Tag Archives: Grants&Funding

Wednesday, 12 April 2023

Primary producers, small business owners, not-for-profits and community organisations are reminded that disaster declaration applications for various weather events are closing soon.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging those who may be eligible for assistance to make sure they have all their documentation complete and submitted prior to the closing date.

“It’s been a very tough period right across the electorate and the road to recovery takes time. These grants are about ensuring those impacted can get back on their feet sooner,” Ms Cooke said.

“We’ve seen all nine local government areas in the Cootamundra electorate subject to a natural disaster declaration over the past 12 -18 months.”

The following declarations close soon:

• Cowra LGA, applications close on 17 April 2023 for flooding from 27 June 2022 onwards (AGRN 1025).

• Narrandera LGA, applications close on 22 April 2023 for flooding from 14 September 2022 onwards (AGRN 1034).

• Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai and Hilltops LGA, application close on 28 April 2023 for flooding from 14 September 2022 onwards (AGRN 1034).

• Junee and Temora LGA applications close on 4 May 2023 for flooding from 14 September 2022 onwards (ARGN 1034).

Declarations AGRN 1025 and AGRN 1034 fall under Category B, which allows for Primary Producers to apply for concessional loans of up to $130,000 and Transport Subsidy of up to $15,000. Small Businesses can apply for concessional loans up to $130,000 and non-for-profit and community organisations can apply for Concessional loans of up to $25,000.

In June, a further two declarations close:

• Cowra LGA, applications close on 30 June 2023 for flooding from 27 June 2022 onwards (AGRN 1025).

• Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra, Hilltops, Junee and Narrandera, Temora and Weddin LGA’s, applications close on 30 June 2023 for flooding from 4 August 2022 and 14 September 2022 onwards (AGRN 1030).

Declarations AGRN 1025 and AGRN 1030 fall under Category D, which allows for eligible Primary Producers to apply for special disaster grants of up to $75,000 and eligible Rural Landholders to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Businesses can apply for Disaster Recovery via the Service NSW website. Customers can also call Service NSW on 13 77 88, register for a call back.

For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery/disaster-relief-and-support

Community groups can now apply for $3,000 grants for projects which support local veterans or boost awareness of their role in Australia’s military history.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said applications are now open for the $100,000 Anzac Community Grants Program and encouraged eligible organisations to apply.

“Veterans past and present have served to keep us safe and this is an opportunity to recognise their sacrifices while enriching our communities,” Ms Cooke said.

“It may be the restoration of a medals’ display cabinet or researching a local veteran; let’s see what ideas come from our local communities.”

Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and support to members of the NSW veteran community.

Applications are open to individuals and not-for-profit organisations including local government authorities, non-government organisations, ex-service organisations and educational institutions.

Over 50 projects were selected in 2021, including Cowra Author Lusi Austin to support the distribution of her fictional post-war book ‘Jack’s Visit to Cowra’.

The Junee Broadway Museum was also successful in the previous round, with a project to preserve the Army Great Coat and Call to Arms certificate belonging to former Junee resident Corporal Frank Boyton.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott announced an increase in funding available to local community groups to apply for a grant, worth up to $3,000.

“The NSW Government has increased funding available to honour former and current serving personnel. I encourage anyone who is interested in the service and sacrifice of veterans in New South Wales to apply for an Anzac Community Grant,” Mr Elliott said.

Applications are open until 11 November 2022: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/grants

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.

Applications will soon open for the fifth round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, which will see further investment in local community infrastructure and programs that will make a big difference to our region.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the latest round was a great opportunity for councils and community groups to seek funding for projects that improve the quality of life in smaller communities.

“I am very pleased the NSW Government is delivering on its commitment of supporting investment in regional and rural communities, making our region an even better place to live and visit,” Ms Cooke said.

“We have seen a great number of local projects delivered through this program, and I encourage eligible organisations with a great project in mind to make the most of this opportunity and submit an application.”

Over $44 million for 227 projects across the nine local government areas of the Cootamundra electorate has been secured through the program to date.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund builds on the previous rounds and continues to provide important infrastructure and programs for regional towns.

“The Stronger Country Communities Fund is continuing to make a real difference to the lives of people right across regional NSW, with $500 million invested over the past four rounds delivering more than 2,000 local projects in regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“Everywhere I go, people tell me about the positive difference that Stronger Country Communities Fund projects make to their everyday life, whether it’s a new skate park that kids of all ages love, new lighting for sports grounds or programs that support and inspire young people living in the bush.

“The NSW Government is investing record amounts to deliver the big picture infrastructure needed to stimulate regional economies, but we’re also backing community projects that make a big positive difference to everyday life.”

The $660 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local projects that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.

Applications for Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund open on Friday, 5 August 2022.

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/sccf

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has welcomed the official unveiling of a bronze, life-size sculpture of Australia’s greatest war horse, ‘Bill the Bastard’, at a ceremony in Harden Murrumburrah.

Ms Cooke said it was fantastic to see the statue in-situ at Murrumburrah, the birthplace of the Australian Light Horse.

“This project has been a long time in the works and is an absolute credit to the dedication and perseverance of many deeply passionate members in this community.

“Bill is a source of great pride for all involved and an absolute drawcard to Harden Murrumburrah and the Hilltops region more broadly.”

The project was made possible thanks to over $400,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.

Major donations and contributions alongside that of the NSW Government were:

• $200,000 raised amongst the local community,
• $100,000 from the Kruger Trust,
• $80,000 from Harden Regional Development Corporation,
• $30,000 from Mr Bill Gibbons of Victoria.

The ‘Bill the Bastard’ statue was created by local sculptor Mr Carl Valerius and bronzed by Mr Matt Crawford of Crawford’s Casting.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mr Valerius said it was a fabulous outcome for the community.

“To have an idea and believe in it, you can achieve almost anything. I thank the State Government for their support and belief in a little old sculpture in a town like Murrumburrah.”

Special guests present at the ceremony also included Brigadier Glen Ryan from Victoria Barracks in Sydney, along with 97yr old Mr Keith Taylor who travelled from Uranquinty for the occasion.

The sculpture of ‘Bill the Bastard’ and his five riders can be found at the 1^st Australian Horse and Australian Light Horse Memorial precinct in Murrumburrah.

For more information, please visit Home – Bill the Bastard.

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

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

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

A new playground, designed with elements to enable inclusive play for all children has been opened at Albert Park, Cootamundra, thanks to joint funding of $200,000 from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play grant scheme and $200,000 input from Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council, in conjunction with the Touched By Olivia Foundation.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was an honour to be at the opening of this unique playground which would provide a place to challenge and encourage active play in an environment designed to incorporate nature.

“This playground has been created as a space where children can delight in the giant treehouse, swing on all sorts of different types of swings, and have their imaginations sparked by water features,” Ms Cooke said.

“Everyone feels welcome here. Every child can play here. This project has been designed so that all children can enjoy this space, regardless of ability. The vision that has been shown in regard to diversity and inclusion is remarkable.”

“I also recognise the efforts of Mayor Charlie Sheehan and Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council staff in seeing this vision come to life along with the Touched by Olivia Foundation.”

Extensive community consultation and feedback was sought throughout the process of the design of this playground. Thoughts and ideas from children regarding how they wished to play was an integral part of the process and contributed to the overall design.

Along with connecting children to nature and providing an inclusive space, this playground also acknowledges the Indigenous connections to the park, incorporating the theme of a long-neck turtle.

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.

For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/projects/community-building-partnership