Category Archives: Community resources

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said common sense has finally prevailed with the announcement today that a parliamentary inquiry into regional crime will soon get underway.

Ms Cooke said she has backed calls for the inquiry since it was first raised by the Country Mayors Association last October.

“I spoke again in parliament this week on the urgent need for a bi-partisan parliamentary inquiry into regional crime, and I’m relieved the government has finally listened to our concerns, and has woken up to the seriousness of the situation we’re facing in the regions,” Ms Cooke said.

“While I wholeheartedly welcome this important and much needed intervention into the problems around crime in the regions, I am disappointed that it took the government this long to acknowledge the problem, and to agree to doing something about it.

“Essentially, we are now six months behind where we could have been if the government had only listened to those of us giving a voice to residents in regional communities, who are tired of being treated like second-class citizens when it comes to law and order.

“The bottom line is that nothing short of a bi-partisan parliamentary inquiry will properly address the issues around regional crime, and get to the bottom of what’s causing the anti-social behaviour, the support services that are available, the deterrence measures that are needed, and the level and allocation of police resources.

“Today’s announcement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who have long championed the need for an inquiry, including the Country Mayors Association led by Chair Mayor Jamie Chaffey, the Police Association, NSW Farmers, the CWA, the Shadow Police Minister, and other key members of the Opposition.

“Recent statistics from the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research confirmed what those of us who live and work in the regions, already know: that when it comes to crime in NSW, it is far worse in regional and rural areas, than in Sydney.

“With an inquiry now confirmed, the work can finally begin on finding lasting solutions to combat these problems and provide our rural and regional communities with the peace of mind they deserve,” she said.

To view Steph’s parliamentary speech, click here.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke meeting with the Shadow Police Minister Paul Toole in her office in Parliament House, following news an inquiry into regional crime will soon get underway.

Ensuring residents in Cowra are well prepared and looked after in the event of future floods and other potential disasters, was the focus of a mock evacuation at the Golf Club recently.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was on hand to meet with representatives of the various agencies and community groups taking part in the response exercise, to hear more about what plans are in place, should disaster strike the town.

“As we know, when the Lachlan River reaches a certain point, Cowra gets cut in half, so it’s vital that we have the resources in place on both sides of the river, to ensure all residents are catered for should similar events unfold in the future,” Ms Cooke said.

“Thanks to the Cowra Bowling Club and the Cowra Golf Club, we have an evacuation centre on the east and on the west side of the river. So it doesn’t matter which side of town you reside on, there is now a very well-equipped evacuation centre for residents to go to.

“As the Minister for Emergency Services, Resilience, & Flood Recovery during the 2022 floods, I – together with the then-Premier Perrottet – launched an independent flood inquiry, which essentially provided vital insight into what went wrong, but also what went right in terms of rescue, response, and recovery during those flooding events.

“And it’s exercises like this here in Cowra, that demonstrates that we have learnt the lessons of the past, and we’re now applying those lessons in a way that ensures we’re better prepared in the future.

“I’d like to congratulate all involved in this exercise, including organiser Feargus O’Connor, Executive Director of Disaster Welfare, with the Department of Communities and Justice, and the close to 100 first-responders from the various agencies and not-for-profit organisations in the town, who took part.

“This kind of proactive approach serves as a model for others, and demonstrates the vital role key agencies and organisations play, in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members.

“The event highlighted the value of emergency response training, as well as the establishment of evacuation protocols, and the need for ongoing investment in essential rescue equipment and resources,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has used a visit to Young by Police Minister Yasmin Catley to once again highlight the need for a bi-partisan parliamentary inquiry into rural and regional crime.

Ms Cooke met with the Minister in her Young office, before they together joined local police for a tour of the Young Police Station, where the group discussed a range of issues specific to the Cootamundra electorate, including the need for additional police funding to address problems around infrastructure and staffing.

“I never miss a chance during parliamentary sitting weeks to invite the Minister to the electorate, so I’m certainly pleased to be able to welcome her to our part of the world, where she had the chance to tour both the Cootamundra and Young Police Stations,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Minister was receptive to the matters that I raised directly with her; she was grateful for the on-the-ground feedback that I was able to provide around matters such as the need for a new Police Station in Young, as well as the need for additional funding for police stations and accommodation right across the electorate.

“I used the meeting to again discuss the community’s concerns around police numbers, and the ongoing calls for 24-hour policing in some areas.

“I continued to urge the Minister to reconsider her position on a proposal put forward by the Country Mayors Association, for a parliamentary inquiry into rural and regional crime.

“An inquiry would give us a clear picture of the changing landscape around law and order, both in terms of police resources and criminal activity, and would provide a clear way forward on combatting these issues, which are not going to improve without a concerted effort to address the unique challenges facing police in rural and regional areas.

“At the end of the day, I left the Minister in no doubt about the need to ensure we have enough police on the ground – with the resources they need – to proactively address and deter criminal activity, and make rural areas a no-go-zone for potential wrongdoers.

“Our police do a wonderful job – day-in and day-out – looking after our communities, and I certainly let the Minister know how grateful we all are to them for their hard work.

“Policing it is not an easy task, and the officers of our four Police Districts – Riverina Police District, Hume Police District, Murrumbidgee Police District & Chifley Police District – go above and beyond, to protect us all.

“The Minister’s visit was a welcome opportunity to sit down and discuss at length the specific issues in our Cootamundra electorate, and I will continue to have ongoing conversations with her on these and other matters going forward,” she said.

Key issues raised during the meeting included:

• New Police Station for Young;
• Narrandera Police Station;
• Country Mayors Association’s proposal for a rural and regional crime inquiry;
• Potential implications for police resources following de-privatisation of the Junee Correctional Centre;
• The need for greater police presence in parts of the electorate;
• Calls for 24-hour policing in some areas;
• The need for police numbers to keep pace with population growth;
• Domestic violence case numbers, and the need for adequate support services;
• Matters regarding firearm licence delays/removals; and
• Stock theft across the electorate.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, with Police Minister Yasmin Catley, and (back from left) Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos APM, Inspector Adrian Matthews, and Superintendent Paul Condon.

As Mental Health Month draws to a close, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is reminding residents of the importance of ensuring the community unites and takes a collective responsibility for mental well-being.

Ms Cooke joined staff and clients from Wellways in Young recently, for a game of barefoot bowls to advocate for greater awareness around mental health, and to promote the importance of seeking guidance, and offering support to those in need.

“The theme for Mental Health Month has been “We All Have a Role to Play”, which has emphasised the need to support one and other when it comes to mental well-being,” Ms Cooke said.

“This event hosted by the amazing Wellways team, was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness around improved mental health outcomes, and the need for us all to address this crucial matter, both in terms of seeking help, and providing it to each other.

“It was such a good reminder about the little things we can all do to look after our mental well-being; whether it be reaching out to friends, going for a run, spending some time with family, or playing sports, there’s many different ways in which we can maintain our mental health when things are becoming tough or a little over-whelming.

“Mental health is an integral aspect of our well-being, and this get-together served as a reminder that every individual plays a role in fostering a compassionate and supportive community.

“Mental Health Month may be over for 2023, but the message “We All Have a Role to Play” is something we should remember each and every month of the year.

“It’s not just about raising awareness; it’s a call to action, encouraging the community to unite and take a collective responsibility for mental health,” she said.

The Young Library & Cultural Precinct has been officially opened earlier this month as part of a community open day to welcome completion of the state-of-the-art facility.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the building is an exciting asset for the region, with the new building better reflecting the various uses of a modern library.

“This new facility is bright, engaging and very well-equipped for the many ways in which our community will seek to use it into the future,” Ms Cooke said.

“We know public libraries are much more than a home for our book collection – they are a meeting space, a hub for school holiday activities, mother’s groups and cultural events.

“To have this facility in our own backyard will help to inspire a lifelong love of books, and also encourage more involvement in everything our public library has to offer.”

Some of the stand-out features at the new facility include:

• dedicated learning spaces,
• children’s activity areas,
• reading and study areas,
• video conferencing systems,
• multimedia stations, audio and visual assisted technology,
• arts spaces, including a pottery workshop and kiln, and a
• Wiradjuri Learning and Cultural Centre.

Ms Cooke said the project is the result of a successful partnership between the NSW Government, Schools Infrastructure and Hilltops Council.

“I am very pleased that students and staff of Young High School have also benefitted from the project, with enhancements to the campus an innovative way to have added even more social value to the project.

“With the building now complete and operational, it is my hope that the vision of this wonderful facility, and it’s potential for future generations, can be fully appreciated.”

Image: The Hon. Steph Cooke MP with The Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, Hilltops Council Mayor Cr Margaret Roles and Students from Young High School at Community Open Day of The Young Library and Cultural Precinct.

Bland Shire Council has been successful in receiving over $5.2million to deliver five projects from round nine as part of the NSW Government Resources for Regions program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today said this program is vital in providing support to mining communities across regional NSW.

“This is great news for the Bland community and I am thrilled the NSW Government are able to show an ongoing commitment to delivering projects that benefit community, and contribute to our local economy,” Ms Cooke said.

The five projects awarded for Bland Shire Council include:

• Main Street Revitalisation Project $95,788
• Sport and Recreation Master Plan $107,116
• Council Facility Access Audit and Plan $54,300
• Bland Shire Community Amenity and Safety Program $499,232
• Roads Upgrade Program $4,529,079

Bland Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Monghan said this funding will assist Council to address our immediate critical transport infrastructure needs while also undertaking strategic planning and community consultation.

“This will allow Council to take a structured, planned and measured approach towards improving community assets and outcomes into the future,” Mr Monghan said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 355 projects worth $560 million to mining communities since its inception in 2012, stimulating local economies and delivering critical infrastructure.

“The Resources for Regions program is about giving back to these mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy,” Mr Toole said.

“I would like to congratulate Bland Shire Council for putting forward these projects which will make big difference for the people and organisations in this local community.” 

The $560 million Resources for Regions 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 infrastructure for regional communities. For further information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/R4R

Narrandera CRC Incorporated has been successful in receiving funding of $141,589 to deliver upgrades to the CRC Plaza Theatre thanks to the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced this funding during a visit to the theatre, encouraging the community to continue enjoying this beloved venue.

“This funding will help to deliver state-of-the-art improvements and ensure local audiences and visitors enjoy high-quality cultural experiences. I am delighted the NSW Government has made this possible at the CRC Plaza Theatre,” Ms Cooke said.

“This project will provide significant improvements to front-of-house sound, speakers, the mixing desk and theatre lighting upgrades, while also making improvements to energy efficiency and stage acoustics.”

Narrandera CRC Senior Pastor, Mr Trevor Murphy said this will improve the atmosphere in the already beautiful 500-seat CRC Plaza theatre, which is a much-loved part of the Narrandera community.

“The most grateful of all will be the sound and lighting volunteers, who over many years have done a fantastic job with very modest equipment. This grant will enable them to easily utilise their expertise, train and develop others and significantly enhance the production quality of the events and organisations they serve, which I know will be a great encouragement to them,” Mr Murphy 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 of Narrandera 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.

A Recovery Assistance Point will operate at Narrandera on Tuesday 29 November to support individuals, families, farmers and business owners recover from the recent flooding.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Recovery Assistance Points bring together NSW Government agencies, community organisations and welfare bodies all under one roof.

“As we transition from response to recovery, it can be difficult for people to know where to start,” Ms Cooke said.

“Recovery Assistance Points function as the first port of call for people needing to access the various flood recovery support on offer.

“Whether you need to replace damaged documents, receive assistance with the physical clean-up, access emergency accommodation or utilise mental health services, I encourage everyone who has been impacted by the severe storm and flooding to visit.”

The Recovery Assistance Points will operate at Narrandera Emergency Operations Centre, 17-19 Twynam Street Narrandera on:

• Tuesday, 29 November from 3pm to 6pm.

For the most up-to-date Recovery Assistance Points details, including opening days and hours, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery-centres.

Service NSW is operating as an online one-stop shop for anyone wanting assistance remotely, with Customer Care specialists also available via phone on 13 77 88.

A Recovery Assistance Point will operate in Gundagai on Saturday 26 November to help individuals, families, farmers and business owners recover from flooding.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Recovery Assistance Points bring together NSW Government agencies, Commonwealth agencies, the local council, community organisations and welfare bodies all under the one roof.

“As we transition from response to recovery, it can be difficult for people to know where to start,” Ms Cooke said.

“Recovery Assistance Points function as the first port of call for people needing to access the various types of flood recovery support available.”

“Whether you need to replace damaged documents, receive assistance with the physical clean-up, access emergency accommodation or utilise mental health services, I encourage everyone who has been impacted by the severe storm and flooding to visit.”

Recovery Assistance Points continue to be stood up across NSW to connect individuals, families, farmers and business owners with a range of services and offer support, as they begin the long and difficult clean-up, rebuilding and recovery process.

The Recovery Assistance Point will operate at Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Chambers, 255 Sheridan Street, Gundagai on:

• Saturday, 26 November from 10am to 4pm.

For the most up-to-date Recovery Assistance Point details, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery-centres.

Service NSW is operating as an online one-stop shop for anyone wanting assistance remotely, with Customer Care specialists also available over the phone on 13 77 88.

Community groups are being encouraged to make an application for funds to conserve the state’s community war memorials under round two of the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said $125,000 would be available in round two which is now open with funding available to support the repair, protection and conservation of community war memorials across the state.

“This funding from the state is vitally important as it helps our local community protect our memorials, ensuring the service and sacrifice of our veterans are not forgotten,” Ms Cooke said.

“I encourage community organisations including memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils to apply.”

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help with projects like conservation assessments, honour roll restoration, and repairs to war memorial structures and halls.

We have seen a number of projects across the electorate receive funding from previous rounds:

• Junee Shire Council – Illabo Memorial Ground
• Junee Shire Council – Eurongilly War Memorial
• Grenfell Sub Branch of the RSL of Australia NSW Branch – Grenfell World War Two Memorial
• Temora Lutheran Community Church – Trungley Hall War Memorial
• Coolamon RSL Sub Branch – Coolamon Cenotaph
• Ariah Park Community Projects – Ariah Park War Memorial
• Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council – Muttama Hall
• Cootamundra RSL Sub Branch – Albert Park Memorial
• Bendick Murrell Memorial Hall & Recreation Ground Trust – Bendick Murrell Memorial Hall
• Koowawatha Progress Association – Koorawatha Honour Roll
• Naradhan Reserve Land – Naradhan RSL Honour Roll
• Gundagai RSL Sub Branch – Gundagai – ANZAC Grove
• Canowindra RSL Sub-Branch – Canowindra War Memorial

Round 2 of the 2022/23 Community War Memorials Fund will close at 5pm on Monday 13 February 2023. To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register For information about the program and to access the application form, please visit Grants · Office for Veterans Affairs (nsw.gov.au)