Tag Archives: 2022

Young people in Cowra will benefit from the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities program, with Cowra Show Society the successful recipient of $46,580 funding for their initiative – Volunteering for the robust real-world experience.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Cowra Show Society’s planned workshops would provide a great opportunity for young people in the Cowra region to engage with the community and learn new skills to set them up for success in life.

“Young people thrive when they have the opportunity to participate in programs tailored to their needs,” Ms Cooke said.

“This proposal from Cowra Show Society sounds like a fun and engaging way to help them develop the talent and tools they need to reach their career and education goals, as well as encourage greater participation of young people as volunteers – be it with the Cowra Show Society, or elsewhere in the local community.”

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the Cowra Show Society was one of 47 projects funded under this round of the Youth Opportunities program.

“Youth Opportunities grants are delivering $2 million in funding for youth-led and youth-driven projects across NSW,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“From initiatives to assist young people to get their first job to workshops that will build vital life skills such as cooking and car maintenance, there will be incredible opportunities state-wide for young people.”

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the program helps provide a pathway for young people, particularly in regional areas, to find their place in their community and live independently.

“The transition from school to work is often challenging, and initiatives like the Youth Opportunities Program are imperative in helping make that transition as easy as possible for young people,” Mr Franklin said.

“This funding helps facilitate a sustained transition into employment and provides young people with a personal development pathway to upskill them into qualified, work-ready professionals.” Youth Opportunities is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, providing $15.3 million to 329 projects across NSW since it commenced.

Temora Town Band Inc is one of 20 NSW-based community brass and concert bands successful in receiving funds under the 2022 Community Band Development Grants Program, administered by the Band Association of NSW on behalf of Create NSW.

Temora Town Band Inc will use its funding of $2000 to increase band activity and grow audience numbers within the community.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding would directly support the musical volunteers and Temora’s cultural sector.

“It’s music to my ears that we are supporting our home-grown musicians and volunteers of Temora Town Band, and I am confident this investment will give them a real boost to play on into the future,” said Ms Cooke.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said that the funding will increase musical activity within NSW communities and support the growth of audience numbers across the State.

“The Community Band Development Grants Program recognises the special role bands and live music play in our community life, and provides an excellent upskilling opportunity for musicians while promoting arts and culture around NSW,” Mr Franklin said.

“What I like most about this program isthat it invests in our local communitiesby providing support to local talent and volunteers, while also increasing band activity, lifting performance standards and growing audience numbers.”

Band Association of NSW is the peak organising body for community brass and concert bands in NSW.  In 2021/22, Band Association of NSW received $55,000 as part of Multi-year Funding for Service Organisations (Negotiated); this includes$30,000 to deliverthe Community Band Development Grants Program.

This year’s Community Band Development Grants Program has supported community bands across NSW, including the Regions, Western Sydney and Metropolitan Sydney.

Coolamon Cricket Club Inc will benefit from $51,532 in funding under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this funding will help the Coolamon Cricket Club to continue providing a fit-for-purpose location for local clubs and the community to enjoy participating in sports and hosting events.

“The Coolamon Cricket Club Inc is receiving $51,532 to replace and upgrade their water system to improve the quality of the playing surface at the grounds,” Ms Cooke said.

“This funding will provide upgrades to these facilities to ensure that it is a safe environment for all competitors and community sporting groups.”

Mr Shane Rudd, President of Coolamon Junior Cricket Club said the benefit of this watering system is not just for the cricket teams, but all sporting teams and anyone that uses the grounds, including visiting schools.

“This watering system, which utilises recycled water means that we can ensure that the grounds are always maintained in peak condition and provide the highest degree of safety possible for anyone participating in any sport,” Mr Rudd said.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the latest round of ClubGrants funding has awarded more than $4.2m to 43 projects across sport and recreation, arts and culture, community infrastructure and disaster readiness.

“Each year $12.5 million is made available for projects to build, repair or upgrade facilities across arts and culture, sport and recreation, disaster readiness and community infrastructure,” Mr Anderson said.

“The latest round was one the largest yet in a response to weather events including drought, bushfires and flooding, as well as the ongoing recovery from the COVID pandemic.

“A focus of the Infrastructure Grants funding is to help local community groups repair, rebuild and upgrade their facilities in areas where it is most needed, which is why it is so important that we support organisations like this in the Cootamundra electorate.”

The Infrastructure Grants program is made possible by Clubgrants Category 3, a fund which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects.  Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded more than 520 community projects worth more than $81 million under the Infrastructure Grants program

The new clubhouse and changerooms located at the Narrandera Sportsground were officially opened on Saturday with the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joining the Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Neville Kschenka and the local community at the event.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said project funding has been a collective effort with the NSW Government, Federal Government, Narrandera Shire Council, AFL Riverina and the Narrandera Imperial Football-Netball Club all providing support to the development.

“I would like to acknowledge all the hardworking individuals involved in making this dream project a reality, including Project Manager, the late Noel Crichton, Narrandera Shire Council Deputy General Manager Shane Wilson, and the Narrandera Imperial Football-Netball Club Clubrooms Committee, Joyleen Hutchins, Mark Savage, Graham Flynn and Gavin Sullivan,” Ms Cooke said.

“Enhancing these multi-sport facilities will greatly help local clubs like the Narrandera Imperial Football-Netball Club on training and game days.”

“These upgrades will also hopefully help put the Narrandera Sportsground on the map as a perfect space to attract national sporting fixtures such as the AFL which would be a huge boost to the community and local business owners.”

Through the NSW Government’s Stronger Countries Community Fund, the Narrandera Imperial Football-Netball Club was awarded $100,000 for the project under Round 3 and a further $160,000 was given to the Narrandera Shire Council for the development under Round 4.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to participate in local services and events being held across the electorate this Anzac Day.

“As dawn awakens on April 25^th, we stand in solemn silence to mark our respect and to honour and remember those who have served our Nation in past conflicts, and to thank those who are serving our Nation to this day,” Ms Cooke said.

“With commemorative events being held across the globe, it is very special for us to see a return of local services and events in many of our towns and villages following the disruption of Covid-19 in recent years.”

A day of quiet reflection, Anzac Day is also one of community, to gather to recognise the service and sacrifice of local men and women, many of whom are remembered as family and friends.

“We will listen to their stories and hear their enduring message, like that which is reflected on the four pillars at Kokoda; a message of Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice, and one which truly embodies the Anzac spirit,” Ms Cooke said.

“As we take this opportunity to come together, I also wish to recognise our RSL Sub-branches, Veterans organisations and volunteers who make every effort to ensure this important day continues to be central to the community calendar.”

On Anzac Day, Ms Cooke will be joining the Wombat community for their Dawn Service, before the mid-morning March and Commemorative Service at Cootamundra, followed by the Coolamon RSL Sub-branch Anzac luncheon and an afternoon Commemorative Service to be held at the Barellan Cenotaph.

The construction of a new hanger and club room at the Cowra and District Aero Club is steaming ahead thanks to the NSW Governments $325,485 investment into the project under Round 3 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke recently visited the site at the Cowra Airport alongside Cowra and District Aero Club members and Mayor Bill West to view the major developments.

“The new facilities will be a great asset to the Cowra and District Aero Club who provide high-quality flight training to people of all ages who are interested in aviation, whether it be for leisure or to pursue a career as a qualified pilot,” Ms Cooke said.

“The club is really making its mark in the industry as being an outstanding choice for those seeking out highly professional flight training with students enrolling from as far as Sydney and Canberra.”

“Cowra has become a great hub for those wanting to learn foundational aviation skills in a regional setting.”

The Cowra Aero Club currently offers three types of training including an introductory trial instructional flight, obtaining a Recreational Aviation Australia certificate and the more advanced Cross Country Endorsement.

Cowra and District Aero Club President and Senior Instructor David Shaw said that the previous facilities were no longer meeting the ever growing demand.

“The old hangar had to be dismantled and the old club room acted as the terminal, which ultimately pushed the club into a side room that was no longer sufficient for the needs of training new pilots,” Mr Shaw said.

“These new upgrades will allow us to increase our current capabilities, expanding on teaching and becoming a better facility to introduce young people in particular to all aspects of aviation.”

“The new hangar and clubroom will enable us to continue training future pilots as a Recreational Aviation Australia flying school and act as a stepping stone for those who seek to not only be a recreational pilot, but those who wish to train and become a commercial pilot or pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force, or even those who hope to become involved in the maintenance or engineering aspects of aviation professions.”

The concrete pour is expected next week with door installation to follow before moving onto the construction of the club room section.

The group is holding a club day this Sunday May 1 for all of its 36 members which is a great opportunity to catch up socially and revise their skills.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has officially opened a new $5 million NSW Rural Fire Service Area Command Centre, air base and brigade station at Cowra.

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers and Cowra Mayor Bill West joined the Minister today to open the new co-located Area Command Centre and Waugoola Rural Fire Brigade Station, and hand over five new fire tankers, worth almost $1 million, to local volunteers.

The new facility, in the Cowra Airport Precinct, includes an office for Area Command staff, a warehouse to securely store essential equipment, an air base and the Waugoola Rural Fire Brigade Station.

Minister Cooke said the new facility would significantly increase fire safety in the region and help keep local communities safe.

“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in state-of-the-art facilities like this one here in Cowra to better equip our emergency services personnel for their vital work to protect our communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“The RFS members who operate from these facilities are valued members of their communities. They are local people making local decisions to protect life and property year round.”

Commissioner Rogers said the Area Command Centre would accommodate staff supporting almost 450 volunteer brigades across the RFS Western Area Command, which stretches from Lithgow to Wilcannia and Harden to Brewarrina, and covers more than 65 per cent of NSW.

“The airbase will provide us with enhanced capability for deploying aircraft as needed during emergencies across the west of the state,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“This excellent new multipurpose facilities and equipment are greatly welcomed by the local staff, volunteers and the communities they serve.” The Minister officially handed the keys over to a $356,000 tanker to the Waugoola 1 Brigade, a $214,000 tanker to each of the Gap 7 and Woodstock 7 Brigades, and a $204,000 tanker to each of the Darby Falls 7 and Wattamondara 7 Brigades.

Morongla Show is set to shine brighter than ever in 2022, thanks to NSW Government support through the Country Shows Support Package.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Country Shows Support Package, which has already delivered over $100,000 to country shows across the Cootamundra electorate has also seen Morongla Show successful in their application to receive $15,000 to support the delivery of their 2022 show.

“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”

“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer,”

“From best grown flowers, to wood chopping, petting zoos and rides for children of all sizes, there is something for everyone at our country and agricultural shows and it is something the whole family can enjoy together.”

Mr David Langfield, President of Morongla Show Society said that the funding will assist the committee to run the show quite well this year and allow improvements to be made to some of the equipment they are using.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides a funding opportunity for the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW in 2022.

“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 are helping 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.”

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 open until 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.

The West Wyalong Show is gearing up for a huge two days of events in 2022, thanks to NSW Government support through the Country Shows Support Package.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Country Shows Support Package, which has already delivered $99,513 to country shows around the Cootamundra electorate has another recipient, with the West Wyalong Show Society Inc to receive $13,677 to support the delivery of the 2022 West Wyalong show.

“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods ahead of this year’s show in September, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”

“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer. From best-grown squash, to wood chopping, petting zoos and watching which dog takes out best in show, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our country and agricultural shows.”

Diane Redman, President of the West Wyalong Show Society Inc said that the commitment by the NSW Government to country shows after a tough couple of years is greatly appreciated by all members of the society.

“We are looking forward to bringing the show back in 2022 bigger and better than ever,” Mrs Redman added.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides a funding opportunity for the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW in 2022.

“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 are helping 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.”

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 open until 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.

Local first year apprentices facing financial or personal hardship will be supported with a $15,000 scholarship to undertake their trade and study through a NSW Government scholarship program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said applications are now open for the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship which will support 120 people to either start, change, or further their career. 

“This scholarship program offers a great incentive for eligible locals to kick-start their career. Whether you need to purchase new tools, cover fuel or car maintenance, or pay for additional study, these scholarships have helped people overcome personal barriers to finish their apprenticeships and follow their trade calling,” Ms Cooke said.

“We have seen a lot of success from the program in our region, with residents being able to upskill and gain employment, whilst also boosting the local workforce of our small businesses.”

“Under the last round, five scholarships were awarded to students across a number of industries including hairdressing and electrotechnology.”

The NSW Government will invest $1.8 million in the program, which provides $5,000 over three years to support apprentices who demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and training and are committed to their on the job and formal training.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said there were more than 107,000 people in-training across NSW, a 29 per cent increase on the year before.  

“Apprenticeships are a critical part of ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled workers, but we also understand the financial limitations and challenges that arise for apprentices while completing their trade,” Mr Henskens said.

“As NSW has seen through bushfires, floods and the pandemic, apprentices remain a vital part of the economy and make a strong contribution to local businesses and communities.”

“The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships are in addition to the 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships and 70,000 fee-free traineeships and other low-fee courses funded by the NSW Government.”

The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.

Applications are open and will close Friday, 27 May 2022.

For more information and to apply visit www.education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/bert-evans-scholarships or phone 13 28 11.