes on and on – they all have one thing in common: they provide a platform for people to connect, share stories, and appreciate the comradery of our communities,” she said.

Ms Cooke congratulated the recipients of Australia Day Awards across the electorate, including Eris Gleeson from Young, John Harper from Stockinbingal, Mary Sutcliffe from Narrandera, and Warwick Heckendorf also from Narrandera who all received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

“We need to nurture our sense of community, and it’s the hard work and dedication of people like those recognised with awards today, that help strengthen the bonds among residents, and play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke also acknowledged the ongoing conversations around Australia Day.

“It is right that we celebrate our achievements and progress, but it’s also important to recognise the perspectives of all Australians, and have open conversations that contribute to building a stronger nation; one that we are all very lucky to call home,” Ms Cooke said.

The Weethalle Country Club now has a new kitchen and ladies’ amenities thanks to a $240,300 investment by the previous NSW Coalition Government under the successful Stronger Country Communities Fund. The Matong Hall was made possible thanks to an investment by the previous Federal Coalition Government.

Image: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke lent a hand on the barbecue and in the kitchen at the Australia Day breakfast held in Ariah Park.

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 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 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 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 was in Temora recently to help welcome three new firefighter recruits to the Temora Fire Station.

Elliot Mendick, Derek Hingerty, and Lachlan Girling-Butler joined the ranks of Fire and Rescue NSW after graduating from their training.

“I visited just a few months ago when Elliot, Derek, and Lachlan were going through the recruitment process, so it’s wonderful to be here today to congratulate them on their efforts, and help officially welcome them to the team,” Ms Cooke said.

“On behalf of the entire community I would like to formally express our appreciation to them for stepping up and joining this incredible team, following in the footsteps of the many firefighters who have served our community.

“Temora captain Mark Cooper is a top bloke, who leads with determination, compassion, commitment, integrity, and humour; it’s no surprise that the brigade will reach full strength in a short while,” she said.

During the official proceedings, firefighter Josh Hale was also presented with his 10-year long-service and good conduct medal.

“We know the significant contribution Josh has made to the local brigade, the Temora community, and indeed the rest of the state whilst on deployment, and we indeed thank him for his years of service,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said the event was a good reminder to everyone in the community that now is the time to get ready for bush fire season.

“It’s so important for residents across our communities to prepare their homes and ensure their bush fire survival plan is up to date,” Ms Cooke said.

“Grass fires move three times faster than bush fires, so my message to everyone this year is simply: don’t be complacent, have a plan in place and make sure you’ve talked with loved ones about what to do if a fire threatens your home,” she said.