Category Archives: Community resources

Applications are now open for the 2023 NSW Women’s Week Grants Program, with $100,000 in funding available for women-focused events held between 6-12 March, 2023.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has encouraged local councils and not-for-profit organisations to apply for a share of the funding to hold events that celebrate and connect women and girls across the region.

“NSW Women’s Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments of women and girls in the region,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said NSW Women’s Week is a time to shine a light on what we can do to bring women together, share our strengths, support each other and work towards gender equality.

“I urge organisations to submit their applications to help them deliver these important events for their local community,” Mrs Taylor said.

Events funded by the grants program must support at least one of the key priorities of the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-26:

· Economic opportunity and advancement

· Health and wellbeing

· Participation and empowerment

Applications close Sunday, 4 December 2022. Apply online at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-womens-week-grant

Businesses in the region will now be able to register for the NSW Seniors Card program faster and more efficiently online, with a new digital registration process now live.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new and improved digital registration process will save local businesses time and make it easier for them to update their discounts and business details.

“Until now, businesses were required to submit paper forms and wait up to four weeks to get approved to join the program. This meant only fifteen new businesses signed up each month on average,” Ms Cooke said.

“With the new online registration process streamlining the system, registration for hundreds of new businesses every week is now possible. For most businesses, the registration process will take less than 10 minutes.”

“Since the launch of the Digital Seniors Card in April, we have had an average of 24,000 seniors joining the program every month. Our digital savvy seniors are really enjoying the experience with a customer satisfaction rate of 90 per cent.”

“While giving them the opportunity to connect with more customers, these businesses will ultimately be helping ease some of the pressure on seniors’ household budget.”

To register their business for the NSW Seniors Card program, business representatives must be authorised to act on behalf of the business by being listed as an associate in the Australian Business Register. If they are not, they’ll be guided through the steps for authorisation when they start their registration. Alternatively, they can supply a letter of authority. 

For more information or to register, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 for assistance or to complete the online form go to: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-be-nsw-seniors-card-program-participating-business

Residents are being encouraged to nominate the local people or events that helped to shape the rich heritage of the State in the second round of the $5 million NSW Blue Plaques program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the program is a fantastic opportunity for communities to learn about and celebrate local heritage.

“This initiative is all about recognising the eclectic characters, personalities and important public figures that have made or become part of the history of our state,” Ms Cooke said.

In Canowindra, there is a Blue Plaque dedicated to local identity Elizabeth Jane (Bessie) Robinson was a businesswoman who drove the development of the town and advocated for quality public education.

In the early 1870s, Bessie was not only instrumental in building modern-day Canowindra she also began campaigning for better education in Canowindra, with the Government agreeing to set up a state school in 1875.

“I encourage people to research the region’s local history and nominate diverse and unique individuals and stories for a Blue Plaque in the second nominations round,” Ms Cooke said.

The second round of nominations for Blue Plaques opened on 13 November, and close 21 December 2022.

To be eligible, each Blue Plaque must meet eligibility criteria and go through an extensive fact-checking process carried out by independent historians to verify the story behind the Plaque.

Minister for Heritage James Griffin said the second round of nominations opens as 14 new Blue Plaques are announced.

“The 35 Blue Plaques announced so far are just the beginning of this fantastic program, which is reinvigorating community connections with our rich NSW heritage.”

The previously announced 21 Blue Plaques are currently being installed in locations including Albury, Wagga Wagga and Canowindra, and the 14 new Plaques will be installed in 2023, with exact locations to be revealed when they’re installed.

For more information on Blue Plaques recipients, installation locations, and to find out how to nominate a Blue Plaque, visit the Blue Plaques website

A Recovery Assistance Point will begin operating at Cootamundra from Friday 11 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 Cootamundra Civic Hall, 81 Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra on:

• Friday, 11 November from 10am to 4pm; and
• Saturday, 12 November from 10am to 4pm.

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.

Seniors living in the region now have access to more businesses and service providers via the NSW Seniors Card.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said more than 140 new businesses have joined over 6,500 who have already joined the Seniors Card program, which will help ease the cost-of-living pressures on seniors while providing a boost to many small businesses.

“This is one of several NSW Government initiatives to help seniors with the cost-of-living pressures including energy rebates to take some pressure off the household budget and keep more money in their back pocket,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Seniors Card for over-60s has thousands of discounts covering groceries, tradies, holidays, insurance and services such as accountants and medical care. Businesses signing up to the program get more people through the door so it’s a win-win.

“It’s fantastic to see Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre and Label A Clothing at Young join the program and I encourage more businesses to sign up and open their door to more than 1.9 million seniors across NSW.”

Among the other new businesses joining the program are dental surgeries, pubs and hotels, health and wellness centres and home cleaning service providers.

Seniors also have access to the digital version of the NSW Seniors Card, with more than 120,000 people taking up the digital option since its launch in April.

For a full list of discounts available via the NSW Seniors Card, or for businesses to join the program, please visit seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.

In addition to the NSW Seniors Card, there are more than 70 discounts and rebates available through the Savings Finder Program available on the Service NSW website at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder.

Those without internet access can make an appointment with a savings specialist at a Service NSW centre or by calling 13 77 88.

With summer sport registrations officially open and swimming season here, families are being encouraged to take advantage of the enormously successful Active Kids and First Lap Voucher programs, helping kids keep healthy and having fun without breaking the family budget.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said families can use these NSW Government cost-saving measures for summer sport and swimming lessons.

“Getting kids out of the house to be active is important for health and wellbeing,” Ms Cooke said.

“Signing your child up for sports allows for them to make new friends, learn important skills and stay healthy.

“Now is the perfect time to download your vouchers and have some fun in the sun.”

School-enrolled children in NSW can access two $100 Active Kids vouchers each year towards the cost of sport and active recreation fees.

The First Lap program provides families of eligible NSW children aged 3-6, not enrolled in school, with one $100 voucher to offset the costs of swimming lessons.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government continues to invest in local communities to help young families stay active and healthy.

“Whether it’s dancing, cricket or learning how to swim, our Active Kids and First Lap vouchers make it easier for young kids all over NSW to have access to even more ways to stay happy and healthy,” Mr Henskens said.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said NSW families have embraced the Active Kids and First Lap programs, as part of more than 70 Government savings to help ease the cost of living and boost household budgets.

“I encourage NSW families to head to the Service NSW website or app and create their child’s vouchers today,” Mr Dominello said.

“Improvements to the application and redemption process for parents and providers, including a digital version of the voucher on the Service NSW app, will be available in the future.”

More information on Active Kids and First Lap is available https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/

An innovative program that helps victim-survivors of domestic violence to stay safely in a home of their choice is being expanded to 14 additional local government areas across the state.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that the expansion of this important program builds on the NSW Government’s strong response to supporting people impacted by domestic and family violence.

“The expansion of the Staying Home Leaving Violence program is an important addition to our community and will provide women with a safe location where they can receive the support they need,” Ms Cooke said.

“This program has a proven track record, and I am thrilled that the expansion to include additional areas within the region will mean more women will be able to access this vital service.”

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward, said the expansion of the Staying Home Leaving Violence program would provide support to more vulnerable women across NSW.

“The Staying Home Leaving Violence program provides support to women and children who have suffered domestic violence by allowing them to stay safely and heal in their own home while the perpetrator is removed,” Mrs Ward said.

“Earlier this year I announced phase one of the expansion, including $20 million for 28 existing Staying Home Leaving Violence service providers to extend their service reach from 33 locations to 70,

“Today we’re announcing $12.5 million to deliver phases two and three, to deliver 11 new locations and trial the program in three additional locations, to help even more victim-survivors.”

The Local Government Areas to have the program for the first time include:

• Junee and Wagga Wagga
• Cowra, Parkes, and Forbes
• Mid-Coast
• Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter
• Armidale, Uralla and Walcha
• Canterbury and Burwood
• Georges River
• Sutherland
• Bathurst and Lithgow
• Mid-Western
• Queanbeyan-Palerang

Under phase three, the program is being trialled across three Local Government Areas where demand is lower, or where there are geographical barriers to accessing mainstream services, including Weddin, Lachlan and the Blue Mountains, and Snowy Monaro Regional.

The trial will include combining technological solutions and outreach services to deliver safety planning and case management support.

Support available to victim-survivors through Staying Home Leaving Violence can include improved home security, intensive case management, legal assistance, and financial advice.

For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63), NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Families are encouraged to make the most of any outstanding Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers these school holidays before they expire on 9 October 2022.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said these vouchers have provided hip pocket relief to families and helped boost their budget.

“The people of NSW have warmly embraced both the Stay and Parent voucher programs, with almost $282 million injected into the State’s economy since their inception,” Ms Cooke said.

“The vouchers are a win-win. They provide a boost to household budgets as well as providing much-needed stimulus for local businesses, with the average spend tracking well above $100 when they redeem a $50 voucher for both programs.

“I encourage the community to redeem any outstanding vouchers. Whether you want to book a weekend away or take the kids to a movie or wildlife park, the school holidays are the perfect time for people to use their vouchers. Don’t miss out, with only two weeks left, use them or lose them.”

These vouchers help support accommodation providers in NSW impacted by COVID-19. NSW residents aged 18 and older can apply for one $50 voucher to use towards the cost of accommodation bookings. ​

The NSW Government launched these vouchers to reward and thank eligible NSW households for their efforts to support learning from home in 2021. One person from each eligible household can apply for five $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total.

NSW Government Vouchers are non-transferable and can only be redeemed by the customer who was issued the voucher. They cannot be used as a gift or donation to a registered business and cannot be exchanged for cash or gift vouchers.

For more information visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw and https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers 

National Skills Week, a week dedicated to vocational learning starts on August 22 and runs until August 28.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging people across the region to ‘Thank A Tradie’ this National Skills Week.

“National Skills Week is the perfect time to celebrate the important contribution of tradespeople to local economies,” Ms Cooke said.

“Whether it’s the chippie who laid your floor, the sparkie who installed your lighting, or the florist who created your bouquet for your Wedding Day, skilled tradespeople deliver services that are part of everyday life.”

“There has never been a better time to study at TAFE and this National Skills Week we’re encouraging people to explore the range of fee-free courses on offer to help you get your first job, a new job or a better job.”

Sharna Turton from Young is currently studying a Certificate III in Plumbing at TAFE NSW and is now employed at S and S Plumbing in the Young area and supporting her community through her profession.

“Plumbing is my second trade, I was working on large gas supply infrastructure projects but decided to switch careers to have more control over what I was working on and to be able to work independently. Studying to be a plumber at TAFE NSW gives me the hands-on practical skills I need to be successful in this industry,” she said.

“I like to be able to fix things myself and be self-sufficient. It’s a great feeling to be able to use my skills to help people with their plumbing in this community.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said NSW is going to need an additional 3,400 chippies, 1,500 plumbers, 2,900 chefs, and 2,300 sparkies in the next three years, which provides an exciting opportunity for job seekers.

“TAFE NSW is helping secure a brighter future for NSW by helping people get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Government’s record investment in TAFE NSW means more people can get high-quality training in priority courses, all while honing their craft in industry-standard learning spaces.” For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Ellwood Hall unveiled their newly renovated kitchen, which was made possible through the Community Building Partnership program, with the NSW Government investing in infrastructure project.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Community Building Partnership program delivers positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes while promoting community participation, inclusion, and cohesion.

“It is always exciting when I see funding being injected into our region and I commend the Ellwood Hall committee on providing a user-friendly space for the community to come together and enjoy,” Ms Cooke said.

“I congratulate the committee on their funding to renovate their Kitchen, including installation of cupboards, repairs to the ceiling, new floor coverings, painting, plumbing and installation of a new stove and dishwasher.”

Now a decade old, the Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 13,800 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

Funding through various programs has enabled the committee at Ellwood Hall to have repairs and maintenance undertaken including installation of heating and cooling to allow for a more desirable hall during that can be utilised any time of the year. For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp