Tag Archives: 2021

Audiences in the Cootamundra Electorate will benefit from record arts and cultural activity to be delivered across NSW, with Minister for the Arts Don Harwin and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today announcing that The Cad Factory, The Wired Lab and Ngarru Miimi will receive $226,000 in funding.

The Cad Factory is one of 198 great organisations who provide amazing programs receiving a $90,000 share in the $9,371,594 million through Round 1 of Create NSW’s 2021/22 Arts & Cultural Funding Program on behalf of the NSW Government.

This funding will assist in facilitating The Cad Factory’s 2022 artist led program which consists of new, immersive and experimental work guided by authentic exchange, ethical principles, people and place.

Successful recipients from the Cootamundra electorate in Round 1 of Create NSW’s 2021/22 Arts & Cultural Funding Program include:

Recipient	Project Title	Funding Amount
Ms Lillardia Briggs-Houston	Ngarru Miimi Couture Collection	$36,000
The Cad Factory	The Cad Factory 2022 Program	$90,000
The Wired Lab Ltd	The Wired Lab – 2022 Annual Program	$100,000

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the NSW Government’s investment for the region which is set to benefit NSW audiences, artists and creatives.

“After another challenging year, I am thrilled the NSW Government is investing in the area through the Arts and Cultural Funding Program,” Ms Cooke said.

“People are chomping at the bit to return to experiencing and engaging with our local galleries, theatres and festivals. I can’t wait to see our community’s projects and programs come to life.”

Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said “We know that 2021 was a difficult year and there is a strong sense of anticipation from audiences and the sector to come back even bigger and better in 2022.”

“The NSW Government is proud to be investing in a record 198 programs through this funding round which will create jobs for over 17,000 arts and cultural workers,” Mr Harwin said.

“Not only does it boost jobs and the economy, it will support audiences to be welcomed back to arts and cultural spaces, and we anticipate that over 10 million people will be entertained by the programming this funding will make possible,”

For further information on arts, screen and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Work will begin this month on station upgrades at Junee and Cootamundra under a NSW Government initiative to improve accessibility and safety for rail travellers.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Junee and Cootamundra were among 37 regional and intercity stations to benefit under the latest round of the Transport Access Program (TAP) – delivering safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure across the state.

“The upgrades will make these stations more accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, carers or parents with prams and customers with luggage,” Ms Cooke said.

“Commuters at Cootamundra will get a new kiss and ride zone, an improved ticket office, upgraded stairs and better bathrooms including new family accessible toilet facilities.

“The Junee upgrade will deliver an improved station forecourt, a bus and coach stop and a kiss and ride bay on Railway Square.”

Existing accessible parking spaces at Junee station will be improved and commuters will also benefit from upgrades to paths, kerbs and ramps around the station entrance. Heritage aspects of the station will be restored and accessible bathroom facilities will be improved with an ambulant toilet for both male and female bathrooms.

Initial work will begin at both stations tomorrow, Tuesday 23 November and will include removing some existing structures and setting up temporary facilities. All improvements are expected to be completed within six months.

The contract for both sites has been awarded to local construction company Joss Group and planning approval has been granted for these projects.

Almost $600 million has been committed to TAP upgrades in regional NSW since 2011, with more than 470 projects either completed or currently underway across the state.

People impacted by suicide in the Cootamundra electorate will now have access to a new support service to help them navigate the day-to-day challenges brought about by the tragic death of a member of their community.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that post-suicide, it is critical to support loved ones as well as the wider community. 

“For friends and family, the death of a loved one by suicide is not only heartbreaking and shocking, it can also create new challenges as well as making day-to-day tasks incredibly difficult,’ Ms Cooke said.

“Through this service a range of resources will be provided for loved ones and families impacted, including counselling to help them access financial assistance and guiding them through the coronial process.”

The StandBy service is now available in the Murrumbidgee and Western NSW South region. The service being provided through Wellways, a leading not-for-profit mental health organisation that supports people with mental health issues, their carers, families and communities.

“I know first-hand the great support Wellways offers those impacted by suicide. The team have been outstanding in providing useful resources to the community at eleven of the mental health information nights I have held so far,” Ms Cooke added.

NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said this service is a vital part of the State’s suicide reduction strategy.

“We know that around 135 people can be impacted by a single suicide,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Losing a loved one to suicide is one of the most horrific and painful things to process and live with. We want to be there for people in these painful weeks and months in ways that can really help.”

The state-wide rollout of post-suicide support services is thanks to a joint investment by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

To find out more or to access these services, please call 1300 727 247 at any time or visit standbysupport.com.au

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 (Triple Zero).

For anyone who is struggling, you can call the below helplines for support and advice:

Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

The end is near for single use plastics, including bags, straws, cotton buds, plates, bowls and cutlery, after the Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021 passed in NSW Parliament this week.

Plastic packaging and single-use plastics make up 60 per cent of litter across the state.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that phasing out single-use plastics from June next year will result in less litter on our streets, parks and waterways.

“This plan helps reduce the harmful impact of these products on the environment while also encouraging the development of new and innovative products,” Ms Cooke said.

“This legislation is expected to stop 2.7 billion single-use items from ending up in our natural environment and waterways over the next 20 years, and is a game-changer in the fight against plastic waste across our state.”

Businesses will be supported to transition to alternative products before the phase outs come into effect. Exceptions will also apply for members of the community who rely on particular single-use plastics for disability or health needs.

“It is encouraging to see many businesses and households have already voluntarily taken action to reduce their single-use plastics, particularly those who take their own reusable bags to the shops,” Ms Cooke added.

The NSW Government has established a legislative framework to tackle harmful and problematic plastics though the setting of design standards.

The first design standard has been set for microbeads in cosmetic and personal care items, and will ensure microbeads are phased out from 1 November 2022.

The legislation will prohibit the supply of lightweight plastic bags from 1 June 2022. The supply of other items will be prohibited from 1 November 2022, including single-use plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, cotton buds, plates and bowls, and expanded polystyrene foodservice items.

For more information on the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 visit http://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics

The health and wellbeing of young people in the Cootamundra electorate is front and
centre, with the NSW Government investing $20.3 million into expanding the
Children and Young People Recovery Initiative and the Regional Youth Community
Coordinators (RY-CCs) program.

Member for Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said under the NSW
Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, RY-CCs are being
deployed to work with young people across the State including in the Cootamundra
electorate.

“The resilience of young people in the region has been tested by COVID-19, storms,
floods and bushfires, which is why we are delivering these important programs that
boost wellbeing and lay the foundations to recovery,” Ms Cooke said.

“The RY-CCs will facilitate conversations, community events, social activities and
wellbeing programs for young people, ensuring their voices are heard every step of
the way.”

Coordinators will have access to funding from the Children and Young People
Recovery Initiative for the delivery of programs and opportunities that are unique to
each region.

Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said four Regional Youth Community
Coordinators have already begun important work in key areas across the State.

“This initiative is about ensuring our young people have the support they need after
what has been an incredibly tough two years,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The RY-CC’s will be there to listen to young people and offer advice, skills and most
importantly help direct them to services they need to stay on top of their social,
emotional and physical wellbeing.”

This package will see a RY-CC located in every region across rural and regional
NSW.

For more information, please visit: https://www.regional.nsw.gov.au/our-work/pward/office-for-regional-youth

The health and wellbeing of young people in the Cootamundra electorate is front and
centre, with the NSW Government investing $20.3 million into expanding the
Children and Young People Recovery Initiative and the Regional Youth Community
Coordinators (RY-CCs) program.

Member for Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said under the NSW
Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, RY-CCs are being
deployed to work with young people across the State including in the Cootamundra
electorate.

“The resilience of young people in the region has been tested by COVID-19, storms,
floods and bushfires, which is why we are delivering these important programs that
boost wellbeing and lay the foundations to recovery,” Ms Cooke said.

“The RY-CCs will facilitate conversations, community events, social activities and
wellbeing programs for young people, ensuring their voices are heard every step of
the way.”

Coordinators will have access to funding from the Children and Young People
Recovery Initiative for the delivery of programs and opportunities that are unique to
each region.

Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said four Regional Youth Community
Coordinators have already begun important work in key areas across the State.
“This initiative is about ensuring our young people have the support they need after
what has been an incredibly tough two years,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The RY-CC’s will be there to listen to young people and offer advice, skills and most
importantly help direct them to services they need to stay on top of their social,
emotional and physical wellbeing.”

This package will see a RY-CC located in every region across rural and regional
NSW.

For more information, please visit: https://www.regional.nsw.gov.au/our-work/pward/office-for-regional-youth

New English and Mathematics syllabuses for the State’s youngest students were
released today, marking a major milestone in the NSW Government’s Curriculum
Reform agenda.

This is a comprehensive review that has come in more than 30 years, with year 1
and year 2 to be the first to benefit from the changes.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Liberals & Nationals Government
are making the changes to the education space that will benefit our students now
and for years to come.

“One of the most important things the NSW Government can deliver to its
constituents is to provide a quality education,” Ms Cooke said.

“This new reform will allow our young learners to develop a solid foundation to grow.”

“This review will see a strong focus on the important foundations of literacy and
numeracy skills.”

Changes in the new K to 2 English and Mathematics syllabuses include:
 Simple, concise language which identifies key knowledge and skills.
 Easily accessed and navigated on a new Digital Curriculum platform.
 Clear expectations on student reading progression.
 Renewed focus on handwriting.
 New supports for students with significant intellectual disability.
 Emphasis on ‘reasoning’ in mathematics.
 Advanced counting strategies.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said it is first time
the curriculum is completely online and comes with explicit teaching examples.

“The new online curriculum removes any ambiguity for teachers, and comes with
explicit teaching advice on an online platform. This will be particularly helpful for earlycareer teachers,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This reform is exactly what we have been needing to benefit out youngest of learners and I am so excited that this will come into teaching for 2022.”

The reformed curriculum will be delivered to schools on a new Digital Curriculum
platform, a $13.6 million NSW Government investment.

The new syllabuses are available at curriculum.nsw.edu.au. Implementation begins
next year, with all NSW schools teaching the syllabuses from 2023. The NSW
Government continues its work to deliver the new K – 12 NSW Curriculum by 2024.

People in the Cootamundra electorate experiencing mental health distress will now be
able to access support in two new ways, thanks to a pair of new suicide prevention
initiatives.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the addition of two Safe Havens to
existing community-based supports in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
“Instead of struggling alone, anyone who is experiencing mental health distress can
now head to the purpose-designed Safe Havens at Wagga and Griffith,” Ms Cooke
said.

“There are no appointments or referrals needed, so whether you need some peace
and quiet, a chat with someone who understands what you’re going through, or some
calming activities to reduce the intensity of your negative thoughts and feelings, you
can walk right in.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the Safe Haven was staffed by peer
workers who were trained in helping people cope with severe distress.

“We know suicide prevention support needs to engage distressed people where they
live their lives – so we can provide support at the point before someone needs clinical
care.”

The support offered through the Safe Haven will be complemented by a new mobile
Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT) team on hand to provide outreach to
people in suicidal distress.

“We know thoughts of suicide can be triggered by a painful experience – such as a
divorce, unemployment, retirement or death of a loved one – and these mobile teams
will support people where they live their day to day lives,” Ms Cooke added.

“The new team will combine clinical expertise and lived experience of suicide, and
care for people at or near their homes – ensuring they stay connected with their family, friends and other valuable support networks,” Mrs Taylor said.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal
crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Local social services organisations can now apply for up to $200,000 to assist with the
transition away from COVID-19 restrictions.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said $22 million is available to help address
medium-term service needs for charities and not-for-profits.
“There are so many great local social services organisations that have worked hard
throughout the pandemic to deliver services to vulnerable people in our community,”
Ms Cooke said.

“This funding will provide targeted relief so that organisations can continue delivering
their important services and support as transition to eased restrictions.”

The grants are open to organisations who did not receive JobSaver or JobSaver NotFor-Profit and are working across child and family services, domestic violence,
homelessness, health, disability and animal welfare sectors.

The funding aims to ease financial pressures for not-for-profits who have seen a
decline in their revenue and can be used to assist with brokering services and support
for clients.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the
grants are part of the NSW Government’s $50 million Social Sector Support Fund.
“These grants give a hand up to organisations as they gradually return to businessas-usual, helping them address any financial barriers to service delivery,” Mr
Henskens said.

Applications are open until Sunday 28 November. For more information, and to apply,
visit https://dcj.smartygrants.com.au/SSSF-OpenApplications.

The NSW Government recently announced that the Cootamundra electorate has received a share in the NSW Government’s $10 million investment in state-of-the-art technology for TAFE NSW classrooms, providing students with the best possible opportunity to learn.

The Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this latest investment is part of a state-wide program delivering technology upgrades to over 1500 learning spaces across 134 metropolitan, regional and rural TAFE NSW campuses this year.

The Cootamundra electorate has received a $160,000 investment, receiving 155 new devices across the Cootamundra, Narrandera, Temora, Young and Cowra campuses.

Each new model computer will come equipped with a keyboard, mouse and a large 27-inch monitor with the capability to view several windows at once.

“The NSW Government is investing in new equipment at TAFE NSW campuses across the state to ensure students have the digital skills they need to gain employment.”

“The classroom asset refresh program is testament to the NSW Government’s commitment to TAFE NSW and delivering the pipeline of skilled workers industry needs.”

“Upgrading technology across our state-wide network of campuses is key to helping students get jobs, and supporting the NSW economy into the future,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the investment is a prime example of how the NSW Government is investing in modern, industry-standard equipment to support quality educational outcomes.

“The new technology, which is faster and more powerful than before, enables students to access a wider range of computer applications and allows teachers to deliver the highest quality education and training,” Mr Lee said.

“The NSW Government is proud to invest in modern learning equipment to deliver the workforce of the future, and provide students with the digital literacy skills they need to hit the ground running once they graduate.” 

For more information about studying at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.