Tag Archives: Grants&Funding

Work is set to begin next week on the second of three stages of pavement rehabilitation to improve safety on the Newell Highway.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government has funded $3.5 million for this stage of work which will provide a safer and stronger road on a 1.8-kilometre section of the Newell Highway West of Grong Grong.

“Resurfacing and widening this stretch of road will improve the safety and driving experience for motorists,” Ms Cooke said.

“These enhancements will make the road more reliable, reducing the need for regular maintenance.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Government is committed to ensuring a safe and reliable road network for motorists across the state. 

“The Newell Highway is the main inland road link from Victoria to Queensland. It is used as a major freight transport route and connects a number of inland urban centres, including Dubbo and Parkes, Mr Farraway said.

“This work follows from the $2.5 million worth of road rehabilitation safety improvements carried on a 1.4-kilometre section of the Newell Highway near Gawnes Road in 2019. Stage 2 will continue these improvements further west along the Newell.”

Work on road rehabilitation, road widening, line marking and vegetation removal will start near Gawnes Road and join up with the Newell Highway realignment at Grong Grong.

Work will be carried out between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday from Monday 16 May until Friday 9 September, weather permitting.

Traffic control, single lane closures and reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work. Motorist are advised to allow for an additional five minutes travel time.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience while work is carried out. For the latest traffic updates call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app.

Women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Cootamundra electorate will soon receive greater support with expressions of interest for the first of round of funding for new women’s refuges set to open on 9 May.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging local organisations to apply for NSW Government funding to deliver new women’s refuges in our region.

“The NSW Government is prioritising supporting victim-survivors of Domestic Violence across NSW and this funding is being made available to deliver refuges to support women and children leaving violence,” Ms Cooke said.

“The roll out of new women’s refuges is the first step in helping victim-survivors start their new life, and I am very keen to see local organisations put in for this new funding opportunity.”

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the NSW Government’s $426 million commitment over four years to establish new refuges is the single largest investment in the state’s history to address domestic abuse.

“No one should live their life in fear, but all too often women stay in violent relationships because they feel they have nowhere to go,” Mrs Ward said.

“Our record investment shows we are sending a strong message that enough is enough. Women who make the courageous decision to leave an abusive partner can feel secure knowing they will have a safe haven to go to where they can begin rebuilding their lives.

Self-contained accommodation is located alongside services including counselling, legal assistance, and education and employment support.

The sites may also feature meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment for court appearances, communal kitchens, and playgrounds.

Next week, Minister Ward will host a roundtable with domestic violence advocacy groups, specialist homelessness services and peak bodies to discuss the roll out.

Expressions of interest will also open shortly to apply for the first round of funding and interested parties should monitor the NSW e-tendering site for the latest information: https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/ 

For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63), NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Landcare and environmental groups across Cootamundra Electorate have the opportunity to receive funding to restore riverbanks that have been damaged by recent natural disasters, thanks to a new NSW Government support program.

The $3 million Landcare Riparian Restoration Grant program will provide funding of up to $50,000 for groups to carry out on-ground projects such as riverbank and stream restoration, on-farm erosion works and tree planting.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said this program was integral to the continued health of local waterways while also providing an immediate boost to the local economy.

“It’s important to act now to repair and sure up affected waterways and riparian zones after the recent weather events, to try and offset some of the damage that has occurred and help prevent further deterioration,” Ms Cooke said.

“Even better, with groups engaging local contractors to help carry out the works, the grants will provide a direct cash injection for local businesses.”

Local Land Services will work with Landcare groups to administer the grants and will support them to deliver the on-ground works.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available per incorporated Landcare or natural resource management group. Joint submissions between multiple groups will also be considered up to a total value of $200,000.

Applications will close on Friday, 3 June at 5pm. For more information and to apply, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/landcare-grants The Landcare Riparian Restoration Grant program is funded through the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package.

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

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.

Attending performances and functions is set to become a gala experience for Cowra residents and visitors with a major upgrade to the town’s Civic Centre, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

The upgrade includes installation of a Hearing Aid Loop, automatic entrance and toilet doors, fitting of retractable raked seating in the upstairs 88-seat theatrette and recarpeting throughout.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the $337,038 grant will make the venue a more welcoming, inclusive and accessible public building.

“Arts Tourism is a key part of the NSW Government’s strategic plan, with many of our regional events designed to draw visitors, so it’s essential that the venue is able to support everyone,” Ms Cooke said.

“This will enable people with hearing impairments to use existing hearing aids to participate fully in events including stage productions, cinema screenings, conferences and civic events.”

“The fitting of automatic doors on entrances and toilets will improve access for all users, regardless of age or level of ability, and the recarpeting will remove some significant trip hazards for facility users.”

Jonathan Llewellyn, Manager at the Cowra Civic Centre said this funding to improve accessibility for all was integral to increasing the dignity, respect and independence of patrons who might have had difficulties in accessing the venue in the past.

“Along with the improvements to access and reduction in hazards, making a shift to more comfortable seating will make a difference to those patrons who find the current seating challenging, which in turn will make every experience in the theatrette more enjoyable,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“In particular by providing a hearing-loop for those patrons with hearing impairments it means we are able to overcome a hurdle for those who can find the noise from crowds overwhelming and be more inclusive to all visitors.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Tourism Activation Fund is helping establish unique tourism experiences that attract visitors and showcase what our regions have to offer.

“Projects backed through the Regional Tourism Activation Fund will give domestic and international visitors more great reasons to holiday away from the city,” Mr Toole said.

Under Stream One, grants of between $200,000 and $5 million were made available for projects delivering unique and high impact visitor experiences. Stream Two provided grants of between $50,000 to $500,000 for projects aimed at improving the accessibility and inclusion of tourism experiences for people with disability.

The $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. For more information, go to:

www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund.

Warbird flight simulators will soon land at the Temora Aviation Museum, giving more people an opportunity to explore the sky, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said $438,110 in funding will help install aP40 Kittyhawk, P51 Mustang and Spitfire full motion flight simulators, making Temora the only destination in Australia with this type of attraction.

“These simulators will ensure the Temora Aviation Museum remains a unique and iconic tourism destination in the Riverina and it’s fantastic to be able to provide unique tourist attractions that aren’t on offer anywhere else in Australia,” Ms Cooke said.

“The experience will include a pre-flight briefing, similar to combat flights in World War Two, from there people will take to the sky in a fully immersive experience where they will feel the turns and bumps of a real flight.”

“The upgrades also include a self-guided audio tour through a handheld wand or mobile app, allowing visitors to start and stop the tour in their own time, providing subtitles for the hearing impaired and access to multimedia on personal devices.”

Peter Harper, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Temora Aviation Museum said the project is such an exciting prospect for not only the museum but the whole of Temora.

“We will be able to change from being just a museum, and instead become an experience that the whole family can enjoy,” Mr Harper said.

“In addition to providing the self-guided tours, which complement our group of hard-working and passionate volunteers, means the Temora Aviation Museum will be an affordable, inclusive and unique experience for all.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Tourism Activation Fund is helping establish unique tourism experiences attracting visitors and showcasing what our regions have to offer.

“Projects backed through the Regional Tourism Activation Fund will give domestic and international visitors more reasons to holiday away from the city,” Mr Toole said.

Under Stream One, grants of between $200,000 and $5 million were made available for projects delivering unique and high impact visitor experiences, Stream Two provided grants of between $50,000 to $500,000 for projects aimed at improving the accessibility and inclusion of tourism experiences for people with disability.

The $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund