Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was in Temora last week with Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy, to meet with small businesses, and hear first-hand the benefits for both employees and employers, of vocational education and training.
“National Skills Week has just wrapped up for another year, so it was a good opportunity for the shadow minister and I to talk with some of the small business owners in town, and learn more about how they’re harnessing the very real advantages that come with employing young people who have developed their skills and knowledge through vocational education,” Ms Cooke said.
“Not everyone is destined for university, and we’ve seen in Temora great examples of how vocational education is a very real pathway to career success.
“Vocational education allows students to think outside the box and apply their talents in areas they may not have otherwise thought about; for example, someone who has a passion for gaming might now consider a career in agriculture, given how high-tech that industry is becoming; it’s not just about ploughing paddocks anymore, it’s also become very technologically focused.
“And on the flip side, we’ve seen too how small businesses are reaping the benefits of vocational education. Given my small business background, I know all too well the value of this sort of hands-on skills training, and how it provides prospective employees with the ability to hit the ground running when they take that step into the workforce.
“The shadow minister and I have been so impressed by the innovation and manufacturing that is going on right here in our backyard, and it’s exciting to think that there are opportunities for students – through vocational education and training – to get in at the ground level, and work their way up in businesses that are operating locally and beyond,” she said.
Steph Cooke | 15 Mar 2023 | Community Temora Shire
Temora Museum, also known as The Bundawarrah Centre, has been showcasing the region’s local history and heritage for the past 50 years, with Golden Jubilee celebrations taking place over the weekend.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was delighted to join Temora Citizen of the Year, Mrs Ros Hartwig who had the honour of officially opening the 50th celebrations and live exhibition.
“I have seen many changes to the Temora Museum over the years, all of which have encouraged more and more visitors to the area, boosting the local economy,” Ms Cooke said.
“Over 6000 people visit the Museum each year to see the amazing collection.”
“This walk back in history is made possible thanks to the 70 local volunteers and over 400 members of the Historical Society. The Golden Jubilee is a credit to all the members and volunteers, and these celebrations are also a way of saying ‘Thank you’ for all you do.”
Ms Cooke said the Golden Jubilee celebrations follow the investment of funding to the Bundawarrah Centre under Create NSW Creative Capital Minor Works and Project.
This funding has allowed the promotion of stage three of the NSW Ambulance Museum, Temora as ‘shovel ready’ which will provide further investment in regional tourism.
As part of the celebrations, Manager of the Centre, Mr Bill Speirs announced the completion of the Masterplan for the development of stage three of the NSW & ACT Ambulance Museum.
Mr Speirs said he feels the NSW Ambulance Museum project will provide the centre with the Critical “point of difference” that the overall museum project needs to make them stand out not only regionally, but also across the state, nationally and internationally for the long term.
“We are so thrilled with this wonderful milestone celebration, as we love what we do and it is nice to think that our wider community has appreciated our efforts and supported us for half a century,” Mr Speirs said.
Steph Cooke | 14 Mar 2023 | Roads and Transport Temora Shire
The NSW Nationals Government will invest more than $3.3 million to upgrade critical freight routes in Temora Shire to improve connectivity and road access for heavy vehicles.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding would upgrade Howards Road in Reefton.
“Works will be carried out on the first section of Howards Road from the Goldfields Way towards BFB Piggery,” Ms Cooke said.
“This will involve replacing a 65-year-old under width bridge and widening the area from 8m to 10m.”
“I’m very happy to see key freight routes like Howards Road receive vitally important upgrades that will keep our local economy moving.”
Temora Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rick Firman said council is delighted to receive the unprecedented funding for the local road network.
“Temora Shire councillors, staff and the community are so appreciative that works will begin on a much-needed upgrade of Howards Road,” Cr Firman said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the latest round of funding under the Fixing Country Roads program will deliver 29 road upgrades to fast-track journeys for freight operators and drive down the cost of getting goods to market.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is strengthening our supply chain to keep our state moving forward,” Mr Farraway said.
The latest round of funding brings the total number of projects funded through the Fixing Country Roads Program to more than 340 across over 80 regional NSW councils.
Steph Cooke | 13 Mar 2023 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Health Narrandera Shire Temora Shire Weddin Shire
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.
Steph Cooke | 13 Mar 2023 | Community Temora Shire
Bradley Park in Temora is among 13 new play-focused projects on the way for communities across the state, thanks to newly announced NSW Government funding.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Temora Shire Council has been successful in receiving $345,000 from the Places to Play grant program, which supports councils and eligible agencies to create new outdoor spaces for those of all ages and abilities.
“We understand the value of public open spaces to the wellbeing of our communities and that’s why we’re investing in the accessible play facilities,” Ms Cooke said.
“I look forward to the transformation of Bradley Park, a minor local park becoming a district-level, nature-based, adventure and water playspace through the addition of natural features, bike paths, pump tracks, water play and accessible facilities.”
“With the current cost of living, this is a great initiative from Temora Shire Council, providing a space free for families to enjoy together as well as visitors to the area.”
Temora Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rick Firman said the enhancements for Bradley Park will improve the amenity of this growing residential neighbourhood and provide diverse nature-based, adventure and water play experiences that will meet the needs of a variety of ages, interests and abilities.
“The project provides a modern-style nature-based, adventure and water-based playspace, which is unique compared to conventional playgrounds provided throughout Temora Shire. The enhancements will offer families a challenging and interactive playspace, with experiences including climbing and balancing, as well as using natural surfaces of trees, rocks and stones for games, walking and riding,” Cr Firman said. For more information and a full list of projects funded, visit: Places to Play
Steph Cooke | 09 Mar 2023 | Community Cowra Shire Hilltops Council Temora Shire
Five projects totalling over $165,000 across the electorate are among the latest batch of successful projects announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the projects will help support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.
“I’m thrilled to announce support for these projects that will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions and natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
“These projects are a great example of how we can help young people recover, build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and resources they need to become the best version of themselves.”
The five projects for the electorate include:
Temora Shire Council – The Resilience Project – total funding received $49,893.
Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC) – Fit for Life PCYC, Young and Young High School – total funding received $14,191.
Marathon Health Ltd – Bouncing Back with Headspace Cowra – total funding received $37,838.
Young High School – The Resilience Project, connecting the community for brighter minds – total funding received $50,000.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.
“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.
“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”
The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Steph Cooke | 08 Mar 2023 | Roads and Transport Temora Shire
Temora Shire’s Kurrajong Street, Narraburra Street, Mirrool Road, Whites Road, Thom Street, North Street and Lucas Street are set for improvements, thanks to funding of $999,399 secured through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding is one of eight successful projects secured for the electorate, allowing Councils to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Local motorists have been in regular contact with me about the state of our road network, and this funding that has been secured will go a long way towards supporting much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on these roads every day, while reducing the wear and tear on tyres and cars.”
Temora Shire Council Mayor Cr Rick Firman said this funding is a welcomed investment into the roads across the shire.
“Our local roads have taken a beating over the past few months and this boost of funds will assist the council to undertake the repairs needed to keep the roads safe for our road users,” Mr Firman said.
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Steph Cooke | 20 Feb 2023 | Education Temora Shire
Two new fee-free courses have been added to the list at TAFE NSW Temora to help meet the demand for fitness and health professionals in the local regional area.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the fee-free courses in fitness and allied health assistance (physiotherapy) reflect jobs growth and are now open for enrolments at TAFE NSW Temora for Semester One.
“We know how strong the demand is for health professionals, especially in regional and rural areas like ours, and TAFE NSW has an important part to play in giving locals the opportunity to be trained in allied health fee-free in their own community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Many of these graduates will choose to stay and practice locally, providing a win-win for the local Temora community and surrounding areas.”
The Certificate III in Fitness has not been offered at TAFE NSW Temora for more than 30 years, while the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance is being offered for the first time in 10 years.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is leading the nation in supporting people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, which is helping grow the economy, securing a brighter future for the people of NSW.
“TAFE NSW trains 46 per cent of government funded TAFE students in Australia. It is the nation’s largest and best training provider, and we have invested record funding in TAFE NSW to ensure it continues to deliver a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers,” Mr Henskens said.
“Our record skills budget is delivering more fee-free training which is helping people find in-demand jobs and contributing to NSW’s low unemployment rate.”
Both courses will be delivered through a mix of face-to-face workshops at TAFE NSW Temora and virtual classrooms. For more information about courses available at TAFE NSW Temora, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
Steph Cooke | 20 Feb 2023 | Sport and Recreation Temora Shire
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.”
Steph Cooke | 09 Feb 2023 | Roads and Transport Temora Shire
Temora Shire Council will soon receive funding of $2,430,501 through the NSW Government’s $280 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Temora Shire has over 1300km of roads to manage, with this latest funding a welcome boost allowing further repairs to be undertaken.
“This investment is all about improving the roads we use every day, making them safer for the freight industry, tourists, and the commute to and from work or school,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is fantastic to have this funding secured, which builds on an initial cash injection of $457,770 for council to fix potholes announced in December.
“I am advised council has been sent the funding deeds, and once the deed is executed the money goes into the bank.”
Temora Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rick Firman said this funding will assist the council to undertake repairs across the road network following the 2022 flood and storm events. Without this funding, Council would not have the resources to bring the network up to the required standard after such extreme events.
“We warmly thank the NSW Government for their continued support, these funds will enable network improvements, increasing safety, resident amenity and assisting the freight task for industry,” Cr Firman said.
The NSW Government continues to support local government areas in making our road network smoother and safer. Over the past five years, Temora Shire Council has secured over $11.9 million in NSW Government funding to deliver 14 road projects through Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads, on top of assistance through Regional Roads Block Grant program and NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
