Category Archives: Community resources

Councils and not-for-profit organisations in the Cootamundra electorate are encouraged to apply for a share of $600,000 to run programs aimed at reducing social isolation among seniors.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said these grants can provide a social lifeline for seniors who live alone.

“No one likes to be alone or feel disconnected from their community, especially not our seniors,” Ms Cooke said.

“This funding is about helping to foster environments where people can come together, meet new people and enjoy themselves in their local community.”

Across NSW, there were 50 projects in the previous two rounds that successfully promoted social inclusion, reduced seniors’ isolation and loneliness, and provided meaningful opportunities to help older people connect with each other.

Round three will have three funding categories to deliver a more flexible program. The categories include:

• Category 1: $30,000 grants for known or existing projects.
• Category 2: $50,000 grants for projects or partnerships run by local council.
• Category 3: $20,000 grants for new or innovative projects.

Applications are open until 11.59pm on Monday 19 September. For more information and to apply, please visit,www.facs.nsw.gov.au/seniorsgrants.

People with lived experience of mental illness and their carers are helping shape the future of the Mental Health Line by sharing their experience with the NSW Government.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the 1800 011 511 NSW Mental Health Line was a free phone service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering specialist advice, support and referral to specialist NSW Health mental health services.

“We want to ensure it continues to meet the mental health needs of our community,” Ms Cooke said.

“Co-designing the Mental Health Line with people with lived experience of mental illness is the best way to ensure the next evolution continues to make a real difference to those who need it.”

“Recent Have Your Say consultations have helped us to better understand areas such as digital inclusion and digital identity, with these engagements generating new ideas for how we can better deliver services to the people of New South Wales.”

“I encourage people in our community to get involved in the Have Your Say consultation, whether they have experience using the Mental Health Line or may have not known about the service, we want to hear from all.”

The events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.

The importance of health and specifically mental health in our society is evident, with the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime.

The Mental Health Line is an important service that helps people to access appropriate mental health services but there are always areas to improve.

In 2020-21 around 864,000 Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, but it is understood this represents only one in ten of those who experienced mental health distress.

People need to be able to easily access services that can help them when they are at their most vulnerable. This is something we can and need to address.

The NSW Government has allocated $2.2 billion across four years to invest in digital transformation projects through the DRF. The fund is administered by the Department of Customer Service and targets smart, simple technology solutions which create efficiencies for customers across the State.  To Have Your Say on the future of the Mental Health Line, please visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-mhl-consultation

Applications for the NSW Government’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) are now open for Annual Organisation, Projects and Creative Koori Projects’ categories.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging local artists and organisations to apply for funding to shine a light on the innovation, vibrancy and creativity within the arts and cultural sector.

“This funding is a great opportunity to get creative and submit ideas that can deliver on a range of arts and creative activities and offerings, and I encourage everyone to take up the opportunity to enrich our community,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin encouraged professional artists and creatives, arts and cultural organisations, and local councils to apply for funding through the 2022/23 Program that will increase access and availability of arts and cultural experiences across NSW.

“The Arts and Cultural Funding Program supports the states vibrant arts and cultural sector, local economies and jobs, and is part of the Government’s commitment to supporting NSW’s world-renowned creative network and ensuring the sector is stronger than ever,” Mr Franklin said.

“Everyone deserves access to enriching creative experiences and the ACFP is one of the largest investments in arts and culture funding of its kind by any state government in Australia.

“I encourage all artists, arts and cultural organisations and local councils to apply for funding to develop exciting arts and cultural experiences for audiences and communities right across the state.”

The $67.7 million Arts and Cultural Funding Program for 2022/23 is part of the NSW Government’s record $271 million investment in the program from 2021-2024.

Applications for Round one of the Arts and Cultural Funding Program are open for Annual Organisation, Projects, and the Creative Koori Projects categories and close on 29 August 2022.

For more information, guidelines and to apply, visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au

Asylum seekers will be supported with more opportunities to get skilled and find jobs thanks to a new fee-free training program funded by the NSW Government.

The NSW Government has invested $11 million in the Asylum Seeker Employment Skills Support program, which will help upskill asylum seekers by offering English classes, driving lessons, computer literacy courses and even certificates in business.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new program is a great opportunity for asylum seekers who may be struggling to gain employment.

“We know that refugees and asylum seekers want to be self-sufficient through work, but sometimes they are unable to because they don’t have the skills or qualifications,” Ms Cooke said.

“This new program will break down barriers and provide practical support to help asylum seekers get a job and secure a brighter future for them and their families.”

The program joins the Refugee Employment Support Program, which has been extended to December 2023 thanks to an additional $6.3 million investment by the NSW Government. 

“These programs are about investing in our state’s greatest asset – its people. People come to NSW to create a better life and we want to help them make that a reality.”

“This investment goes beyond helping refugees and asylum seekers – it supports local businesses and our economy as well.”

“Once again, the NSW Government is stepping up and making sure no one is left behind, especially refugees and asylum seekers that want to build a brighter future here in our great state.”

More information about the programs are available online.

Morongla Show is set to shine brighter than ever in 2022, thanks to NSW Government support through the Country Shows Support Package.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Country Shows Support Package, which has already delivered over $100,000 to country shows across the Cootamundra electorate has also seen Morongla Show successful in their application to receive $15,000 to support the delivery of their 2022 show.

“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”

“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer,”

“From best grown flowers, to wood chopping, petting zoos and rides for children of all sizes, there is something for everyone at our country and agricultural shows and it is something the whole family can enjoy together.”

Mr David Langfield, President of Morongla Show Society said that the funding will assist the committee to run the show quite well this year and allow improvements to be made to some of the equipment they are using.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides a funding opportunity for the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW in 2022.

“It’s been a tough few years for country shows, with drought, bushfires, storms, floods and COVID-19 disrupting plans, but as they say, the show must go on and these grants are helping make that happen,” Mr Toole said.

“Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities – they not only celebrate the best of the best in the community but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.”

The $5 million Country Shows Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, which will deliver long term support and certainty for the regions as the state reopens.

Applications are open until Friday, 29 April 2022, or when funding is exhausted. For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/CountryShows.

The West Wyalong Show is gearing up for a huge two days of events in 2022, thanks to NSW Government support through the Country Shows Support Package.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Country Shows Support Package, which has already delivered $99,513 to country shows around the Cootamundra electorate has another recipient, with the West Wyalong Show Society Inc to receive $13,677 to support the delivery of the 2022 West Wyalong show.

“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods ahead of this year’s show in September, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”

“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer. From best-grown squash, to wood chopping, petting zoos and watching which dog takes out best in show, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our country and agricultural shows.”

Diane Redman, President of the West Wyalong Show Society Inc said that the commitment by the NSW Government to country shows after a tough couple of years is greatly appreciated by all members of the society.

“We are looking forward to bringing the show back in 2022 bigger and better than ever,” Mrs Redman added.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides a funding opportunity for the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW in 2022.

“It’s been a tough few years for country shows, with drought, bushfires, storms, floods and COVID-19 disrupting plans, but as they say, the show must go on and these grants are helping make that happen,” Mr Toole said.

“Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities – they not only celebrate the best of the best in the community but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.”

The $5 million Country Shows Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, which will deliver long term support and certainty for the regions as the state reopens.

Applications are open until Friday, 29 April 2022, or when funding is exhausted. For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/CountryShows.

Parents are urged to book a free child car seat check in Cowra this week as research shows two-out-of-three child restraints are not being properly used.

Transport for NSW will host the free car seat check in the Cowra Aquatic Centre car park between 10am and 1pm on Thursday 7 April, with a qualified child restraint specialist on hand to ensure your most precious cargo is kept safe and sound.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the car seat checks would take just a few minutes each and were open to the whole community.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone who has a child seat in their car – parents, grandparents and carers – to come along and ensure it is fitted correctly to provide maximum protection for your child,” Ms Cooke said.

“Research show two-thirds of child restraints are not being properly used. A child could sustain devastating injuries in the event of a crash, or even sudden braking, if a restraint is incorrectly fitted.”

“Common mistakes made include not tightening the straps properly, not checking clips and using loose bolts in need of replacement.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the car seat checks will provide information about national child restraint laws, the types of restraints available and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next, with Cowra Council also giving away a free car seat on the day.

“There is nothing more important than the safety of our children. A quick, free check could save a child’s life,” Mr Farraway said.

Registrations are essential and bookings can be made by calling the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre (CINC) on 6340 1100.

Transport for NSW is planning further car seat check events at Coonabarabran, Walgett, Broken Hill, Lithgow and Oberon before the end of June.

For more information contact: bookings.western@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Attending performances and functions is set to become a gala experience for Cowra residents and visitors with a major upgrade to the town’s Civic Centre, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

The upgrade includes installation of a Hearing Aid Loop, automatic entrance and toilet doors, fitting of retractable raked seating in the upstairs 88-seat theatrette and recarpeting throughout.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the $337,038 grant will make the venue a more welcoming, inclusive and accessible public building.

“Arts Tourism is a key part of the NSW Government’s strategic plan, with many of our regional events designed to draw visitors, so it’s essential that the venue is able to support everyone,” Ms Cooke said.

“This will enable people with hearing impairments to use existing hearing aids to participate fully in events including stage productions, cinema screenings, conferences and civic events.”

“The fitting of automatic doors on entrances and toilets will improve access for all users, regardless of age or level of ability, and the recarpeting will remove some significant trip hazards for facility users.”

Jonathan Llewellyn, Manager at the Cowra Civic Centre said this funding to improve accessibility for all was integral to increasing the dignity, respect and independence of patrons who might have had difficulties in accessing the venue in the past.

“Along with the improvements to access and reduction in hazards, making a shift to more comfortable seating will make a difference to those patrons who find the current seating challenging, which in turn will make every experience in the theatrette more enjoyable,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“In particular by providing a hearing-loop for those patrons with hearing impairments it means we are able to overcome a hurdle for those who can find the noise from crowds overwhelming and be more inclusive to all visitors.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Tourism Activation Fund is helping establish unique tourism experiences that attract visitors and showcase what our regions have to offer.

“Projects backed through the Regional Tourism Activation Fund will give domestic and international visitors more great reasons to holiday away from the city,” Mr Toole said.

Under Stream One, grants of between $200,000 and $5 million were made available for projects delivering unique and high impact visitor experiences. Stream Two provided grants of between $50,000 to $500,000 for projects aimed at improving the accessibility and inclusion of tourism experiences for people with disability.

The $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. For more information, go to:

www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is strongly encouraging the Cowra community to have their say on the $70.2 million redevelopment of Cowra Hospital with the master plan released today.

Ms Cooke said the redevelopment, which will be built behind the existing hospital on the campus, will ensure patients, staff and the Cowra community have access to the high-quality health services they need close to home.

“As the Cowra Hospital redevelopment takes shape, it is crucial the community takes this opportunity to provide their feedback on the master plan to the project team,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Cowra Hospital master plan outlines the vision of Health Infrastructure for the redevelopment which includes upgraded inpatient beds, contemporary facilities and new health services including the hospital’s first CT scanner.”

The master plan released for the Cowra Hospital includes:

“I continue to advocate in the strongest possible terms to ensure we deliver a hospital that the Cowra community both expects and deserves,” Ms Cooke added.

“The feedback of the community, in addition to that of Health Clinicians and staff, is an essential part of this.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the existing hospital campus provided the perfect location for the upgraded Cowra Health Service, which will include new on-site parking for staff, patients and visitors.

“The project team has been working with Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) staff and clinicians as well as local stakeholders who have provided valuable input into the master plan,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is an important project for the Cowra community, and everyone to view the master plan and provide their feedback on how we can best meet the health needs of the region.”

Four community information sessions will be held in the Nguluway Room at the Cowra Shire Council over the next fortnight where community members can drop in to view the master plan and ask the project team questions.

In-person community information session times include:

Thursday 31 March, 9.30am – 11.30am

Tuesday 5 April, 9.30am – 11.30am

Thursday 7 April, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Wednesday 13 April, 11:30am – 1:30pm

Online webinar sessions times include:

Tuesday 5 April, 5 – 6pm

Thursday 7 April, 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

The community is encouraged to register their interest by booking on (02) 9978 5432.

Construction is on track to commence in 2023 and the community will continue to be updated as planning progresses and we move towards construction. 

The Cowra Hospital redevelopment is part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2024-25, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities. To register for online information sessions and to find out more about the redevelopment, visit www.cowrahospitalredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au.

Jobs available in regional NSW continue to grow thanks to the $75 million Newell Highway project and the Newell Highway Program Alliance.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that to date, the Alliance has completed 23 new overtaking lanes with seven more in construction and 10 in planning.

“Work started on Tuesday March 29 on a southbound overtaking lane at Mirrool, about 15 kilometres north of Ardlethan, to provide another opportunity to pass slow-moving and heavy vehicles on the Newell,” Ms Cooke said.

“The project will support around 120 jobs, including 60 locals, and is expected to take seven months to complete, weather permitting.”

“Local shires in the Cootamundra electorate including Bland, Weddin, Narrandera and Coolamon have all benefitted in many different ways including employment, through the Newell Highway upgrade.”

Former Dubbo High School student Hailee Strawns had never considered a career in project management until the NSW Infrastructure Traineeship Program opened her eyes to a new world of opportunity.

Hailee, who completed Year 12 in 2019, came across the traineeship program while studying a Diploma of Business at the University of NSW.

She began her traineeship with Transport for NSW in Dubbo and has now started an eight-month rotation with the Newell Highway Program Alliance, a partnership delivering approximately 40 new overtaking lanes along the full length of the Newell Highway.

“I thought the traineeship was an amazing opportunity for school leavers, especially for regional people,” Hailee said.

“Once I started the traineeship with Transport for NSW, I realised project management was a lot like business – it had many similarities and I loved that.”

Work will be carried out on a two-week roster, weather permitting:

Week 1: 7am to 6pm from Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Week 2: 7am to 6pm from Monday to Thursday, no work from Friday to Monday.

For the safety of motorists and workers, changed traffic conditions will be in place including reduced speed limits of 40 km/h and 60 km/h during work hours and 80 km/h after hours.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of all signs and traffic control.

The Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding a $1.455 billion upgrade of the Newell Highway, with the Australian Government contributing $60 million to build new overtaking lanes and the NSW Government contributing $168 million.

More information on the Newell Highway overtaking lanes is available on the Transport for NSW website.

More information about the NSW Infrastructure Traineeship program is available on the NSW Government website.