Project to Boost Temora Youth Wellbeing

A Hip-Hop music program to be delivered through Temora Shire Council is among the latest projects to be announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Temora Youth Go UP&UP project will support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the social impact of Covid-19.

“I’m delighted this opportunity will provide a positive and healthy way for young people in the Temora area to reconnect,” Ms Cooke said.

“This project is a great example of how we can help young people build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and experiences they need to become the best version of themselves.”

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. Applications for both large and smaller grants are open now and close on 31 December 2022, or when fully allocated.

For program and eligibility guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing.

Three New Probationary Constables Welcomed

Three new probationary constables are commencing duties in the Cootamundra electorate after they attested at a formal ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy on June 24, 2022.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has welcomed the new police officers to the region, with two to commence at Narrandera Police Station and one to commence at West Wyalong Police Station.

“The communities of Narrandera and West Wyalong are ready to welcome the new probationary constables and look forward to seeing them put their training into action in their new roles,” said Ms Cooke.

“I wish them every success in their policing careers. Being sworn in as a police officer is a great honour and I commend these new recruits for making the brave decision to put the community’s safety ahead of their own.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole congratulated the newest recruits in Goulburn.

“The 200 students of Class 353 have committed themselves to eight months of training at the Police Academy and should be acknowledged for their achievements,” Mr Toole said.

“Our current police officers across the state will welcome the new probationary constables over the coming weeks as they join the beat in regional, rural and metro communities.

“The NSW Government is proud to offer its continued support to the NSW Police Force as we strive to keep the people of NSW safe.”

In 2019 the NSW Government announced a record investment in police, with an additional 1500 officers over four years and committed $60 million to upgrade the Goulburn Police Academy.

Class 353 includes 134 men and 66 women from all ages, backgrounds and regions across the state and country.

Be Part of the 65th Annual Seniors Festival

The call is out for local organisations to help fill a calendar of engaging and empowering activities for older people during the 2023 NSW Seniors Festival.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program supports initiatives that encourage people aged 60 or over to stay healthy, connected to their community and active.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate or build on the diverse skills and interests of seniors in our community in areas like art, sport, health or technology,” Ms Cooke said.

“This year’s Seniors Festival included computer classes, dance lessons and gardening workshops, so it would be terrific to see local groups come up with more creative and fun activities for the 2023 festival.”

Local councils, community groups and not-for-profit organisations are among those who can apply for grants of up to $10,000.

“The Seniors Festival is an opportunity for all seniors in our community to be active, connected and social—no matter their location, language or ability level,” Ms Cooke added.

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the NSW Seniors Festival is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has been running for more than 60 years

“These grants reinforce the NSW Government’s commitment to helping older people in NSW stay connected with their community as outlined in the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031.”

The Seniors Festival will run from 1 – 12 February 2023. Applications for grants are open now until 1 August 2022.

For more information and to apply, visit seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-seniors-festival-grants

Winter Holiday Fun Coming to the Region

Youth in the Cootamundra electorate will be able to enjoy a variety of workshops, programs and trips over the upcoming winter school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Holiday Break Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the program and said it offers great opportunities for young people to learn new skills, meet people and have fun at the same time.

“The Holiday Break program empowers young people to come together, step out of their comfort zone and do activities they might otherwise not have ever dreamed of doing before,” Ms Cooke said.


“Youth in Coolamon with have a chance to try their hand at a NAIDOC painting workshop, while youth from Cootamundra and Gundagai who have never seen snow before will get the chance to take a trip and learn how to ski and snowboard. Activities are being run all across the electorate for young people to get out and enjoy.”

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said a number of free sport and recreation activities are included to help keep kids active during the winter break.

“These school holidays there are 16 camps across regional NSW that include meals and activities such as archery, BMX, orienteering, problem solving skills and more,” Mr Ayres said.

“Holiday Break camps are a fantastic opportunity for regional youth to challenge themselves and learn new skills, and I encourage all parents to register their kids now and give them an experience they will never forget.”

The program is also supporting 34 leading arts, screen and cultural organisations to show young people what they have to offer. 

Funding for the program is part of the State Government’s commitment to making the arts more accessible to young people across regional NSW.

Minister for Regional Youth and the Arts Ben Franklin said the programs will enable young people to enjoy a wider range of activities.

“We have a vibrant youth arts sector in NSW that covers many forms, and this is reflected in the wonderful array of workshops that will be on offer for young people during the winter school holidays,” Mr Franklin said.

“We are investing in our innovative arts, screen and cultural organisations and making their ambitions a reality, while also improving access to high quality and diverse experiences for children and young people.

“These inspiring sessions provide an important opportunity for young people to find their passion, develop new skills from professional artists and explore exciting forms of self-expression and collaboration.”

To find out more about activities near you and for program guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/winterbreakprogram

Community Groups Invited to Apply for NSW Government Infrastructure Grants

Organisations in the Cootamundra electorate can now apply for funding to support local community projects thanks to the NSW Governments Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants opening.

“$12.5 million is available this year for new or upgraded facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure,” Ms Cooke said.

“This is an opportunity for local organisations to apply for funding for projects that will provide long-term benefits to the community.

“In previous rounds we have funded the Narrandera Golf Club to install new irrigation. We also helped the Gundagai Swimming Club upgrade their facilities.

This is about connecting the community, fostering participation in sport, recreation and arts, and boosting social inclusion and disaster resilience,” Ms Cooke said.

Since 2015, the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government have funded more than 520 community projects worth $81 million under the Infrastructure Grants program. 

These grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects. Funding is available for infrastructure projects in four key areas:

  • Arts & Culture
  • Community Infrastructure
  • Disaster Readiness
  • Sport & Recreation

Applications for the first round of funding for 2022/23 are open from 27 June to 18 July.

To find out more information or to apply, please visit nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrants-infrastructure

Organisations in the Cootamundra electorate can now apply for funding to support local community projects thanks to the NSW Governments Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants opening.

“$12.5 million is available this year for new or upgraded facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure,” Ms Cooke said.

“This is an opportunity for local organisations to apply for funding for projects that will provide long-term benefits to the community.

“In previous rounds we have funded the Narrandera Golf Club to install new irrigation. We also helped the Gundagai Swimming Club upgrade their facilities.

This is about connecting the community, fostering participation in sport, recreation and arts, and boosting social inclusion and disaster resilience,” Ms Cooke said.

Since 2015, the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government have funded more than 520 community projects worth $81 million under the Infrastructure Grants program. 

These grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects. Funding is available for infrastructure projects in four key areas:

  • Arts & Culture
  • Community Infrastructure
  • Disaster Readiness
  • Sport & Recreation

Applications for the first round of funding for 2022/23 are open from 27 June to 18 July.

To find out more information or to apply, please visit nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrants-infrastructure

Better Bus Shelters for Coolamon, Cowra and Junee

Six new shelters and one upgraded bus stop for Coolamon, Cowra and Junee are on the way after funding was granted under the latest round of the NSW Government’s Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the local community is set to benefit from $69,500 in grants for improved infrastructure at local bus stops.

“This improved infrastructure will see Coolamon Shire receiving one upgraded bus stop and one new shelter, Cowra Shire receiving two new shelters and Junee Shire will receive three new shelters. This is a worthwhile investment into safety and accessibility for our local bus-farers,” Ms Cooke said.

“Safety is an important aspect of the upgrade works, which include installing aids such as guide rails, tactile ground surface indicators and lighting, and improving kerbside access and in some cases, an upgraded or new shelter.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the funding for the Cootamundra electorate is part of the latest round of the NSW Government’s Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS) to improve bus stop infrastructure. 

“This scheme is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to provide accessible public transport infrastructure across the state and I’m pleased to announce this latest round of grants, totalling more than $2.1 million,” Mr Farraway said.

The scheme provides subsidies to support the construction or upgrade of bus stop infrastructure owned and maintained by local councils across regional NSW.  

44 regional councils, community groups and schools applied for the grants under the latest round of the scheme.

For more information on CPTIGS, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/country-passenger-transport-infrastructure-grants-scheme

Student from Young Shines at NSW Training Awards

The region’s most outstanding apprentices, trainees, students and teachers were recognised at the Riverina 2022 NSW Training Awards ceremony last week in Griffith.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated Emily Pratt, from Young, who took out the VET in Schools Student of the Year Award at the regional ceremony.

“It is wonderful to see Emily’s efforts recognised with this award,” Ms Cooke said.

“Studying Hospitality, Emily is no stranger to seeking opportunities to develop her industry knowledge and skills, regularly volunteering in a wide range of catering opportunities. I congratulate Emily on this well-deserved honour.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the enormous breadth of talent amongst this year’s finalists and winners demonstrates the opportunities available for rewarding careers available through vocational education and training.

“Vocational education and training delivers real-life skills for people to help them get the jobs they want and it’s great to see so many passionate and enthusiastic young people receiving awards locally,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Government is delivering a range of fee-free and low-fee training to help people get their first job, a new job or a better job, and these awards are a great way to highlight the career opportunities that are available right here in NSW.” 

For more information, visit https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/training_awards.

Student from Murrumburrah Recognised at NSW Training Awards

The region’s most outstanding apprentices, trainees, students and teachers were recognised at the Riverina 2022 NSW Training Awards ceremony last week in Griffith.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated William Kemp from Murrumburrah who took out the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the ceremony.

“William has strong character values, is honest and reliable and can master almost anything he sets his mind to,” Ms Cooke said.

“From a young age William showed an interest in the building trade, assisting his Dad on home projects which led him to undertake studying carpentry. He is now excelling in his current job and is seen as a role model to his peers. I congratulate William on this well-deserved honour.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the enormous breadth of talent amongst this year’s finalists and winners demonstrates the opportunities available for rewarding careers available through vocational education and training.

“Vocational education and training delivers real-life skills for people to help them get the jobs they want and it’s great to see so many passionate and enthusiastic young people receiving awards locally,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Government is delivering a range of fee-free and low-fee training to help people get their first job, a new job or a better job, and these awards are a great way to highlight the career opportunities that are available right here in NSW.” 

For more information, visit https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/training_awards.

End-of-Life Care and Services Improved in NSW

The NSW Government is improving palliative care and other specialist health services with a $743 million injection into services and staffing, which will see greater comfort and dignity for NSW residents who require palliative care.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the five-year funding is on top of the $300 million the NSW Government invests in palliative care services each year. 

“It is estimated that of the 50,000 people on average that die in NSW each year, 70 per cent could benefit from palliative care services,” Ms Cooke said.

“Today’s announcement will significantly boost funding for end-of-life palliative care, delivering equitable access to pain management services, avoiding unnecessary hospitals stays and providing comfort and dignity to NSW residents at end of life.”

Ms Cooke said palliative care and end-of-life health professionals provide an untold amount of comfort to patients and families and she welcomes the 600 additional professionals being added to the NSW workforce.

“Our health professionals and dedicated palliative care staff provide so much comfort to those entering the final stages of their life,” Ms Cooke said.

“I am pleased that this funding boost will allow us to support staff and services to continue that high-quality and compassionate care into the future.”

The $743 million funding over five years includes $650 million to:

  • employ an extra  600 nurses, allied health professionals, doctors, and support staff
  • boost hospital capacity and implement best-practice models for supportive and palliative care
  • improve access to pain management services for patients with life-limiting illness, to help patients and their family and carers
  • improve services for people with late stage chronic and degenerative conditions, and cancer
  • further strengthen outpatient and community health services
  • support consumer choice and excellence in end-of-life and palliative care
  • strengthen virtual care, transport and equipment programs
  • improve partnership with non-Government organisations, primary care and aged care services. 

New Water Treatment Plant for Wyangala

Work has begun on a new $5.1 million Wyangala Water Treatment Plant which will deliver up to 800,000 litres of clean drinking water every day to village residents and the popular holiday park.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new water treatment plant is a great step forward for the community and local economy.

“Turning on the tap to fill your glass with clean, treated water is something millions of Australians do every minute of every day, which is why I am pleased Wyangala village will finally have infrastructure in place that will enable them to do the same,” Ms Cooke said.

“It is fantastic this project has already injected $820,000 into the local economy which means more money in the till for regional business owners.”

“The principal contractor Enviropacific Services aims to employ one-third of its workforce locally and has engaged 17 local businesses, including companies providing fabrication, electrical installation, civil engineering, earth works and surveying services.”

Cowra Mayor Bill West welcomed the start of construction.

“The current water treatment plant at Wyangala is no longer fit for purpose, which is why we have been pushing to replace the ageing infrastructure to ensure locals have access to a reliable stream of clean, drinkable water,” Mayor West said.

“It is great to see workers on site because this means we are one step closer to improving the quality of the water for the town and Reflections Holiday Park, which is a major win for Wyangala.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said residents will have safe, drinkable running water by early next year.

“Everyone deserves access to good quality drinking water,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why I have been working with the NSW Government to get shovels in the ground so we can get on with the job of building a more modern, efficient and reliable Water Treatment Plant that will provide clean potable water to residents.

“For the first time, treated drinking water will also be piped to the Reflections Holiday Park unlocking the economic potential of Wyangala as a tourism destination.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the project will be a game changer for the town’s residents.

“The new water treatment plant will be almost double the size of the current plant which will enable residents and visitors to have better access to clean drinking water,” Mr Anderson said.

“The new infrastructure will make Wyangala an even better place to live, work and visit which is great news for local businesses.”

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Wyangala Water Treatment Plant would help unlock the region’s potential.

“This is what happens when you have good Coalition Governments working together at a Federal and State level to achieve great outcomes for regional communities,” Mr McCormack said.

“The wonderful Wyangala community deserves the best possible water infrastructure and we are delivering just that.”

Once the plant is finished in early 2023, it will be owned and operated by Cowra Shire Council.