Steph Cooke | 16 May 2022 | Community News Uncategorized
Community projects needing additional funding support can now apply for the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has encouraged local councils, organisations and community groups to get involved.
“This program has been hugely successful in the Cootamundra electorate allowing local groups to undertake a wide range of projects,” Ms Cooke said.
“We have had freezer upgrades for Meals on Wheels, refurbishments at Men’s Sheds and the purchase of maintenance equipment to help local sporting clubs – just to name a few.”
“This investment by the NSW Government is about helping to deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes, while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.”
Since 2009, the Community Building Partnership (CBP) program has awarded more than $399 million to over 18,000 projects.
In 2022, there is a maximum of $400,000 to allocate in each electorate with incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and local councils eligible to apply for grants of between $5,000 and $150,000.
Applications opened on Monday 16 May 2022 and close on Friday 10 June at 5pm.
More funding from the NSW Government is on its way for the Lachlan Valley Railway Society with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announcing $19,690 for the group under the 2021 Community Building Partnership program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding will assist with improvements to the Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre.
“The Lachlan Valley Railway Heritage Centre in Cowra draws hundreds of tourists to the region each year so it is important that the centre is fit for purpose,” Ms Cooke said.
The improvements to the site include an extension to the existing entrance and display building.
Director and Deputy Chair of the Lachlan Valley Railway Society Cass Mendham said the funding comes as a huge achievement to the volunteer led group.
“The funding will help preserve all the work that we have done over the years making sure everything is in good condition for years to come.”
The announcement comes with added excitement with the centre set to reopen to the public this Thursday.
“We’ve been closed for months so we’re really eager to welcome the public back through our gates,” Ms Mendham added.
Since 2019, the Lachlan Valley Railway Society has received a number of grants under the NSW Governments State Heritage Grants Program to improve their operations including one in the 2019-21 round and two in the 2021-23 round.
“The team of proud and passionate volunteers at the centre have shown immense dedication to enhancing the space over the past few years,” Ms Cooke added.
The initial funding in the 2019-21 round allowed for the development of the Locomotive Depot Store Building: Conservation Management Plan.
Furthermore, through the two grants announced earlier this year under the 2021-23 round, one project will be establishing a Conservation Management Strategy with Master Plans which will provide provide a management framework to direct the long-term conservation of significant built fabric at Cowra Locomotive Depot.
The additional project will focus on implementing the priority conservation works outlined in the Locomotive Depot Store Building: Conservation Management Plan to ensure the site’s significant heritage values are conserved and enhanced for future generations.
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
Emma Marr, Steph Cooke MP, Sophie Sim, Arthur Chaw and Sue Sharp in the renovated kitchen.
The Gooloogong community is celebrating a double boost from the NSW Government, with two Community Building Partnership (CBP) grants.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced funding for two Gooloogong community groups from the CBP program for upgrades and improvements. The grants include:
$10,000 for the Gooloogong Country Club for Stage 2 of their kitchen refurbishment, including replacing the existing range hood system
$19,993 for the Gooloogong Historical Society for their new roof and drainage system.
The Gooloogong Country Club previously received $25,000 for Stage 1 of their kitchen refurbishment which installed a new fryer, freezer, wok, stove, stainless steel benchtop and repairs.
Ms Cooke said the two grants would have a big impact on the small community.
“It’s such a joy to be able to announce this funding for these two wonderful community organisations,” Ms Cooke said.
“I am so impressed with the amount of work that has already been undertaken at the Gooloogong Country Club and am pleased the NSW Government is supporting these further improvements.”
“These grants remove the financial burden from these great community groups and mean their facilities can continue to be enjoyed for years to come, helping to bring the Gooloogong community together.”
Gooloogong Country Club Board member Emma Marr said the upgrades had brought the community together.
“The Country Club’s kitchen is a real heart of our community. We thank chefs Soph Sim and Arthur Chaw for the work they do in helping us deliver community events. This has created a great working environment for the chefs,” Ms Marr said.
“We recently held an all-you-can eat buffet and we sat 180 people – which is practically our whole population! This is a chance for the community to come together and there was no way we would have been able to do this previously.”
“We are really appreciative that Steph was able to recognise the contribution our club kitchen makes to the functioning of our community.”
