Christmas has come early for families in the Cootamundra electorate with millions of dollars in NSW Government vouchers available to be redeemed this year.
This year’s Active Kids $100 vouchers are available until 31 December with the NSW Government’s new $100 First Lap learn to swim voucher for pre-school children and kindergarten kids available from 1 December until 30 June 2022.
Member for Cootamundra said the two voucher programs were an early Christmas present for families that could save them hundreds of dollars.
“With COVID restrictions stopping sport for several months, many families are yet to use their 2021 Active Kids vouchers meaning there’s vouchers still available to be used,” Ms Cooke said.
“I also encourage local business who haven’t yet already, to sign-up to be service providers for these vouchers.
“These NSW Government cost-saving measures mean kids can get back to playing sport and learning to swim without putting pressure on family budgets in the lead-up to Christmas.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet encouraged NSW families to dive into the new First Lap learn to swim program, which starts today.
“Now that sport is back up and running, we’re keen to remind parents to use these excellent NSW Government cost-saving measures so kids can get back to playing sport and learning to swim without breaking the family budget,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With COVID restrictions stopping sport for several months, around 430,000 children are yet to use their Active Kids vouchers this year, meaning there is around $86 million worth of vouchers still up for grabs.”
Every school-enrolled child in NSW is eligible for two $100 Active Kids vouchers per year towards the cost of sport and active recreation fees.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the $100 First Lap learn to swim voucher and Active Kids program are among dozens of NSW Government savings to help to ease cost of living pressures for households.
“Every cent counts when it comes to balancing the family budget and claiming the First Lap voucher is now at your fingertips and available via the Service NSW app,” Mr Dominello said.
Minster for Sport Natalie Ward said the First Lap program, which provides an annual $100 voucher per child, has been expanded to include not just pre-school children but also those in kindergarten in 2021 and 2022.
“With summer officially started, there’s no better time to dive into the First Lap program and make sure your child learns vital safety skills,” Mrs Ward said.
Steph Cooke | 10 Dec 2021 | Grants News Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke announced that Temora will benefit from $128,274 in funding as part of Round 1 of Minor Works and Equipment Projects through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.
The Temora Ambulance Museum, The Temora Rural Art Centre and the Young Regional School of Music – Temora Performance Space join 60 recipients sharing in over $6 million delivered across the state to support the development of new and upgraded cultural infrastructure and equipment for museums, theatres, performance spaces, galleries and Aboriginal Keeping Places.
Local recipients of the funding include:
$71,178 to the Temora Ambulance Museum to develop their masterplan to facilitate construction of Stage 3 of their development.
$19,083 to the Temora Rural Art Centre to purchase essential equipment to support the delivery of quality learning experiences in the new centre.
$38,013 to the Young Regional School of Music to purchase a Grand Piano and upgrade the audio-visual equipment in the Temora Performance Space
Ms Cooke said that Temora welcomed the NSW Government’s investment to support quality arts venues for the community will boost tourism and the local economy.
“I am delighted the NSW Government is investing in upgrading and developing our arts and cultural facilities in Temora,” Ms Cooke Said.
“This funding will deliver improved facilities for local arts and cultural organisations and help us provide better cultural experiences for our local audiences to enjoy,”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the funding for Temora would mean everyone across the state would have access to quality cultural infrastructure, no matter where they were from.
“This investment will ensure that no matter where people live across NSW, they will be able to see, make and participate in exciting arts and cultural experiences in state-of-the-art, fit-for-purpose creative spaces.”
“Every region in NSW is getting their fair share of arts and cultural expenditure.”
A full list of recipients funded through the Round 1 of Minor Works and Equipment Projects will be available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
This funding is part of the NSW Government’s $60 million Creative Capital program to address the demand for cultural infrastructure, support the creative economy and improve access for local communities to quality arts venues.
Grenfell will once again play host to the popular Henry Lawson Festival, with visitors flocking to the region to witness and be a part of events that honour the birth of one of Australia’s most famous bush poets, thanks to funding from the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund will enable the design and delivery of a bigger and better program next year, which marks 155 years since Lawson’s birth.
“The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival will run for four days from 10-13 June 2022, showcasing local poetry, performances, photography, painting and writing that is expected to attract around 8,000 visitors to the region over the course of the event,” Mr Toole said.
“Now in its 65th year, the festival is renowned for introducing Lawson’s work to generations of fans, showcasing Grenfell’s heritage and entertaining regulars and newcomers alike with vibrant street parties, market stalls, buskers and performers.
“Expanding next year’s program to feature more events, including a ticketed concert headlined by a major act that will be announced soon, means audiences will have a greater opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a diverse range of artistic talent.”
Mr Toole said hosting major events like the iconic Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival puts more heads on beds and fills restaurants and cafés, all helping to drive regional NSW’s economic recovery from bushfire, floods, drought and COVID-19.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government’s $50,000 contribution to the Henry Lawson Festival will help deliver a unique experience for locals, visitors alike.
“It’s exciting to welcome the festival back following COVID-19, and I welcome the opportunity to share this iconic festival experience with locals and visitors coming to the birthplace of Henry Lawson,” Ms Cooke said.
Weddin Shire Acting General Manager Jaymes Rath said support from the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is a great win for the event giving locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the life of one of Australia’s most famous bush poets.
The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund.
Steph Cooke | 07 Dec 2021 | Grants News Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP has announced the Narrandera Shire is set to receive $770,922under the NSW Government’s latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Funding has been spread across seven projects, each of which is set to benefit communities across the Shire.
$55,922 to construct a Learn-To-Ride Bike Track at Narrandera East Infants School
$160,000 for change room facility upgrades at Narrandera Sportsground
$170,000 to redevelop the Barellan Netball Courts
$65,000 for insulation improvement works at Narrandera Sports Stadium
$60,000 to upgrade the entrance at Lake Talbot Water Park
$50,000 to install 5 new water refill stations through the Narrandera Active Hydration Project
$210,000 for the Narrandera Bowling & Recreation Club 2022 Centenary Business Case
Ms Cooke announced the funding of these projects in Narrandera on Tuesday.
“Projects like these are built upon the NSW Government’s vision to help make regional NSW be the best place to live, work and visit,” Ms Cooke said.
“There is such a range of projects in Narrandera under the latest round of funding, which is really exciting. These projects will encourage the wider community to get out, get active together and spend more quality time in Narrandera.
“The latest round of funding takes the total amount of funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects across the Narrandera Shire to $3,885,337.”
Cassie Jeff, President of the Narrandera East Infants P&C Association said the whole committee and school community are excited for this announcement.
“The Committee has been trying to fundraise all year but due to COVID-19, it has proven to be quite difficult. This funding will see the bike track be properly surfaced, allowing for the students to ride their bikes in a safe and friendly environment,” Ms Jeff said.
“Everyone is delighted to be receiving this support from the NSW Government to continue to provide essential community facilities,” Mr Cowan, the General Manager of Narrandera Shire Council said.
Cameron Lander said the funding will make a significant impact to the Narrandera Bowling & Recreation Club, especially in the lead up to their centenary in May 2022.
“This is extremely important funding which will help us in the first stages of our business plan. It will secure our club, stop water damage and allow for further changes and upgrades.”
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 | 07 Dec 2021 | Grants News Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP has announced that the Cowra Shire will receive $832,359 under the NSW Government’s latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Upgrades to Matt Morrison Oval, Wyangala Dam; Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall; and the Col Stinson Netball Facility will be taking place thanks to the fourth round of the Fund.
This latest round of NSW Government funding has been spread across three projects, each of which is set to benefit the wider Cowra community
$628,409 to significantly upgrade the Col Stinson Netball Facility, including a new multi-user amenities block, improved parking facilities and sealing the grass netball courts.
$57,000 to improve access at the entranceway at Matt Morrison Oval, Wyangala Dam and to construct an all-weather shelter for community users of the oval.
$146,950 for Stage 2 of the major restoration works at the Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall, including the installation of reverse cycle heating and cooling throughout the entire function centre.
Ms Cooke announced the funding of these projects at Col Stinson Park on Monday.
“Projects like these are built upon the NSW Government’s vision to help make regional NSW be the best place to live, work and visit,” Ms Cooke said.
“These projects highlight Cowra’s commitment to continue to enhance their facilities to better their communities. I want to congratulate everyone involved in the applications to bring these projects to life.
“The entire Cowra community is set to benefit from these projects, from an upgraded function centre to use all year round, to improved sporting facilities that will allow for an increase in participation in local sport. Well done to you all.
“The latest round of funding takes the total amount of funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects across the Cowrashire to $4,083,315.”
The recipients of the latest round of funding are excited to get their projects underway.
Amy O’Reilly, President of the Cowra Netball Club said the entire club is extremely grateful for this announcement.
“Cowra Netball Association have been working collaboratively with Cowra Shire Council to ensure not only the Cowra Netball Association family but the wider community have access to quality sporting facilities, which will hopefully encourage greater community participation in sport and physical activity,” Ms O’Reilly said.
Jillian McCormick, representing the Wyangala Country Club, said the Wyangala community is very grateful for the funding at the Matt Morrison Oval.
“This funding will improve the facilities in the village and enable events like the June long weekend fireworks spectacular to continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors,” Mrs McCormick said.
President of the Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall, Kylie Reeves, is excited to see what opportunities the funding will bring for the hall.
“Having heating and cooling in the hall has been a big dream for us. It will make us a year-round venue for the people,” Mrs Reeves said.
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 | 02 Dec 2021 | Grants News Uncategorized
The Cootamundra electorate has secured $400,000 in funding for a total of 23 projects through the NSW Government’s 2021 Community Building Partnership Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities including the Young Guide Hall, which received $13,000 under an application from the NSW Girl Guides Association.
“This grassroots funding will directly help create more vibrant communities with positive social and recreational outcomes.
“The Girl Guides is an important organisation in our community which allows girls and young women to discover their potential as leaders, so I am pleased the facility will continue to meet their needs,” Ms Cooke said.
Young Girl Guide Leader Pauline Davidson said the group is very grateful to have received the grant.
“All the guttering and pipes are a part of the original building which was built in 1978 so we are over the moon to replace all of that,” Ms Davidson added.
The full list of successful projects in the Cootamundra electorate for the 2021 round are:
$11,000 for the Barmedman Development Association Inc – Shop front roof repairs and replacement.
$19,336 for the Trustee For Bribbaree Recreation Ground Trust – Synthetic cricket pitch installation.
$6,040 for the Cootamundra Strikers Soccer Club Inc – Training field upgrades at O’Connor Park.
$13,000 for the Girl Guides Association (NSW) – Ceiling and guttering replacements at the Young Guide Hall.
$11,900 for the Ardlethan Tennis Club – Repairs to court surface, fencing and paving.
$13,436 for the Rotary Club of Murrumburrah Harden – Community garden development.
$19,000 for the Koorawatha Progress Association – Restoration of the Koorawatha Regional Rooms including brickwork, entrance and footings.
$9,800 for Kurrajong Waratah – Upgrades to laundry equipment including purchase of new dryer.
$28,665 for the Girl Guides Association (NSW) – Roof, ceiling and guttering repairs and replacement at the Cootamundra Guide Hall.
$30,000 for the Harden District Bowling Club – Upgrades to bowling green.
$44,352 for the Temora Senior Cricket Association – Field maintenance upgrades including purchase of new wicket roller.
$25,000 for the Gundagai Historical Museum Inc – Upgrades to building accessibility features including ramps.
$15,188 for the Country Womens Association of NSW – Window replacements for Woodstock CWA.
$7,103 for the Young Historical Society Inc – Establishment of research and library area at the Lambing Flat Folk Museum.
$9,490 for the Cootamundra Strikers Soccer Club Inc – Purchase new field maintenance equipment including a lawn mower.
$25,500 for the The Veteran Vintage and Classic Vehicles Club Grenfell Inc – Clubhouse renovations including painting.
$13,000 for Bethungra On The Up – Upgrades to ceiling, kitchen and electrical and hot water systems at the Bethungra Community Meeting Shed.
$8,200 for the Weethalle Country Club Ltd – Purchase of new lawn mower.
$5,100 for the Sporting Shooters Association Of Australia (NSW) Inc – Purchase of electronic attendance recording system for West Wyalong range.
$23,000 for Regional Heritage Transport Association Junee Inc – Repairs to historic Roundhouse Museum including interior painting.
$6,200 for the Sporting Shooters Association Of Australia (NSW) Inc – Purchase of mower for Grenfell range.
$19,690 for the Lachlan Valley Railway Society Co Op Ltd – Entrance extension at the Cowra Railway Heritage Centre.
$36,000 for the Ganmain Historical Society – Flooring replacement.
Ms Cooke said it was fantastic news for the communities in the Cootamundra electorate.
“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.”
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 16,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.
In 2022, there is $400,000 to allocate in each electorate. Applications for the 2022 Program open in early 2022.
For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp
The NSW Government has delivered 200 new and enhanced Public Safety Network (PSN) radio sites, increasing mission-critical communications coverage for first responders.
Next to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline, the PSN is the most critical communications network in NSW, providing infrastructure enabling emergency services to communicate over a single, encrypted integrated network.
A total of six sites have been completed in the Cootamundra electorate including three over the past two months in the Hilltops Council area at Young, Boorowa and Berremangra Hill. Nine more sites are currently under construction in the region with plans for additional sites already well underway.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke stressed the importance of high-quality communications infrastructure in the region.
“Given the rural and remote location of many of our towns and villages, it is important that our first responders can communicate effectively no matter where they are,” Ms Cooke said.
“This increase in coverage will allow critical information to be exchanged by our first responder’s as they travel the often long distances to assist in emergencies around our region.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said achieving the 200-site milestone meant the PSN would now provide coverage across an area greater than 342,000 km², or 42 per cent of the State, and reach 96 per cent of the population.
“This once-in-a-generation investment in radio communications infrastructure is about saving lives,” Mr Dominello said.
“During an emergency, every second counts. By expanding the PSN, we are providing emergency services with the tools, to not only to do their job when and where they need to but also keep them safe.
“It is good news for the community and for our first responders who go to work every day to protect the people and places of NSW.”
Mr Dominello said by consolidating multiple separate agency radio networks, the Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP) would provide a more efficient, resilient PSN for our first responders.
“I would like to thank NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, the Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service for their continued support and partnership in delivering the new and enhanced PSN sites,” Mr Dominello said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said that every initiative which improves the communications technology available for our emergency services personnel is a good one.
“Many of the locations which have received a new or enhanced radio site were impacted by the ‘Black Summer’ of bush fires, and saw our firefighters experience compromised communication networks, risking their safety,” he said.
“This critical work complements the NSW Government’s half a billion dollar response to the NSW Bushfire Inquiry recommendations and will improve the safety of our firefighters and mitigate bush fire risk.”
This milestone marks the completion of close to one-third of the 675 sites under the $1.4 billion CCEP being delivered by NSW Telco Authority.
460 cubic metres of timber and trestles have been salvaged from the removal of the Prince Alfred Bridge timber road viaduct to support construction of heritage memorial works.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said a public survey seeking community input on memorial options for the former Gundagai icon had attracted 139 submissions.
“It’s great to see the community’s enthusiasm to contribute many thoughtful and creative ideas to remember the bridge and pay tribute to its many years of faithful service to the region,” Ms Cooke said.
“Thankfully a good amount of timber has been salvaged from the bridge after being assessed in suitable condition for potential reuse in heritage memorial works.
“A heritage consultant will now be engaged to assess the survey results and advise on the most appropriate heritage memorial options to honour the bridge’s memory.”
The Prince Alfred Bridge timber road viaduct was removed after an engineering assessment of the disused 125-year-old structure showed significant structural defects, and amid concerns it could collapse in a flood risking life and infrastructure.
Consultations occurred through a working group including representatives from Crown Lands, Transport for NSW, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Gundagai Bridges Heritage Inc, National Trust, Engineers Australia and the Heritage NSW (Department of Premier and Cabinet).
The separate Prince Alfred iron road bridge, which is still in operation across the Murrumbidgee River, and the nearby disused rail viaduct, both remain in place.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said survey ideas for heritage memorial works ranged from a picnic wharf on the Murrumbidgee River to pedestrian bridges, boardwalk and viewing platforms.
“Other ideas included a sculpture that can be a tourism icon like the Dog on the Tuckerbox, an avenue of trees and walking track, and interactive options including virtual reality or 3D laser displays,” Mrs Pavey said.
“St Patrick’s Primary School students made suggestions including park furniture, a mini replica of the bridge, and even a town Christmas tree.”
Communities across the Central West and Orana are being invited to shape the region’s future by giving feedback on the NSW Government’s draft plan to support housing, jobs and investment in the region over 20 years.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Central West and Orana Regional Plan 2041 sets out strategies to guide development in the region’s 19 local government areas including Cowra and Weddin.
“Cowra is optimally located in the Central West and Orana with connections to Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Canberra so it’s important to get the community’s views on ways we can capitalise on its strengths as the population grows,” Ms Cooke said.
“The protection of agricultural land is a priority and the draft plan includes measures to enable the sector to thrive by ensuring inappropriate development doesn’t encroach on productive land.
“We want to maximise on opportunities around the Cowra Hospital redevelopment by including strategies to enable mixed-use, multipurpose health facilities that would support the sustainable growth of the local health sector.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the draft plan was being updated every five years to reflect the changing nature of the Central West.
“We released the first Central West and Orana Regional Plan in 2017 and we are updating it to reflect post-COVID migration and the growing renewables and resource sectors and their impact on natural assets like water,” Mr Stokes said.
“The region is set to soar with $12.6 billion in public and private investment in major infrastructure projects like renewables and the plan lays out strategies for how the region will accommodate for new families and different types of business.
“As the resource sector continues to grow, the plan includes measures for industry to use water more efficiently to reduce impact on other water users and the environment.”
The draft Central West and Orana Regional Plan 2041 is underpinned by 22 objectives which will be achieved through actions and strategies delivered by local and State governments.
Seniors in the Cootamundra electorate will have even more reason to celebrate during the 2022 Seniors Festival with the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council winning a share of $200,000 in NSW Government funding to host a community event.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said local events aimed at engaging older people are a highlight of the Seniors Festival.
“Our seniors play a vital role in our community as volunteers, carers and grandparents and we want to recognise and reward their contribution with activities tailored to their interests,” Ms Cooke said.
“Local seniors are sure to enjoy the great variety of events planned in the region to celebrate the Seniors Festival in 2022.”
Minister for Seniors Natalie Ward said 92 groups across NSW have been awarded grants of between $450 and $10,000 to provide opportunities for older people to participate in their communities.
“We’re supporting the programs that assist older people to be healthy and active as they age,” Mrs Ward said.
“The events and activities will take place during NSW Seniors Festival from 25 March−3 April next year and provide older people with cultural, creative, sporting and recreational opportunities.”
Cootamundra-Gundagai Mayor Abb McAlister said they would use their $8,000 funding boost to host a Seniors Expo in Cootamundra and Seniors Fair in Gundagai.
“We’re putting on cultural tours, rug making, history walks, sports and even a pamper party. Keeping active and engaged is key to a long and happy life,” Mr McAlister said.
