Australia Day is all about the importance of belonging to a community, and making a meaningful contribution to the lives of others, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.
Ms Cooke travelled widely across the electorate to mark the occasion, and was on-hand for an Australia Day breakfast in Ariah Park, before meeting up with locals in Matong for the opening of the new hall. Ms Cooke rounded-out the day in Weethalle, celebrating with locals who had gathered for the opening of upgrades to the Country Club.
“Our communities are the absolute heart and soul of our towns and villages; it fills me with such pride to see people gathered together to share in the spirit of the day which to me, represents the strength of communities in uniting us and providing support when it’s need,” Ms Cooke said.
“From our Men’s Sheds, to our CWA groups, Meals on Wheels, youth groups, hospital auxiliaries, our Lions Clubs, the list goes on and on – they all have one thing in common: they provide a platform for people to connect, share stories, and appreciate the comradery of our communities,” she said.
Ms Cooke congratulated the recipients of Australia Day Awards across the electorate, including Eris Gleeson from Young, John Harper from Stockinbingal, Mary Sutcliffe from Narrandera, and Warwick Heckendorf also from Narrandera who all received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
“We need to nurture our sense of community, and it’s the hard work and dedication of people like those recognised with awards today, that help strengthen the bonds among residents, and play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Cooke also acknowledged the ongoing conversations around Australia Day.
“It is right that we celebrate our achievements and progress, but it’s also important to recognise the perspectives of all Australians, and have open conversations that contribute to building a stronger nation; one that we are all very lucky to call home,” Ms Cooke said.
The Weethalle Country Club now has a new kitchen and ladies’ amenities thanks to a $240,300 investment by the previous NSW Coalition Government under the successful Stronger Country Communities Fund. The Matong Hall was made possible thanks to an investment by the previous Federal Coalition Government.
Image: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke lent a hand on the barbecue and in the kitchen at the Australia Day breakfast held in Ariah Park.
