Greyhound racing at Temora greyhound track has undergone recent safety improvements thanks to almost $40,000 in funding from the NSW Government for the refurbishment of the 457m starting position and a new dedicated veterinary room in the kennels.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and Minister for Racing Kevin Anderson visited the track to meet with local club members and inspect the track upgrades.
“We love our greyhound racing here in Temora and the NSW Government is committed to seeing the code continue to grow in our region,” Ms Cooke said.
“This funding for a refurbished 457m start has meant the track can host safer races and the new veterinary room will mean the dogs are able to receive immediate treatment as well as other veterinary services.
“Greyhound racing is a significant employer here in the Cootamundra electorate and the money that it brings to town provides a boost to our local economy. This funding will mean more people in town, meaning more money coming in for local businesses.”
Minister for Racing, Kevin Anderson, said the grants were made as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to assist greyhound racing clubs across the state to meet minimum track standards.
“This funding was awarded to Temora Greyhound Track as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving animal welfare,” Mr Anderson said.
“These funds are not just about upgrading tracks, they are about adding value to each community and enhancing recreation in the area.
“We know the greyhound racing community is committed to animal welfare and it is crucial the tracks and facilities meet the minimum safety standards, and that is exactly what this funding is designed to do.”
Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov welcomed the track upgrades and said acknowledged the important role of regional racing to the industry.
“Regional NSW is really important to Greyhound Racing NSW, as three quarters of our total number of participants are regionally based,” Mr Mestrov said.
“It is incredibly pleasing that our sport is growing at a rapid rate in Regional NSW and to be able to have the support of the Government in these thriving regions is always very welcome.”
More support is soon to be available for new parents in the region with the appointment of a Nursing Unit Manager for Tresillian Cowra.
Commencing almost a fortnight ago, Nursing Unit Manager Rochelle Longhurst has been undergoing orientation and further training to support her in the new role.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed Rochelle to the position saying she will be a great addition to the communities she will service including Cowra, Young, Grenfell and Canowindra.
“Rochelle comes to the role with lots of experience being a former family and community health nurse and is very familiar with the area so I am excited to have her on-board.
“She has hit the ground running laying vital foundations to ensure the longevity of the service by working together with other health providers in the area to establish strong relationships,” Ms Cooke said.
Along with the NSW Government, The Tresillian and Gidget Foundation Australia who operate Regional Family Care Centres, have played a massive part in securing support for new parents the region through the new role.
The foundation is currently negotiating the purchase of a property at Cowra for the Family Care Centre which is proceeding well.
“Finalising the plans for the day centre is massive step forward in our campaign to secure a Tresillian Residential Unit as part of the Cowra Hospital redevelopment and I look forward to sharing more news about it in the New Year,” Ms Cooke added.
The new centre to be built in Cowra is one of six, including Goulburn, Grafton, Armidale, Griffith, and Muswellbrook. Established centres such as Dubbo, Queanbeyan and Taree have provided more than 14,000 services to families over the past two years.
Minister for Mental Health and Women Bronnie Taylor highlighted the importance of the integrated care approach and said it will ensure that counselling and parenting support are provided for local families.
“This is all about helping families in their hour of need and services like this can have a really positive impact on the wider community as well,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Being a parent, especially a new parent, is really tough, and I have every confidence that Rochelle will ensure families in the Cootamundra electorate are supported.”
Services will be delivered via home-visiting until the Family Care Centre is fully commissioned which we expect will be in January once furnishing and fit-out is completed.
The Cowra Tresillian Care Centre development is funded under the NSW Government as part of the 2021/2022 budget.
For more information on the service, please call: 1300 272 736
Steph Cooke | 17 Dec 2021 | Grants Local projects News Uncategorized
Harden and District Junior Cricket Club is ready to challenge for more titles and welcome further participants following the completion of new cricket nets and an upgraded centre wicket at their facility at Murrumburrah Public School.
The $95,000 project was made possible with contributions from the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program, the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund in partnership with Cricket Australia, the Geoffrey Kruger Trust and Hilltops Council.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the upgrades will ensure all players can enjoy the game in a fun and safe environment.
“This project will deliver fit-for-purpose facilities that meet the needs of the local community and provide greater safety for our junior players,” Ms Cooke said.
“Cricket is a much-loved game across our towns and villages and these upgrades will ensure the game continues to grow by providing a fun and inclusive environment.”
General Manager Hilltops Council Anthony O’Reilly said Hilltops Council acknowledge the importance of community sport and access to sporting opportunities.
“We are pleased to have supported the Harden and District Junior Cricket Club via our Financial Assistance and Sponsorship Program to deliver this important project,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the project was a great example of how the Local Sport Grant Program is supporting the growth of regular and ongoing participation opportunities.
“The NSW Government has provided more than $25 million to support 4,878 grassroots sports club projects over six years through the Local Sport Grant Program,” Mrs Ward said.
“I’m proud to see the positive impact it’s having on participation by improving access and enhancing facilities so that more people across NSW can enjoy all the benefits sport has to offer.”
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Lee Germon said the new and upgraded facilities will help to foster the love of cricket in the local community.
“These facilities will not only ensure more locals can play and love our game, but it will also enhance the development of junior cricketers in the local community,” Mr Germon said.
“These projects are often not possible without a partnership approach to funding, and we are very appreciative for the support of the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund in partnership with Cricket Australia for their significant contribution, in addition to the Geoffrey Kruger Trust, Local Sport Grant Program and Hilltops Council.”
Steph Cooke | 17 Dec 2021 | Grants Local projects News Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced $2,259,410 for projects in Harden, Murrumburrah and Young in the Hilltops region under the NSW Government’s latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Ms Cooke announced the successful projects on Monday afternoon joined by members of the community at the Murrumburrah Silos and the Harden Bowling Club.
“The diverse range of projects will ensure the area is fit for the future for both residents and visitors,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is great to see so many worthy organisations putting their plans forward for the benefit of the wider community.”
President of the Harden Bowling Club Shane McKellar said the funding will go towards well overdue upgrades.
“It’s unbelievable that our plans that have been in the making for years, can finally become a reality,” Mr McKellar said.
Secretary Treasurer of the Harden Murrumburrah Arts Council Lorraine Brown said the group is very excited to be able to complete the other side of the silos.
“When you drive into town from the Western side, the silos are bare so we are excited that we can now fill that space with wonderful artwork,” Ms Brown added.
“We’re going to continue the theme of Colonial Australia with paintings of the Gold Rush to reflect the history of Murrumburrah.”
The funding from round four of the fund has been spread across eight projects, each of which is set to benefit the community including:
$469,360 to upgrade the riding arena including covering at the Young Pony Club
$50,000 to construct new seating and shading at the Harden District Bowling Club
$164,471 to improve jockey amenities at the Harden Racecourse
$92,763 to complete silo art at the former Murrumburrah Flour Mill
$295,245 for refurbishments to the Southern Cross Hall including sound and lighting
$792,416 for Lambing Flat Enterprises to upgrade the Community Connections building including improving site accessibility
$102,645 for court refurbishments at the Young PCYC sport courts
$292,510 for improvements to facilities at Toompang Racecourse
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole announced that 435 projects across every single one of the state’s 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) would receive funding under Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four.
“The Stronger Country Communities fund delivers guaranteed investment in every single regional LGA in NSW, and has seen $500 million invested across more than 1900 local projects since 2017,” Mr Toole said.
“About half of this latest $100 million round will deliver 189 female sporting projects, including the construction or upgrade of female change rooms, additional amenity blocks and bathrooms, and playing surfaces like netball and tennis courts.
“It will also deliver hundreds of projects that make everyday life in the regions easier, for things like new playgrounds, clubhouse, art gallery renovations, streetscape, accessibility, lighting upgrades and community programs.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which alongside the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate opportunities, investment and jobs.
Steph Cooke | 17 Dec 2021 | Grants Local projects News Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced $787,039 for the Bland Shire under the NSW Government’s latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Ms Cooke announced the successful projects on Saturday afternoon at the West Wyalong Services and Citizen Sports Club, joined by members of the club and the community.
“Enjoying the outdoors and being active is a big way of life out here no matter your age,” Ms Cooke said.
“These projects highlight the community of Bland’s commitment to make sure their facilities cater for everyone.
“The latest round of funding takes the total amount of funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects across the Bland shire to $3,903,094.”
President of the West Wyalong Services and Citizens Club Lionel Fuller said the grant will enhance the participation of bowls in the area.
“The installation of a new synthetic green through the grant will be a big benefit to the town, club and district competitors, this will mean that anyone can use the green and will hopefully see more people get involved in the sport of bowls,” Mr Fuller added.
The funding from round four of the fund has been spread across seven projects, each of which is set to benefit the community.
$82,862 to upgrade playground equipment at Wyalong Public School
$215,326 to install an artificial bowling green at the West Wyalong Services and Citizens Sports Club
$78,735 to complete refurbishment of female amenities at the West Wyalong Bowling and Recreation Club
$103,300 for the final stage of the West Wyalong Tennis Clubhouse
$95,412 for equipment for motorsport events at the West Wyalong Airport
$127,223 to establish a native Indigenous garden at West Wyalong Public School
$84,181 for upgrades to the female amenities at Weethalle Country Club
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole announced that 435 projects across every single one of the state’s 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) would receive funding under Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four.
“The Stronger Country Communities fund delivers guaranteed investment in every single regional LGA in NSW, and has seen $500 million invested across more than 1900 local projects since 2017,” Mr Toole said.
“About half of this latest $100 million round will deliver 189 female sporting projects, including the construction or upgrade of female change rooms, additional amenity blocks and bathrooms, and playing surfaces like netball and tennis courts.
“It will also deliver hundreds of projects that make everyday life in the regions easier, for things like new playgrounds, clubhouse, art gallery renovations, streetscape, accessibility, lighting upgrades and community programs.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which alongside the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate opportunities, investment and jobs.
Steph Cooke | 17 Dec 2021 | Grants Local projects News Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP has announced $710,974forthe Weddin Shire under the NSW Government’s latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Ms Cooke announced the successful projects on Monday morning joined by Acting Mayor Mark Liebich, Acting General Manager Jaymes Rath and Director of Environmental Services Luke Sheehan from the Weddin Shire Council.
“The region needs to be attractive to both locals and tourists and these projects have really hit the mark on creating that balance,” Ms Cooke said.
“These projects are targeted at making facilities and activities more inviting towards people from all walks of life.
“The latest round of funding takes the total amount of funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects across the Weddin Shire to $3,784,538.”
Acting General Manager of the Weddin Shire Council Jaymes Rath said the funding will be much appreciated within the community.
“Council is extremely pleased to be receiving further funding under the Stronger Country Communities Fund to continue to improve the towns within the Weddin Shire,” Mr Rath added.
The funding from round four of the fund has been spread across three projects, each of which is set to benefit the community.
$350,000 to increase female participation in sport
$50,974 to renovate the Grenfell Guide Hall and improve accessibility
$310,000 for upgrades to village tourism signage and streetscapes
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole announced that 435 projects across every single one of the state’s 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) would receive funding under Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four.
“The Stronger Country Communities fund delivers guaranteed investment in every single regional LGA in NSW, and has seen $500 million invested across more than 1900 local projects since 2017,” Mr Toole said.
“About half of this latest $100 million round will deliver 189 female sporting projects, including the construction or upgrade of female change rooms, additional amenity blocks and bathrooms, and playing surfaces like netball and tennis courts.
“It will also deliver hundreds of projects that make everyday life in the regions easier, for things like new playgrounds, clubhouse, art gallery renovations, streetscape, accessibility, lighting upgrades and community programs.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which alongside the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate opportunities, investment and jobs.
Steph Cooke | 17 Dec 2021 | Grants Local projects News Uncategorized
Country show organisers across the Cootamundra electorate will be able to make plans with certainty, thanks to a NSW Government program providing financial support to ensure these much-loved community events come back bigger and better than ever.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke urged local organisers to apply for funding available as part of the $5 million Country Shows Support Package for events being staged in 2022.
Ms Cooke said funding can be used for a range of reasons, including ensuring shows are COVID Safe, subsidising stall fees, equipment hire, upgrading show facilities or engaging locally-based artists or musicians.
“This is an exciting announcement for country shows. The towns and communities in the electorate are huge on shows, with 25 shows over a 12 month period, “Ms Cooke said.
“We have a strong agriculture tradition in our area and these shows have been hit quite hard over the past two years.
“It is really important for us to support these towns and show committees to get these shows back up and runing to ensure the future of our great agricultural shows.”
Funding of up to $15,000 will be available to small shows with an audience of less than 2,000 people across all event days, while medium and large shows can apply for up to $30,000 and $45,000 respectively.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Country Shows Support Package would provide certainty to show organisers and give them the confidence to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods.
“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 will help 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.
“It’s also a big win for competitors who have spent years perfecting events like wood-chopping, show jumping or baking, as they can now focus on earning the points needed to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.”
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 now open and close on 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.
Steph Cooke | 17 Dec 2021 | Grants Local projects News Uncategorized
The communities of Cootamundra and Gundagai are set to benefit with $1,566,786announced for local projectsunder the NSW Government’s latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made the announcements while in the region on Thursday at the Gundagai Racecourse, The Gundagai District Services Club and the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s and Citizens’ Memorial Club.
“Increasing female participation in sport was identified as a priority element in applications by the NSW Government under round four of the fund so I am pleased that these projects reflect that criteria,” Ms Cooke said.
The funding from Round 4 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund has been allocated to three projects:
$965,136 for the construction of a new treated effluent irrigation system in Gundagai at the Gundagai District Services Club which will service the nearby golf course, bowling greens and sporting ovals
$409,250 to replace exterior walkways and install a new synthetic bowling green and boundary fence at the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s & Citizens’ Memorial Club
$192,400 for upgrades to female jockey and public spectator amenities and an extension to the spectator viewing platform at the Gundagai Racecourse
“These projects aim to accommodate everyone whether you’re a player, coach or spectator, making facilities more inviting to get more people outdoors enjoying an active and social lifestyle,” Ms Cooke added.
“The townships of Cootamundra and Gundagai are home to some of the strongest sporting clubs in the region who take pride in their sporting grounds so it is important that we continue to see participation rates increase in the area well into the future.”
General Manager of the Gundagai District Services Club Michael Bolger said the Club in partnership with Cootamundra–Gundagai Shire Council, is extremely excited to have been awarded the funding for the project.
“This irrigation system will complement the newly completed water treatment plant and will improve the lives of people of regional NSW, particularly our iconic town of Gundagai,” Mr Bolger said.
“We are very grateful to Steph Cooke and the NSW Government for supporting this project which is critical in maintaining and improving our community sporting assets such as the golf course, bowling greens and local sporting fields.
“The many stakeholders involved in the groundwork for the application must also be commended for their tireless efforts and we look forward to getting started on this project in 2022.”
President of the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s and Citizens’ Memorial Club Michael Willis said the future of the bowls in the region is looking bright thanks to the NSW Government.
“Along with our growing number of members, we get a lot of requests to use the green from local school groups wanting to develop their skills, businesses wanting to host their Christmas parties here, charity day events and travelling bowls groups,” Mr Willis said.
“Having a state-of-the-art synthetic bowling green will not only benefit our bowlers but the entire district with further usage from members and visitors.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole announced that 435 projects across every single one of the state’s 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) would receive funding under Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four.
“The Stronger Country Communities fund delivers guaranteed investment in every single regional LGA in NSW, and has seen $500 million invested across more than 1900 local projects since 2017,” Mr Toole said.
“About half of this latest $100 million round will deliver 189 female sporting projects, including the construction or upgrade of female change rooms, additional amenity blocks and bathrooms, and playing surfaces like netball and tennis courts.
“It will also deliver hundreds of projects that make everyday life in the regions easier, for things like new playgrounds, clubhouse, art gallery renovations, streetscape, accessibility, lighting upgrades and community programs.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which alongside the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate opportunities, investment and jobs.
More funding from the NSW Government is on its way for the Lachlan Valley Railway Society with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announcing $19,690 for the group under the 2021 Community Building Partnership program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding will assist with improvements to the Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre.
“The Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre in Cowra draws hundreds of tourists to the region each year so it is important that the centre is fit for purpose,” Ms Cooke said.
The improvements to the site include an extension to the existing entrance and display building.
Director and Deputy Chair of the Lachlan Valley Railway Society Cass Mendham said the funding comes as a huge achievement to the volunteer led group.
“The funding will help preserve all the work that we have done over the years making sure everything is in good condition for years to come.”
The announcement comes with added excitement with the centre set to reopen to the public this Thursday.
“We’ve been closed for months so we’re really eager to welcome the public back through our gates,” Ms Mendham added.
Since 2019, the Lachlan Valley Railway Society has received a number of grants under the NSW Governments State Heritage Grants Program to improve their operations including one in the 2019-21 round and two in the 2021-23 round.
“The team of proud and passionate volunteers at the centre have shown immense dedication to enhancing the space over the past few years,” Ms Cooke added.
The initial funding in the 2019-21 round allowed for the development of the Locomotive Depot Store Building: Conservation Management Plan.
Furthermore, through the two grants announced earlier this year under the 2021-23 round, one project will be establishing a Conservation Management Strategy with Master Plans which will provide provide a management framework to direct the long-term conservation of significant built fabric at Cowra Locomotive Depot.
The additional project will focus on implementing the priority conservation works outlined in the Locomotive Depot Store Building: Conservation Management Plan to ensure the site’s significant heritage values are conserved and enhanced for future generations.
Families with young children in the Cootamundra electorate will have better access to early childhood education after the NSW Government committed $280 million and secured an additional $560 million of new funding from the Federal Government.
NSW is the first state to sign on to the new National Preschool Reform Agreement, which will provide long term funding certainty to the early childhood education sector through a four-year funding deal to replace the previous Universal Access National Partnership.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the agreement will ensure children in the region will have access to quality preschool options and are better prepared for their first year of school.
“This funding agreement provides certainty to parents, educators and services,” Ms Cooke said.
“This agreement will help every family with a young child in the Cootamundra electorate and give them the opportunity to attend at least 15 hours of preschool a week in the year before they start school, which will have long term benefits.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the new funding deal will provide stability to the sector and provide more access to early childhood education for young children.
“Every child deserves the best start in life, and this reform means more children will have access to a quality preschool education right across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This agreement builds on our commitment to support young families through our free preschool program, which we know has made a positive impact in the Cootamundra electorate.
“By boosting funding for long day care services to provide high quality preschool programs, families will get more flexibility and choice when it comes to early education for their child.”
