Category Archives: Uncategorized

Bland Shire Council is among the latest successful applicants announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project 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 the funding of $2,524 in support of the ‘Kinder Kick AFL Sessions’ that will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever,” Ms Cooke said.

“Projects like the ‘Kinder Kick AFL Sessions’ 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 grow.”

This AFL sporting program is aimed to capture children from culturally diverse families and provide peer support and mentoring. It will allow children access to coaches which will create bonds, friendships, and provide another outlet of support for children.

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.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for wellbeing programs, events and resources as part of the initiative which are open now and close on 31 December 2022, or when fully allocated. For program and eligibility guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing

NSW Grandparents Day is around the corner, providing a great opportunity to show nan or pop how much they mean to families and communities across NSW.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging families to celebrate Grandparents Day on 30 October.

“Grandparents are the backbone of our families, supporting parents, teaching values, and connecting to family history,” Ms Cooke said.

“We should ensure we are celebrating Grandparents every day of the year, but Grandparents Day is a particularly great time to acknowledge their past, present and future contributions.”

Grandparents Day is a chance to reflect on the special intergenerational bond between seniors and their grandchildren, and the special recipe for love that only they can offer.

“Grandparents play a vital role in family life, building special relationships across all age groups and cultures,” she said.

“Each person who takes on the role of a grandparent in their family or community is unique and special, so please remember to pick up the phone or go and visit your loved ones this Grandparents Day.”

Grandparents Day is part of the Ageing Well in NSW: Action Plan 2021-2022.

For more information, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/grandparents-day

West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club has completed a project to install a new PA System at Holland Park Pool, West Wyalong in time for the 2022/23 swimming season.

The new equipment was funded by $15,000 through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program, ensuring visitors will hear important calls and announcements while enjoying the facility.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new PA system is a practical addition to support the numerous events held at Holland Park Pool throughout the season.

“As a passionate swimmer who has swum many laps at this pool, I know these upgrades will only improve the experience for spectators, participants and visitors alike,” Ms Cooke said.

“Whether you’re hosting a swimming carnival, or taking part in Bland Shire’s Australia Day poolside events, it is important for all involved to hear announcements from organisers.

“I congratulate the Club for getting this project done in time for the coming season, allowing it to be used every day for squad training, Learn to Swim classes, Scuba Diving and of course, the ‘Water World’ obstacle course set to return later this year.”

West Wyalong Amateur Swimming Club Secretary and Public Officer Dayanna Jordan said the system will be very useful given the number of local schools which hold swimming carnivals, along with the various school holiday programs.

“When our Club hosts the Southern Inland Swimming Carnival in February next year, we won’t be let down by a faulty PA System. Our National Anthem will proudly be heard by all attendees,” Ms Jordan said.

This is the latest project at Holland Park Pool to have been completed thanks to funding from the NSW Government, following refurbishment of the waterslide and installation of pool heating in the first round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Government, Independent and Catholic schools across the region will join forces to introduce a unique cross-sector agreement to lift behaviour standards in schools.

This includes providing greater support for dealing with disruptive students by introducing the role of NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor to lead on best practice for improving and maintaining respectful student behaviour across the State.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomes the initiative to help address common problems impacting schools.

“By implementing changes to decrease disruption in the classroom and allowing more time to learn, we will provide students with a space to thrive and achieve their goals.”

The Advisor will work with schools using the latest evidence-based practices, through the Education Minister’s Schools Advisory Council. They will also advise parents and carers on the most effective ways to support their children and reinforce the behavioural approaches taken at school.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the behavioural pressures on schools are complex and having a cross-sector approach will help all schools tackle big challenges like social media.

Ms Mitchell also confirmed plans to more than double the number of Behaviour Specialists supporting NSW public schools to manage complex student behaviour, from 70 to 200.

“The boost to the number of Behaviour Specialists will mean more schools will benefit from these experts who can provide advice to teachers, coordinate resources and build the capacity of schools to manage challenging and complex student behaviour,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Our overall approach will help embed our recent inclusive, engaging and respectful school’s reforms in public schools, and share best practice across systems so that all schools can adopt strategies that have been proven to work well.”

The new approach will also include recognising students who have shown high standards of respectful behaviour, inclusiveness and community-mindedness.

Each school will present a Premier’s Respect Award to a student who exemplifies respectful behaviour, then an expert panel will select the top 10 who will be presented with their awards by the Premier at an annual Respect Award Showcase.

A global search for the first NSW Chief Behaviour Advisor will commence in October, with the appointment to be confirmed by the start of the 2023 school year.

Nominations for the new NSW Premier’s Respect Awards will open in October. The first winners will be announced at the end of the year.

Paramedics at the West Wyalong Ambulance Station are benefiting from a newly refurbished station thanks to the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the station upgrade has delivered improved amenities and an updated workspace to provide local paramedics with a better working environment to meet the emergency care needs of the West Wyalong community.

“The West Wyalong ambulance station refurbishment will ensure our local paramedics can continue to deliver high-quality emergency healthcare for our region,” Ms Cooke said. 

“A range of enhancements have been delivered including upgrades to wash bays, as well as refurbishments to the kitchen, medical store, bathroom, locker room and change areas.

“The station has also been revitalised with upgrades to mechanical, electrical and data equipment as well as new office furnishings, joinery, floor finishes and painting.”

In the Cootamundra electorate, station upgrades have been completed at West Wyalong, Narrandera, Temora and Young, with six new stations also delivered through the RAIR program – at Cowra, Grenfell, Cootamundra, Harden, Ardlethan and Coolamon.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the investment in West Wyalong highlights the NSW Nationals in Government’s commitment to the region.

“It’s great news for our local paramedics and the community, who deserve quality health facilities that meet their needs now and into the future,” Mrs Taylor said.

The Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration program (RAIR) is the single largest investment in regional NSW Ambulance’s 127-year history, with 6 new or upgraded ambulance stations already delivered as part of the $132 million Stage 1 of the program. Another $100 million investment into ambulance assets is being delivered under Stage 2 of the program.

NSW Ambulance will recruit 2,128 new staff and deliver 30 more stations over the coming years after a $1.76 billion boost announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.

The $1.76 billion over four years will provide NSW with 1,858 extra paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.

More farmers across the region could soon be swinging their gates open to visitors, thanks to a new policy that makes it easier to set up agritourism opportunities.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government had released its final agritourism policy aimed at helping local businesses thrive.

“This policy will make it easier for our farmers to set up, run and grow agritourism experiences on their properties, such as farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, retreats, roadside stalls, fruit picking and small wedding venues,” Ms Cooke said.

“It will help bring more tourists to our region and provide endless avenues for primary producers to drive productivity and cash flow on their doorstep.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new policy would make it would be cheaper and easier for farmers to diversify their income and support the thriving agritourism sector.

“Agritourism is a growing sector for both the Australian and NSW economies and is expected to be worth $18.6 billion nationally by 2030. It’s important we provide a clear and simple pathway through the planning system,” Mr Toole said.

“We have introduced clear definitions and new planning pathways to allow agritourism activities to happen with either faster or no planning approval, if they meet requirements set out in the policy.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the finalised policy will support the growing agritourism industry and encourage the next generation to farm the land.

“Our primary producers have shown resilience time and time again over the last few years, battling through floods, fires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to support them however we can,” Mr Roberts said.

“These reforms will help landowners build up their resilience and recover faster from the pandemic and natural disasters by providing another source of income.”

The new policy will commence on 1 December. For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/agritourism

Local teacher Amanda Levett of Cootamundra Public School has been selected to participate in the newly formed Minister’s Teachers’ Advisory Group.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was fabulous to have a teacher from the electorate as part of the group representing teachers across the state.

“The advisory group is fundamental as it helps bridge the gap between educational policy and practice,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Levett said she would share her perspectives on inclusive education and work towards innovative and sustainable change in education.

“I fully believe that every child can learn with the right support and when they belong and are accepted for exactly who they are,” Ms Levett said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said it was fantastic to formally launch the new advisory group.

“It was great to have the first of many productive conversations with this amazing group of teachers,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Every week when I visit schools I see the incredible passion for teaching from this great profession, this forum sets a formal space and conduit for teachers’ passion to directly shape education policy in NSW.”

Almost 100 applications were received for the 14 positions that include representatives from the public, independent and Catholic education sectors. The successful applicants represent a mix of early childhood, primary and high schools, metro and regional schools, and diverse school sizes and cultural backgrounds, providing a range of different views and opinions.   The new advisory group is one of several new initiatives designed to give teachers, principals and students direct access to the Minister to share ideas on ways to improve school performance and student outcomes across the state.

Wednesday 12 October marks day one for over 460 HSC students in the Cootamundra electorate with the start of the 2022 HSC written exams.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Class of 2022 worked hard to get to this point and students should be proud of all they have already achieved.

“Schools have gone above and beyond for our HSC students and we are all excited to see the post-school pathways students take,” Ms Cooke said.

“The entire community is behind you as you sit your exams and prepare to move on to the next chapter of your exciting young lives.”

“Thank you to all school communities, including NSW principals, teachers and school staff for supporting our HSC students throughout the year and as they begin their written exams.”

The HSC written exams are a mammoth operation that will take place over the next 18 days, with a total of 75,000 students across NSW involved in more than 25,000 exam sessions. The exams start with English Paper 1 and end with Design and Technology on 4 November 2002.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell urges HSC students to celebrate their achievements as they approach the finish line of their schooling years.

“The HSC might mark the end of your school career but it is only the beginning of the rest of your life.”

Ms Mitchell also encouraged students to be mindful of their mental health during the weeks of the exams.

“Too much stress will work against you, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you need support,” Ms Mitchell said.

The HSC written exams will end on 4 November 2022, with students set to receive their results and ATAR on 15 December 2022. For more tips and advice on staying healthy throughout the exam period, visit the Stay Healthy HSC hubhttps://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/stay-healthy-HSC

The NSW Government will invest $110 million to activate new and emerging industries, drive high-value jobs and help the regions reach their economic potential.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Regional Investment Activation Fund is aimed at making regional and rural NSW the location of choice for private sector investment.

“The NSW Government has a big, bold vision for regional areas and this fund is one of many initiatives that will help bring that vision to life,” Ms Cooke said.

“We’re putting more than $100 million on the table to co-invest in game-changing projects that turbocharge priority industries or locations in the regions.

“This fund will be open to expressions of interest from investors across Australia and around the world interested in driving forward the economy in the region.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the fund would help activate the economic potential of the State’s Special Activation Precincts, Regional Job Precincts, and other priority locations.

“The NSW Government’s unprecedented investment is making regional NSW the location of choice for investors both here and around the world,” Mr Toole said.

“This fund will help support new and emerging industries where regional NSW has a competitive edge and put our communities in the box seat for the future.”

The Regional Investment Activation Fund will co-invest with eligible businesses in projects that aim to deliver, significant economic, social and/or environmental benefits for a priority industry or location.

Projects must be based in regional NSW, support sustainable employment opportunities and be completed by 30 May 2025.

Applications are now open. For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/RIAF .

The NSW Government is calling on families and the wider community to have their say on the historic commitment to provide families with high-quality, free early childhood education acr

The centerpiece of the NSW Government Early Years Commitment will see the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year by 2030 and a $5 billion investment through the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this is an important investment by the NSW Government in our youngest learners. 

“This historic investment will change the lives of families and improve outcomes for our littlest learners for generations to come,” Ms Cooke said.  

“It is so important that feedback from educators, families, families-to-be and the broader community is incorporated in the development and implementation of the Early Years Commitment.” 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the opening of the public consultation of these two landmark initiatives marks an important milestone in the design and development process to drive change in early childhood education.   

“This is an exciting first step towards transforming early childhood education and care as we know it,” Ms Mitchell said.   

“The Early Years Commitment is an ambitious and bold vision and I know we cannot do it without deep and strong participation with families, educators and the wider community.  

“Following these initial consultations, we will share a more detailed plan on how we will work collaboratively with the public and the sector over the next few years, particularly for universal pre-Kindergarten.”   

Find out more about the Early Years Commitment at Early Years Commitment (nsw.gov.au)  and Have your say (nsw.gov.au)  
Submissions are open until Friday 14 October 2022.