Locals Shortlisted for Crown Lands Award

Two local volunteers are being recognised in this year’s NSW Government-sponsored Community Achievement Awards for their contributions while managing Crown Reserves in the community.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated Debbie Coddington and Jone Pavelic on being named finalists for the Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Award.

“The depth of community spirit in the electorate is being recognised with two nominations for local Crown Land Managers who make outstanding contributions to our communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“Debbie has done amazing work as Secretary of the Bectric Hall committee, applying for grants to build a camp kitchen and restoring the roof to allow our historic 1904 hall to open up to campers,”

“While Jone has done fantastic work as Chair of Temora Showground Land Manager which is an important community facility, leading the charge by being the point of contact for all bookings for the caravan park.”

The Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands is sponsoring three of  the 2022 Community Achievement Awards for Regional NSW and the ACT:

  • Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Award for volunteers
  • Crown Land Management Excellence Award for organisations; and
  • Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award for local councils.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said Crown reserves include everything from showgrounds, racecourses, surf lifesaving clubs and parks to sporting venues, coastal foreshores, caravan parks, recreational trails and public halls.

“Crown land managers do a remarkable job maintaining and improving reserves for current and future generations,” Mr Anderson said.

“NSW has 34,000 Crown reserves that are critical for supporting recreation, culture and the economies of local communities across our state.”

Final award winners will be announced at a presentation dinner in the Blue Mountains on 25 November. For more information, visit Community Achievement Awards or phone 1300 735 445.

Nominations Open for 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards

The search is on to find the most outstanding and influential women in NSW, with nominations now open for the 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the annual awards play an important role in recognising inspirational women from diverse backgrounds, state-wide.

“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to honour the women and girls who are making a real difference to our communities,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said when we recognise the outstanding contributions women and girls make to society, we empower and inspire them to continue creating positive and lasting changes.

“We all have a responsibility to be loud and proud of women’s achievements and to celebrate their determination, bravery, skill and passion,” Mrs Taylor said.

Nominations are open for the following six categories:

  • Woman of Excellence
  • Aboriginal Woman of the Year
  • Community Hero of the Year
  • Young Woman of the Year
  • Regional Woman of the Year
  • One to Watch

The winners will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on 9 March 2023 as part of NSW Women’s Week.

To nominate an extraordinary woman or girl in your community, visit:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards

Nominations close Friday, 30 September.

Celebrate Seniors Helping Communities Thrive

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging nominations for recognition as part of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.

“Seniors are invaluable to our small communities as volunteers, carers and role models – even more so during such a challenging year,” Ms Cooke said.

“If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate them for acknowledgement of their contribution.”

Winners of the Local Achievement Awards will be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival which runs from 25 March – 3 April. The awards program are part of an exciting schedule of events across the state.

It is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere and enables older people to engage with each other, their community, services and supports.

Minister for Seniors, Mark Coure, said the festival and the awards highlight the vital role seniors play in the community.

“This annual festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society,” Mr Coure said.

“These initiatives also provide an important opportunity for seniors to participate in their communities in meaningful and engaging ways.”

It is one of many initiatives the NSW Government promotes to support the state’s seniors in living happy, healthy and active lives.

“We will continue to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigmas by highlighting their continued efforts in helping communities thrive,” Mr Coure added.

Nominations are now open for the awards program which celebrates the work and achievements of seniors in the community.

To nominate a senior or find further information on the program, please email cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au or call the Junee Electorate Office on 6924 2533