Tag Archives: Grants&Funding

Seniors throughout the Cootamundra Electorate are encouraged to get out and join in local activities while reconnecting with their community during this year’s NSW Seniors Festival which starts on Friday 25 March and runs until Sunday 3 April 2022.

More than 90 community organisations and councils across the state will host events in the coming weeks to celebrate this year’s NSW Seniors Festival.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she hopes to see people in the area participating and taking the opportunity to reconnect with friends and other members of the community.

“We’d like to see as many local seniors take part in this year’s Seniors Festival as possible. We know that the last couple of years have not been easy, and we hope that the festival brings some much needed joy,” Ms Cooke said.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw increased rates of loneliness and isolation, especially amongst the elderly in our rural communities, so the theme of ‘Reconnect’ for this year’s festival is very meaningful.”

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said local councils and organisations received up to $10,000 to organise activities focussed on getting older people out and about.

“The Seniors Festival is a great opportunity for people to come together in a safe and fun environment,” Mr Coure said.

“There are plenty of ways for everyone to get involved, so please make sure to look up what’s happening around you.” 

The 2022 Seniors Festival will be held from Friday, 25 March until Sunday, 3 April and includes the ever-popular Premier’s Gala Concerts and Expo.

The grants are in line with the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031.

Festival grant recipients will also deliver programs to help and support seniors make the best of their later years.

For more information from the NSW Government about the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival, please visit: seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au.

For more information on events happening in the Cootamundra electorate during the 2022 Seniors Festival, please visit:

• Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council

• Hilltops Council

• Cowra Shire Council

• Narrandera Shire Council

Alternatively, please contact your local council or community centre directly for event information in your area.

Primary producers in the Cootamundra electorate could benefit from the NSW Government’s $125 million investment in the Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program to drive sustainable land management, boost productivity and help reduce emissions.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this announcement is great news for the region as it will create new opportunities for farmers and enable them to be directly involved in the lower carbon economy.

“The NSW Government has recognised Regional NSW is the engine room of the State and primary producers are key to pumping more than $13 billion into the NSW economy each year,” Ms Cooke said.

The Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program has three focus areas:

• $52 million to develop market and industry foundations, including trusted and transparent data, metrics and frameworks to assess carbon and biodiversity outcomes;
• $72 million to build critical mass and capacity, including incentives for land managers to reduce emissions at scale; and
• $1 million for accelerating finance for natural capital and low carbon farming, by working with the finance sector to increase investments in natural capital and low carbon farming.

The Program will invest in improving carbon management on farm land, public land and Aboriginal-managed lands across the State.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said primary producers and land managers are playing an important role in helping NSW achieve its goal of reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the program is all about building economic resilience and creating jobs in regional communities, by encouraging sustainable farming practices through grants programs and partnerships with financial institutions.

Minister for the Environment James Griffin said the funding will allow primary producers and land managers to develop new revenue streams through carbon markets while also achieving biodiversity and natural capital benefits for NSW.

More info on the program: www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/netzeroland

Local event organisers are encouraged to apply for funding to make their shows bigger and better than ever or to help bring major sporting, musical or cultural events to town, as part of the $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund Round Two.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new funding round will provide a minimum $100,000 to help bring new major events to regional NSW and between $50,000 to $200,000 to increase capacity and enhance existing events.

“Barellan’s Good Old Days Festival and Grenfell’s Henry Lawson Festival were both successful under the first round of the program with the funds to go towards their big 2022 event plans,” Ms Cooke said.

“Examples of eligible projects include extra seating for outdoor shows or sporting events, temporary fencing, accessibility infrastructure, providing additional stages at music festivals, temporary car parks or pop-up camping sites.

“This support to our country communities will help the economic health of our small towns and villages that have been hit hardest by COVID-19, by supporting tourism we will see more tourist revenue and see people come out and explore and experience our region, a win-win for all.”

Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the package had already supported more than 80 events expected to attract more than one million visitors to the regions, laying the foundations for a strong recovery of Regional NSW.

“This package will help drive regional NSW’s economic recovery from bushfire, drought, COVID-19, and the current flooding crisis,” Mr Toole said.

“Helping organisers host world-class events in their own backyard showcases our great regional towns to national and international audiences.”

Event organisers, regional NSW councils, not-for-profit organisations, sporting bodies and Aboriginal Land Councils are eligible to apply for grants.

Applications to the Regional Events Acceleration Fund open today and close 5pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022       or when allocation is exhausted.

The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate economic opportunities, create jobs and improve everyday living in the bush.

For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund.

Cootamundra residents looking for a delicious, hot, home cooked meal will now be able to do so in comfortable conditions all year round, thanks to a $6,000 grant awarded to the Cootamundra Community Kitchen from the NSW Government.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke visited the Cootamundra Community Kitchen last week to pass on the good news to dedicated volunteers Elaine Berryman and Anne McNally.

“I am so proud to have supported this project which will see the safe social space greatly enhanced so it can be utilised all year round, and provide comfortable conditions for both volunteers and community members through the installation of new heating and cooling systems,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Cootamundra Community Kitchen has played an integral part in the community for over 12 years now and has provided thousands of meals to individuals and families.”

The community group who operates out of the Cootamundra Ministry Hub, serves up to 100 meals every Wednesday to locals.

Cootamundra Community Kitchen Public Officer Sam McNally said the kitchens environment has evolved over the years.

“We have found over the years that there as much as there is a need for the physical aspect of nourishment, there is a much greater need of social inclusion and sense of community and belonging,” Ms McNally said.

“The Cootamundra Community Kitchen has been operating for almost 12 years. We have been serving the community every Wednesday in school terms, a 2 course meal. These meals are free of charge and are available to any individual, no questions asked.”

“We have aspired to move away from the typical ‘soup kitchen’ line up, to a restaurant style service. Our heart is to show community that they are valued and to support them in their current situation through food and friendship.”

“We greatly appreciate both local and state members for the donation to assist us in providing reverse cycle systems for our space. This will allow community to continue to meet together, despite the extreme elements we can experience in Cootamundra. As a not for profit, relying solely on donations, the cost of this has been a pipe dream until now.  We are extremely grateful to be able to extend another layer of consistency to the vulnerable of our community.”

Ms Cooke said the kitchens success would not be possible without its selfless army of volunteers who give up their time to support the community.

“Numerous local business donate food supplies to the kitchen each week so it is evident how appreciated the organisation is within the town and the vital service they provide to the community.”

The $6,000 grant provided by the NSW Government will further boost the project funds that were donated to the kitchen from the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council in 2020.

Projects in Cowra and Junee are among more than 50 across NSW set to receive funding to commemorate veterans across the state.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today announced funding for That Homeschool Life and the Junee Broadway Museum under the latest round of the Anzac Community Grants Program.

“Funds will assist That Homeschool Life with the distribution of the fictional post-war book ‘Jack’s Visit to Cowra’, a children’s story connected to Cowra’s Prisoner of War Campsite,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Broadway Museum will use their funds to protect and preserve the Army Great Coat and the Call to Arms certificate belonging to former Junee resident Corporal Frank Boyton who enlisted on 10th October, 1941.”

“These two projects are unique, among the many ways in which we can honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”

“Our small communities will be forever thankful for the sacrifices made by past and present servicemen and servicewomen who have contributed to over a century of service to our nation.”

Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said that more than $56,000 will be provided to support a range of projects.

“Projects being funded will commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen,” Mr Elliott said.

“These great projects and initiatives recognise Australia’s war service history, educate a new generation and support the wellbeing of the NSW veteran community.”

For the full list of 2021 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2021.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed a total of $291,540 in funding for the local government areas of Bland, Narrandera and Coolamon for local floodplain management through the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program grants.

Ms Cooke said the grants, awarded under the 2021-22 Floodplain Management Program, will help Councils better understand and manage local flood risk and exposure in the region.

“I congratulate the Councils of Bland, Narrandera and Coolamon for securing this money to support their community through these projects,” Ms Cooke added.

“The funding of these studies comes at a crucial time following the prolonged wet season that many of our rural areas have experienced.”

Projects include:

• $43,000 to the Bland Shire Council for a Voluntary House Raising and Voluntary House Purchase feasibility study in Ungarie.
• $137,600 to the Narrandera Shire Council for the Barellan levee design.
• $110,940 to the Coolamon Shire Council for a flood and floodplain risk management study.

Each year Councils can apply for grants through the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program to fund important projects for local councils to assess and understand flood risk and help reduce flood impacts on their local communities.

“This is a continuation of the NSW Government’s investment to support councils, which have the primary role of managing flood risk in their communities,” Ms Cooke said.

The grants help with flood risk management studies, as well as the implementation of works to reduce risks such as flood levees, flood gates, warning systems, house raising or purchase in high risk areas.

The 49 projects funded under the 2021-22 Floodplain Management grants program, which total $9.54 million, are in addition to the 208 ongoing projects valued at $49.64 million being implemented from previous years’ funding rounds.

The new grant projects will enable local councils, county councils and other government bodies with floodplain risk management responsibilities to undertake priority projects.

Each application was assessed by a DPIE technical specialist and then by the independent State Floodplain Mitigation Assessment Committee (SFMAC) for feasibility and overall worthiness using assessment criteria.

See further information online: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/floodplains/floodplain-management-grants

Bob Aldridge Park in Temora will soon receive much-needed upgrades through a $518,078 grant under the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made the announcement on Saturday at Bob Aldridge Park joined by Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman, General Manager Gary Lavelle and members of the community.

“The grant will go towards the construction of a new amenities building and upgrades to the playing field at the park,” Ms Cooke said.

“The new building will include change rooms, a storage room and accessible facilities.

“The awarding of this grant provides hope that 2022 will be a better year for sport and recreation not only in Temora but right across the Cootamundra electorate.”

Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman said the funding will only further enhance the town as a major sporting community in rural NSW.

“Two of our string sporting clubs utilise this facility, Temora Touch Football and Temora Schoolboys Rugby League. They are hardworking clubs with dedicated officials and players so they deserve this significant upgrade,” Mr Firman said.

“Council and our community warmly thank Ms Cooke and the NSW Government.”

The Temora Shire Council is among 41 organisations in regional NSW to share in more than $24 million for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Fund has provided more than $49 million over two years to increase participation and promote healthy lifestyles.

“This is a welcome reward for our regional NSW sporting organisations,” Mr Toole said.

“COVID restrictions caused major challenges and these grants will be a welcome boost as the sporting sector recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.”

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the Fund provided grants for projects such as lighting, amenity and changeroom upgrades.

“This year is shaping up as a great one for sport in regional NSW and this support will help people of all ages and abilities get active and enjoy the benefits,” Mr Ayres said.

“An important focus of the fund is encouraging the participation of girls and women and people with a disability.”

The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility provides grants from $100,000 to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils.

For the full list of recipients and further information on the Fund, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.

Businesses in the Cootamundra electorate who have struggled with the impacts of COVID-19 will benefit from the NSW Government’s $40 million Regional Job Creation Fund Round Two that aims to create 2,000 new direct jobs in regional NSW over three years.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced applications are now open for projects that will attract investment through co-funded business initiatives to support economic recovery and resilience in the region.

Ms Cooke said grants will range from $100,000 to $5 million to help fund projects such as replacing plant equipment, upgrading technology and developing regionally iconic tourism experiences.

“Businesses have shown incredible resilience in the face of COVID-19, and the Regional Job Creation Fund is continuing to support them by co-funding projects that drive investment, create jobs and boost economic recovery.”

“In previous rounds we have welcomed funding support for five projects located in Junee, Cowra, Narrandera and Young,” Ms Cooke added.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Round One of the Regional Job Creation Fund provided $100 million to help businesses expand, attract investment and relocate to regional NSW, supporting more than 100 regional projects and creating nearly 5,000 new jobs in key engine industries.

“Round Two will attract new investment from businesses both here and overseas and enable economic recovery across agriculture, manufacturing, energy and tourism industries and ensure they continue to thrive now and into the future,” Mr Toole said.

“Through the Regional Job Creation Fund, we will continue to build robust regional economies, giving businesses, employees and their families confidence in the growth and prosperity of regional NSW.”

Applications are open now until 9am Monday 14 March 2022.

For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to nsw.gov.au/RJCF.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced that the Junee Shire is set to receive $787,682 under the NSW Government’s fourth round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

This latest round of NSW Government funding has been spread across four projects, each of which is set to benefit communities across the Shire.

• $59,772 to Illabo Public School to construct a Covered Outdoor Learning Area for students and the wider Illabo community
• $228,020 to build a ramp into the 50 metre pool to facilitate increased accessibility at the Junee Junction Aquatic and Recreation Centre
• $346,425 to provide a dedicated female change room at Loftus Oval, for the Junee Junior Rugby League club
• $153,465 for sporting and social facility refurbishments in Old Junee, including a community garden and landscape features.

“Projects like these bring to life the NSW Government’s vision to help make regional NSW be the best place to live, work and visit,” Ms Cooke said.

“These four projects showcase facilities in Junee particularly those in small villages but also how the small villages who are passionate and committed to enhancing and developing their communities.

“The latest round of funding takes the total amount of funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects across the Junee Shire to $3,900,384 over 20 projects.” 

Junee Shire Council General Manager, James Davis said the projects across Junee will be a great addition to the town’s development.

“It’s great to see these facilities over the Junee Shire receive funding. These projects will better improve the learning and sporting experiences in the area,” Mr Davis said. 

Secretary of the Old Junee Hall, Anna Lashbrook said this funding was reassuring to the small village of Old Junee.

“We look forward to seeing our plans come alive, and building an asset not just for ourselves, but for the entire shire,” Mrs Lashbrook said.

Illabo Public School P&C secretary, Fiona Hodge said this funding is an exciting new addition to the Illabo community. 

“I don’t think we are going to realise the major impact this will have on not only the school but the wider Illabo community until the COLA is actually built. We will be able to hold events and learning for all outdoors in comfort,” Mrs Hodge said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole announced that 435 projects across every single one of the state’s 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) would receive funding under Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four.

“The Stronger Country Communities fund delivers guaranteed investment in every single regional LGA in NSW, and has seen $500 million invested across more than 1900 local projects since 2017,” Mr Toole said.

“About half of this latest $100 million round will deliver 189 female sporting projects, including the construction or upgrade of female change rooms, additional amenity blocks and bathrooms, and playing surfaces like netball and tennis courts.

“It will also deliver hundreds of projects that make everyday life in the regions easier, for things like new playgrounds, clubhouse, art gallery renovations, streetscape, accessibility, lighting upgrades and community programs.”

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which alongside the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate opportunities, investment and jobs.

For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP has announced $789,141 from the fourth round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects in the Temora Shire.

This latest round of NSW Government funding has been spread across seven projects, each of which is set to benefit the communities across the Temora Shire.

• $70,000 to modify the existing storage room at the Temora Recreation Ground into change rooms for women’s rugby players
• $50,000 to provide upgrades at the Ariah Park Recreation Ground involving modifications to the junior netball change rooms, widening of the netball court, provision of additional seating and shade and construction of an outdoor gym
• $130,000 for the construction of a splash park and purchase of a disability hoist for the Temora Recreation Centre
• $130,000 to widen and resurface the existing netball courts at Nixon Park Sporting Complex
• $54,141 to install shade sails at Nixon Park and Lake Centenary, as well as installing solar lighting at Lake Centenary.
• $267,800 to provide much needed inclusive sporting and recreational shooting facilities in the region that will help service the shooting sporting needs of the region at the Temora Sport Shooting Complex
• $87,200 for the construction of a new entranceway and enclosed walkway at the Bundawarrah Centre to provide new entrance space for the Temora Rural Museum

Ms Cooke welcomed the funding announcement of these projects with Temora Council and community representatives at the Temora Recreation Centre.

“Projects like these are built upon the NSW Government’s vision to help make regional NSW be the best place to live, work and visit,” Ms Cooke said.

“There is such a wide range of projects going ahead in Temora, from sporting facility upgrades to upgrades to the Bundawarrah Centre. It is great to see how dedicated the Temora Shire is to enhance and further develop their facilities to better their communities.

“The latest round of funding takes the total amount of funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects across the Temora Shire to $3,905,079,”

Acting Mayor for the Temora Shire Council, Rick Firman is thankful for the continued support over the four rounds of funding.

“This funding is so much more than we’ve ever expected. The projects funded through the Stronger Country Communities Fund have and will continue to enhance so many aspects of the shire, whether cultural, sports or other community projects,” Mr Firman said.

Tracey Defina, Executive Assistant of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. said this funding will have a huge impact for their current members.

“Our facility will bring visitors from surrounding areas to Temora, which is great for tourism. We would like to thank member and former board member Warren Brown for his hard work and advocacy to obtain this funding,” Ms Defina said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole announced that 435 projects across every single one of the state’s 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) would receive funding under Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four.

“The Stronger Country Communities fund delivers guaranteed investment in every single regional LGA in NSW, and has seen $500 million invested across more than 1900 local projects since 2017,” Mr Toole said.

“About half of this latest $100 million round will deliver 189 female sporting projects, including the construction or upgrade of female change rooms, additional amenity blocks and bathrooms, and playing surfaces like netball and tennis courts.

“It will also deliver hundreds of projects that make everyday life in the regions easier, for things like new playgrounds, clubhouse, art gallery renovations, streetscape, accessibility, lighting upgrades and community programs.”

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which alongside the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate opportunities, investment and jobs.

For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF.