Grenfell Sewerage Treatment Plant Officially Opened

A new $12.3 million sewerage treatment facility has been officially opened in Grenfell, thanks to the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it is fantastic to celebrate the completion of this crucial project for the Grenfell community.

“A reliable sewerage treatment facility is absolutely vital to support the township of Grenfell, so I am very pleased to see this project delivered in full,” Ms Cooke said.

“This modern facility will ensure the town’s requirements will be met for generations to come, with the works undertaken at the site a credit to all involved.”

Weddin Shire General Manager Ms Noreen Vu said the new facility will employ modern technology capable of processing 1500 kilolitres of effluent per day.

“Council acknowledges the professionalism of contractor Haslin Constructions throughout this project and we thank them for their ongoing support following completion,” Ms Vu said.

“The facility is the largest financial investment in Weddin Shire that Council has been involved in, delivering a project within budget and project milestones.”

Project Manager Mr Darren Taylor of Haslin Constructions said they are proud to have constructed a world class sewage treatment plant for Grenfell.

“We definitely went the extra mile to deliver a quality product, well beyond what the technical specifications required,” Mr Taylor said.

“In doing so, we utilised local labour across all disciplines which is fantastic.”

“The support from Steph Cooke Member for Cootamundra, Weddin Shire and the local community has been exceptional,” Mr Taylor added.

The completion of the Grenfell sewerage treatment facility is one of several water and sewerage infrastructure projects being delivered in the Cootamundra electorate, with the NSW Government building a safer, stronger regional NSW.

For more information about the NSW Government’s water and sewerage infrastructure programs, please go to: Water and sewerage infrastructure programs – Water in New South Wales (nsw.gov.au)

Grenfell Show Receives a Boost from Country Shows Support Package

The 2022 Grenfell Show is on track to be better than ever this year thanks to the NSW Government’s Country Shows Support Package.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has congratulated Grenfell P.A.H & I Association Inc on their successful application for $30,000 in funding to support delivery of the 2022 Grenfell Show.

This is the latest funding to be secured under the program, with over $125,000 in support for local shows across the Cootamundra electorate already announced.

“These grants provide certainty to show organisers, allowing them 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 program will ensure they continue to delight and be a part of our calendar for generations to come.”

“I encourage everyone to get behind the Grenfell Show this year, to be held on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd of September at the Grenfell Showground.”

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.

For further information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/CountryShows.

Henry Lawson Festival to return Bigger and Better than Ever

Grenfell will once again play host to the popular Henry Lawson Festival, with visitors flocking to the region to witness and be a part of events that honour the birth of one of Australia’s most famous bush poets, thanks to funding from the NSW Government.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund will enable the design and delivery of a bigger and better program next year, which marks 155 years since Lawson’s birth.

“The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival will run for four days from 10-13 June 2022, showcasing local poetry, performances, photography, painting and writing that is expected to attract around 8,000 visitors to the region over the course of the event,” Mr Toole said.

“Now in its 65th year, the festival is renowned for introducing Lawson’s work to generations of fans, showcasing Grenfell’s heritage and entertaining regulars and newcomers alike with vibrant street parties, market stalls, buskers and performers.

“Expanding next year’s program to feature more events, including a ticketed concert headlined by a major act that will be announced soon, means audiences will have a greater opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a diverse range of artistic talent.”

Mr Toole said hosting major events like the iconic Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival puts more heads on beds and fills restaurants and cafés, all helping to drive regional NSW’s economic recovery from bushfire, floods, drought and COVID-19.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Government’s $50,000 contribution to the Henry Lawson Festival will help deliver a unique experience for locals, visitors alike.

“It’s exciting to welcome the festival back following COVID-19, and I welcome the opportunity to share this iconic festival experience with locals and visitors coming to the birthplace of Henry Lawson,” Ms Cooke said. 

Weddin Shire Acting General Manager Jaymes Rath said support from the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is a great win for the event giving locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the life of one of Australia’s most famous bush poets.

The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.

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