Steph Cooke | 21 Apr 2023 | Community Junee Shire Local projects News
Investment of over $400,000 into facilities at Junee Showground has seen a range of improvements completed including an upgrade of the Lord Pavilion, new amenities and other crucial maintenance.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was pleased to join Junee Showground Land Managers to view the progress of works throughout the grounds.
“With a range of events over the course of the year, including the annual show as well as Can Assist’s long lunch and the Junee Poker run, it is great to have improvements undertaken which will be of benefit to all user groups” Ms Cooke said.
“A particular highlight is the face-lift of Lord Pavilion with new flooring and insulation, electrical wiring and the installation of partitions, allowing the hall to be used for smaller functions.
“The new dedicated changeroom facilities to support female jockeys involved with Junee Harness Racing is also important work, given the number of women involved in the sport.”
Ms Cooke said crucial drainage and electrical maintenance are also expected to be completed in coming months.
Junee Showground Land Manager Chairman Martin Honner said the upgrades support growing numbers for the area, including increased female participation for the harness club, providing a functional and accessible space for a number community and social events.
“The committee is thrilled with the upgrades of the Pavilion and around the Showground and we would like to thank all of our volunteers and local trades who have worked hard to support this project, especially Col Randal who attended the ground each day to ensure the works were being carried out,” Mr Honner said.
The improvements have been made possible thanks to $313,216 through the Showground Stimulus Fund, $27,745 through the Showground Safety Upgrade program and $65,965 through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund.
Steph Cooke | 11 Apr 2022 | Community Grants News Sport and Recreation Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced $456,720 in funding for Junee, Narrandera and Temora Shire Councils under the 2021/22 Public Library Infrastructure Grant program.
Ms Cooke said the grants are part of $6 million worth of funding for 26 public library projects across NSW.
“These are significant grants that will help our local libraries undertake a variety of measures such as increasing the programs offered at their libraries and the purchasing of new furniture,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our close-knit communities take great pride in our libraries that provide a wide range of valuable assets to the community, and cater for all ages. It is important that they have quality facilities, great collections and access to the internet, so it is wonderful to be able to assist in upgrading these critical sources to ensure they can continue to be a source of delight, entertainment, education and information.”
Projects awarded funding under the program:
Junee Shire Council, $319,110 to refurbish Junee Library increasing the usable public space in the library by removing a large service desk and office. Funds will also provide flexible furniture throughout the library, and upgrade lighting, electrical and flooring.
Narrandera Shire Council, $35,523 to enhance access to collections and increase space for programs in Narrandera Library’s children’s area. The project will include new mobile shelving, furniture, signage and technology.
Temora Shire Council, $102,087 for improvements to Temora library as the final stage of an ongoing renovation project. This phase includes painting and new signage, upgraded lighting, automatic doors and accessible entrance.
NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon Ben Franklin said public libraries continue to grow and provide access to services that help people at all stages of their lives.
“This funding is part of the additional $60M over four years the NSW Government is providing to enhance library services and facilities across the state,” Mr Franklin said.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with councils to enhance library services and facilities across the state.
“This funding allocation brings the total of State Government support for NSW libraries in 2021/22 to a record $38.6 million.”
NSW State Librarian Dr John Vallance said the funds will enable councils to develop or improve library buildings and mobile library services.
“Two years of fires, floods and plague have left the people of New South Wales more in need of strong, safe, well-provisioned libraries than ever before. Public library funding is one of the State Government’s most significant contributions to the health of our communities.”
The Library Council of NSW, assisted by the State Library, assessed the applications for grants under the 2021/22 program.
Seniors who help the Cootamundra electorate thrive have been recognised for their efforts, with member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announcing six recipients of the Local Achievement Award as part of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival celebrations.
Ms Cooke said this year’s recipients showcase the qualities of seniors who make our region a diverse, active and inspirational place to live.
“I congratulate and thank them for their generous contributions, remarkable skills and extensive knowledge which continues to benefit our community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The award winners were nominated by the community and highlight the many ways seniors support their families, communities and society more broadly.”
Recipients for the Cootamundra electorate Local Achievement Awards are:
Mrs Fay Richards of Temora for her work with St Paul’s Anglican Church Temora, Temora Swimming Club, Temora Rural Museum and Temora Probus Club.
Mr Kevin Richards of Temora his work with St Paul’s Anglican Church Temora, Temora Swimming Club, Temora Rural Museum and Temora Probus Club.
Mrs Beth Firman of Temora for her work with Temora Shire Council’s Australia Day celebrations, Temora and District Debutant Ball and Temora Town Hall Theatre.
Ms Rita Broad of Junee for her worth with Can Assist Junee and the Junee Regional Heritage and Transport Association.
Ms Mavis Bracken of Cootamundra for her work with Can Assist Cootamundra.
Mr Peter Stead of Coolamon for his work with Coolamon Landcare.
The Local Achievement Awards are among an array of celebrations that took place across the state as part of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival.
Minister for Seniors, Mark Coure, said the awards program and festival are key initiatives in the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting seniors.
“NSW has an ageing population and we continue to respond to the challenges and opportunities that come with this,” Mr Coure said.
“We are striving towards our vision of creating a state where residents experience the benefits of living longer, while being able to contribute, be included and actively participate in their communities.”
The NSW Seniors Festival ran from 25 March – 3 April 2022 and is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere
For more information about NSW Seniors Festival and the Local Achievement Awards, please visit: seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au
Steph Cooke | 24 Feb 2022 | Grants Local projects News Uncategorized
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.
Steph Cooke | 24 Dec 2021 | Grants News Uncategorized
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.
Workers on big rail project in the Riverina Murray region – the $60 million Junee to Griffith track upgrade – have pitched in to help a little rail project, the Yanco Miniature Railway.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the John Holland crew, working on behalf of Transport for NSW under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Rail program, donated time and materials to help upgrade the smaller-scale track.
“The Yanco Miniature Railway has been closed since February 2020 because of COVID-19, so workers on the Junee to Griffith project used the closure time to upgrade the model train exhibit,” Ms Cooke said.
In late November, the project team carried out a working bee at the miniature railway, donating timber sleepers and surplus track from the Junee to Griffith project.
These materials were used to upgrade the miniature railway’s existing 800-metre track and begin work on an extension.
“The project team welcomed the opportunity to support a local community group impacted by COVID-19, by recycling the existing rail lengths that had been replaced between Junee and Griffith and reducing waste from the upgrade,” Ms Cooke said.
Project Manager Gareth Beynon from John Holland visited the miniature railway and was amazed by its replica miniature-scale model train ride.
Yanco Miniature Railway Club President Terry Ward said workers put new gravel on the tracks, mowed grass, removed overgrown vegetation and began excavation work for a future tunnel.
“I cannot thank the crew enough. We’re hoping to reopen early next year and are excited to welcome back families to our upgraded miniature railway,” Mr Ward said.
The 174 kilometre Junee to Griffith upgrade project is expected to be completed early next year, providing a better freight link to port as well as domestic markets.
Capacity on the rail line will be increased to support heavier trains, and train speeds may increase for some train configurations between Junee and Griffith; improving network efficiency, ensuring shorter delivery times and reducing transport costs.
Fixing Country Rail is a $400 million NSW Government program providing targeted infrastructure funding from Restart NSW for regional freight projects.
For more information on the Fixing Country Rail program
Work will begin this month on station upgrades at Junee and Cootamundra under a NSW Government initiative to improve accessibility and safety for rail travellers.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Junee and Cootamundra were among 37 regional and intercity stations to benefit under the latest round of the Transport Access Program (TAP) – delivering safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure across the state.
“The upgrades will make these stations more accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, carers or parents with prams and customers with luggage,” Ms Cooke said.
“Commuters at Cootamundra will get a new kiss and ride zone, an improved ticket office, upgraded stairs and better bathrooms including new family accessible toilet facilities.
“The Junee upgrade will deliver an improved station forecourt, a bus and coach stop and a kiss and ride bay on Railway Square.”
Existing accessible parking spaces at Junee station will be improved and commuters will also benefit from upgrades to paths, kerbs and ramps around the station entrance. Heritage aspects of the station will be restored and accessible bathroom facilities will be improved with an ambulant toilet for both male and female bathrooms.
Initial work will begin at both stations tomorrow, Tuesday 23 November and will include removing some existing structures and setting up temporary facilities. All improvements are expected to be completed within six months.
The contract for both sites has been awarded to local construction company Joss Group and planning approval has been granted for these projects.
Almost $600 million has been committed to TAP upgrades in regional NSW since 2011, with more than 470 projects either completed or currently underway across the state.
Steph Cooke | 10 Nov 2021 | Community News Uncategorized
In recognition of their tireless dedication to the Junee community, the team at the Junee Roundhouse Museum have been named the 2021 Riverina Volunteer Team of the Year.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise the significant contributions individuals and organisations make across all sections of the community.
“Congratulations to the team at the Junee Roundhouse Museum who play an integral role in keeping Junee’s rail history alive,” Ms Cooke said.
“Thank you to all of our local volunteers around the region, who are the lifeblood of our communities.”
“We are extremely grateful for their continued commitment and I congratulate all award recipients and thank everyone who nominated.”
The awards follow the release of the inaugural NSW State of Volunteering Report, which found more than 4.8 million people volunteered in NSW in 2020.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the awards recognise volunteers who have gone above and beyond for their communities.
“The pandemic may have tested the character and resolve of our state but our volunteers responded in a variety of ways,” Mr Henskens said.
“I am inspired by the incredible people that devote their time and energy to benefit others and I congratulate all award winners.”
The recipients of the 2021 Riverina Volunteer of the Year Awards are:
Young Volunteer of the Year: Tylar Shepheard
Adult Volunteer of the Year: Helen Chant
Senior Volunteer of the Year: Hazel Cook
Volunteer Team of the Year: Junee Roundhouse Rail Museum
Club Volunteer of the Year: John Rodd
The awards are supported by the NSW Government and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,400 not-for-profit clubs.
Students and staff at four local schools are set to benefit from improved facilities, as part of the $484 million 2021/22 Minor Capital Works program.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said she was proud of the continued investment in public school students in the electorate.
”I’m delighted that school communities will benefit from continued upgrades, such as new fencing and continued improvements to accessibility,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s essential for our students, that they can thrive in a great learning environment, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the projects at local schools in the Cootamundra electorate was part of the NSW Government’s record investment in public education infrastructure and complements works that have commenced across schools as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Across NSW, thousands of students are benefitting from new and upgraded schools and improved learning environments,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These projects also provide hundreds of jobs for local businesses across NSW.”
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Steph Cooke | 31 Aug 2021 | Local projects News Uncategorized
Lawson House, a 22-unit residential complex in Junee which supports older Junee residents and those most vulnerable in the community, has had the mortgage of over $130,000 extinguished by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this was a big win for current residents who call Lawson House their home and residents for generations to come.
“The extinguishment of the mortgage provides certainty for the volunteer committee of Lawson House which is vital, especially given the current shortage of affordable housing in Junee,” Ms Cooke said.
“I acknowledge the hard work and efforts of the committee for Lawson House in working closely with my office and the Land and Housing Corporation to deliver this result for the people of Junee.”
Spokesperson for Lawson House, Lyn Whiles said it was a relieving result.
“The committee for Lawson House are delighted with the positive outcome to our situation,” Mrs Whiles said.
“There has been some tireless work and effort put in to get this result. We are so thankful this was the final outcome for us.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said it was a great outcome for the local community.
“I have seen the hard work Steph and the Lawson House Committee put into their community and to achieve this result”, Mrs Pavey said.
“It is important that we all continue to work together.”
Lawson house has been assisting the Junee Community for nearly 60 years. The complex of 22 units provides low-cost accommodation for those older residents who are able to live mainly independently.
