Wyalong Motor Sport Club Inc will receive a new life-saving device through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this grant will cover the cost of the defibrillator, providing the club with peace of mind when they are holding their motorsport events.
“As the members of Wyalong Motor Sport gear up to return to the racetrack it’s reassuring to know this new life-saving device for the club will have a big part to play in keeping competitors, spectators and volunteers safe,” Ms Cooke said.
“Volunteers and members of the club have been working hard to get the club back up and running for motorsport enthusiasts to enjoy, along with constructing a newly built 50cc track for little bike riders.”
“We see people of all ages participating in motorsport and this funding will equip the club so they can respond to life-threating emergencies when needed.”
Wyalong Motor Sports Club member Leanne Iverach said as a newly formed committee they are greatly appreciative of this grant, as the club is dedicated to making many improvements for their riders, volunteers and spectators to enjoy motorsport.
“As we all know, motorsport can be dangerous, having an AED on site will give all involved at our events, both directly and indirectly, peace of mind knowing we have the ability to help onsite, within those first eight critical minutes of such a medical event,” Ms Iverach said.
“As a club member, resident, a motorcycle racing enthusiast, mother and partner to riders of our local track, I am grateful to live in an electorate that values safety in local sport and make this opportunity to have these AEDs readily available.”
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government program provides sports with early access to a defibrillator and ensures they are better equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies.
For further information on the Local Sports Defibrillator Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au.
Work is underway at the Wyangala Reflections Water Holiday Park after the announcement early last year of a $28 million loan from the NSW Government as part of a planned boost to regional tourism across NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has commended the work happening at the tourist hotspot.
“Wyangala Waters brings in tourists from all over Australia, and the facilities here are a major drawcard for the region,” Ms Cooke said.
“I had a wonderful time at Wyangala Waters myself, visiting over Christmas. It was a fantastic spot to enjoy the great outdoors and the natural beauty.
“This local holiday park attracts over 20,000 guests each year with outdoor attractions like fishing, water-skiing and bushwalking. Amongst the activities, accommodation ranges from cabins, cottages and bungalows to various forms of camping.”
Current works within the park’s area include repairs to the road network that connects bungalows, boat ramps and the community hall, with an on-water water dock for the small boat that is used to travel between the Wyangala Waters Park and the Grabine Lakeside Park.
When the loan was announced, Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Nick Baker said the strategic plan backed by the NSW Government will support the group’s goal to generate $214 million in economic value for NSW annually by FY2030 through boosted tourism, with profits reinvested into parks, better facilities and supporting local communities. Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Nick Baker said the government loan is supporting the group’s strategic plan, including a goal to generate $214 million in economic value for NSW annually by FY2030 through boosted tourism, with profits reinvested into parks, better facilities and supporting local communities.
“As a profit-for-purpose Crown Land Manager, Reflections is focused on being a leader in nature-driven escapes and we can’t wait for our guests and visitors to get out to our parks and swap screen time with green time.” Mr Baker said.
Steph Cooke | 27 Jan 2023 | All LGAs Local projects News Tourism
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will further invest in infrastructure and facilities that will activate economic and job growth across the region through the new $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Fund will see investment in transformational infrastructure and facilities projects that will unlock housing and economic growth in regional communities.
“We all know we live in a beautiful part of the state and it’s the perfect reason why many are making the move to our regional areas to grow and raise a family,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is important that we support growth in our area whilst ensuring we have the infrastructure and housing to accommodate.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the fund will only increase the appeal to live and invest in regional NSW.
“Our regional communities are growing faster than ever before, and this is creating exciting opportunities for infrastructure, business and economic investment across the State,” Mr Toole said.
“Housing must come hand-in-hand with these investments, and the projects supported by this Fund could include roads and other utility connections; the kind of enabling infrastructure needed to set the foundation for further housing growth.”
The $175 million Growing Regional Economies Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local projects that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.
Expressions of Interest open next week on 8 February and close on 23 May 2023.
For further information about the Growing Regional Economies Fund, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/gref
Steph Cooke | 19 Jan 2023 | Community Environment and Heritage Grants News Temora Shire Tourism
Installation of a pedestrian bridge at Lake Centenary in Temora is among 11 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 have been selected to receive $118,449 in funding from the Places to Swim grant program, which supports councils and eligible agencies to improve public access to natural waterways.
“We know our communities value the wonderful rivers, lakes and pools across NSW and, thanks to this latest round of funding, we are able to help ensure these natural wonders are safe and accessible for people of all ages,” Ms Cooke said.
“This project will install a pedestrian bridge in two parts, along the western edge of Lake Centenary to enable walkers, runners and cyclists to safely cross over Lake Centenary.”
Mayor Rick Firman said this project will support walkers, runners and cyclists to safely travel a complete loop around Lake Centenary supporting community and visitor enjoyment of this waterbody.
“The new bridge will encourage more visitors to enjoy this natural area beside the water,” Mayor Firman said.
“The bridge will be of high-quality, locally constructed and located in a pleasant setting among native trees which will become a highlight of the path around Lake Centenary.”
“This will provide a quieter more tranquil and enjoyable space for the community and enhance the existing 2.7km long lake loop which is highly valued and well used by our citizens and those visiting our Shire.”
Work on this latest pool of projects, will begin early next year with the aim of having all works completed and facilities open by mid-2024.
Junee Shire Council have been successful in receiving $1,075,000 boost for their Canola Trail Activation Program thanks to Round Two of the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Canola Trail Activation Program is a collective initiative of Junee, Coolamon and Temora shires.
“Visitors come from far and wide to visit the simply breathtaking blankets of yellow canola,” Ms Cooke said.
“To see our golden triangle receive this boost to further promote and enhance the experience for visitors to the region is just fantastic.”
“This won’t only support Junee by increasing visitation, it will also boost the local economy and local jobs.”
Junee Shire Council Mayor Cr Neil Smith said they welcome this funding which will further promote the “Canola Trail” experience by providing wonderful vantage points for viewing our fields of golden canola.
“In addition it will address the increased popularity of the Bethungra Dam camping grounds including accessible walking and bike trails and additional camping areas which have been on Council’s collective mind for some time,” Mr Smith said.
“We look forward to the work commencing and are very proud of the alliance with our neighbouring councils, it shows that when we work together as a team, we can achieve great benefits for the region,” he said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Tourism Activation Fund supports local economies and local jobs by backing unique tourism experiences that will attract visitors and showcase what regional NSW has to offer.
“We know regional NSW has Australia’s best tourist destinations and experiences. We want to amplify that by helping create new experiences and drawcards that put more heads on beds and attract more tourism dollars into regional communities,” Mr Toole said.
The $180 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
Steph Cooke | 09 Dec 2022 | All LGAs Community Education Tourism
Parents of school-aged children including those starting Kindergarten in 2023, now have more opportunity to claim a $500 voucher for Before and After School Care (BASC), just in time to help with the cost of vacation care over the summer holidays.
The NSW Government’s $155 million BASC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 263,000 vouchers worth $500 have already been claimed by parents. Of these, more than 197,000 have been redeemed at a BASC service to help families with the cost of care.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that BASC vouchers have been a huge success.
“I encourage families who have not already downloaded and redeemed a BASC voucher before the summer holidays to do so, this will help cover the cost of vacation care,” Ms Cooke said.
“These vouchers aim to alleviate some of the financial pressures that we know occur after the summer break and the start of school.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said parents should download and redeem the $500 vouchers available to them.
“Every family with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can now download their voucher until 31 January 2023 if they have not yet done so.”
“These vouchers support students in getting quality before and after school care, but also allows parents to have more money back in their household budgets.”
The Before and After School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW.
Customers can register and apply online via a My Service NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.
Steph Cooke | 05 Dec 2022 | Community Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Environment and Heritage Grants News Tourism
Gundagai’s Historical Museum has been successful in the funding of $1,370 and is one of nine cultural centres across the state to receive funding through round 2 of the NSW Government’s Volunteer Museum Small Grants.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Volunteer Museum Small Grants funding will support heritage experts and enable the area’s history and stories to be shared to a wider audience.
“Local museums and galleries play an important part in sharing regional stories, and I am thrilled that Gundagai’s Historical Museum, and our dedicated historians and volunteers are being supported by this funding,” Ms Cooke said.
“I previously visited the Museum back in April of this year when they received funding to upgrade their disabled access to the amenities block and fire exits as part of the 2021 Community Building Partnerships funding.”
Gundagai Historical Museum Communications Organiser, Izzy Perko said they are delighted they have received this funding to install new signage and replace a very old noticeboard frame.
“Professionally made signs are expensive and this opportunity will assist with promoting the museum. The volunteers are so very thankful for this grant,” Ms Perko said.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said theVolunteer Museum Small Grants Round 2 will support greater access and engagement with history projects across NSW and create opportunities for professionals in the field.
“These small grants for regional galleries and museums are targeted to create opportunities for historians and volunteers and preserve NSW’s rich history for local communities and visitors from across the state,” Mr Franklin said.
This year’s Museums & Galleries of NSW Volunteer Museum Small Grants Fund rounds one and two have supported 18 organisations across the State. All round two recipients are from regional NSW.
Steph Cooke | 05 Dec 2022 | Community Grants News Temora Shire Tourism
Temora Shire Council has been successful in receiving funding of $7,500 to deliver their upgrades to the Temora Town Hall theatre thanks to the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that the Temora community has welcomed the NSW Government’s investment in improving arts and cultural venues to be fit-for-purpose for the community, enhancing access and supporting the local economy.
“This project will see the current theatre sound processor replaced, upgrading the equipment to be in line with digital cinema standards,” Ms Cooke said.
“This equipment upgrade will deliver state-of-the-art improvements and ensure our local audiences and visitors enjoy high-quality cultural experiences. I am delighted the NSW Government has made this possible for Temora.”
Temora Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rick Firman said Temora Town Hall Theatre is integral to the fabric of the Temora Shire community. The facility is community run by volunteers and provides local residents and visitors alike with access to the latest release movies and productions.
“This grant will enable the upgrade of the sound system, further enhancing the theatre experience for patrons and ensuring that the experience is comparable to that available in metropolitan locations,” Mr Firman said.
This is just one of three projects across the electorate sharing in a total of $11.7 million in funding under the second round of Minor Works and Equipment Projects.
Minister Franklin said this Creative Capital funding will pay dividends for the community by delivering a much-needed facility upgrade.
“This investment in cultural infrastructure is recognition of the valuable role arts and culture plays in the community,” Mr Franklin said.
“The NSW Government’s $72 million Creative Capital program aims to boost equity and access to arts and culture facilities for the people of NSW. With 165 projects across the state, more people will have access to top-class arts and cultural experiences.”
“It’s projects like this that will see the many museums, galleries, performance spaces and Aboriginal Cultural Centres and Keeping Places across NSW be venues their communities can continue to be proud of,” Mr Franklin said.
Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
Steph Cooke | 01 Dec 2022 | Agriculture Grants Tourism
Hillview Farmstay has been successful in securing funding of $150,000 through the Destination NSW Tourism Product Development Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW’s Government’s investment would turbocharge visitation to the region.
“Local tourism is bursting back to life and this funding will help operators deliver the best possible visitor experiences,” Ms Cooke said.
“Destination NSW data shows overnight trips, nights spent away and spend in regional NSW are all up on pre-pandemic levels and this funding would ignite further opportunities to entice travellers to experience our diverse, compelling tourism offering.”
Located 33km south of Gundagai in Mount Adrah, Hillview Farmstay is offering a paddock-to-plate experience by establishing a restaurant that will specialise in home-grown meat, (beef, lamb) from the farm plus organic vegetables and includes offerings of local craft beverages from local wineries and distilleries.
Owner and operator Ms Ruth Singson said they are very excited to have been selected for this grant which complements their existing accommodation and farm activities.
“We are passionate about promoting the region to local and international guests and we feel this provided new venture opens a whole new world of opportunities to promote the region. We are looking forward to the challenge and hope to help generate jobs in the local community,” Ms Singson said.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the NSW Government had outlined a clear goal through the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.
“We are passionate about creating opportunities in for businesses in regional NSW to achieve this goal, by driving demand from new and returning visitors as the state forges ahead on its path to recovery,” Mr Franklin said.
The NSW Government is investing $150,000 in product and experience development in the region to ensure the continued recovery of the local visitor economy.
Managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the Experience Development Fund, targets the development of world-class visitor experiences in NSW with grants of between $80,000 and $150,000.
Steph Cooke | 02 Nov 2022 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council News Roads and Transport Tourism
The NSW Government will provide $290,000 to develop a memorial for the former Prince Alfred Bridge timber road viaduct at Gundagai.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the memorial would include two locations with tourist features to pay tribute to the former local landmark.
“The 711-metre timber bridge first built in 1896 carried traffic across the Gundagai floodplain until it was closed in 1984 and then removed last year due to public safety concerns,” Ms Cooke said.
“These memorials will celebrate the former viaduct’s heritage, cultural and social significance while creating new tourism features for Gundagai.”
Memorial features to be funded by Crown Lands will include:
An interpretation panel with text and photos on the history of the bridge at a public viewing area off Sheridan Street overlooking the floodplain.
A public gathering area on the floodplain off O.I. Bell Drive with recycled bridge timber used to create seating and decorative bollards, a reinstated bridge trestle, and a heritage interpretation panel with text and photos.
3D online model recreating the sights and sounds of the former bridge that would be accessible via a QR code on the interpretation panels.
Ms Cooke said if further funding becomes available Crown Lands will consider extra elements including wire sculpture artworks at both locations and more seating and decorative bollards.
“These memorial concepts were developed by heritage architects Conrad Gargett after almost 140 ideas were put forward by Gundagai residents to help remember the bridge,” Ms Cooke said.
Work to construct the memorials is expected to commence early 2023 following the finalisation of design works.
