Cowra Shire to Hold Events to Engage and Reconnect

Cowra Shire Council has been successful in securing funding of $239,651 as part of the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it is an exciting time for the community to reconnect, with the program to help Council with the delivery of 14 local events.

“Local events are an ideal opportunity to see people come together and celebrate. They are a great way to raise community spirit, increase social cohesion as well as provide economic opportunities for local businesses and community organisations,” Ms Cooke said

Cowra Shire Council has planned several new events as well as support for established events such as the Festival of International Understanding, Cowra Christmas Festival, the Cowra Community NYE Beach Party and Australia Day celebrations, set to be expanded with funds received from the Program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Community Events Program will support the state’s events and hospitality sectors while bolstering economic recovery. 

“The NSW Nationals in Government are backing events that bring local communities together and this funding will help contribute to a sense of improved wellbeing and connectedness in 2022 and beyond.”

The $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package, designed to support economic and social recovery across regional NSW that will create new jobs and support community events, shows and festivals to boost tourism.

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

Events in Hilltops Region Bolstered Through Community Events Program

Hilltops Council has been successful in receiving $239,651 from the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that this funding will go towards supporting communities by delivering events that will stimulate the local economy, create jobs and assist events, shows and festivals in boosting local tourism.

“There is a wide selection of events planned, all of which will strengthen social connections, especially targeting the youth of the region,” Ms Cooke said.

Youth-targeted events with free sporting, creative, educational and music activities as well as support for existing festivals and events are all planned.


The Boorowa Irish Woolfest and Harden Kite Festival will expand to multiple-day events with fringe events on either side and the Hilltops Off the Beaten Track and The Wired Labs Community Open Day will also be supported through this funding.

Hilltops Council Mayor Margaret Roles said the council is very excited to receive this funding which will allow them to provide additional events for the community and activities for our youth.

“These events will help our community reconnect while providing economic benefits to local businesses. I thank the State Government for their support in making our beautiful Hilltops an even better place to live, work and play.” Cr Roles said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Community Events Program will support the state’s events and hospitality sectors while bolstering economic recovery. 

“People have been disconnected from family and friends but now they’re getting out and about again, we want to see communities thriving and businesses benefitting from more local activities, events and opportunities in the regions.” Mr Toole said

The Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package.

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

Temora to Reconnect Thanks to Event Funding

Temora Shire Council has secured $239,651 in funding through the NSW Government’s $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding will support Council to deliver a range of local events, which will see the community come together and reconnect.

“The planned events are a terrific opportunity to promote greater social cohesion as well as provide an economic boost locally following the COVID-19 lockdowns,” Ms Cooke said.

Temora Shire Mayor Cr Rick Firman said they are delighted to be showcasing a diverse range of events for everyone in the region to enjoy.

“The community will look forward to sporting days, art exhibitions, community fairs, art workshops. You name it, it will be on in Temora,” Cr Firman said.

There will be a total of eight events on offer by local community groups, with the first, T-Light at Lake Centenary, to be held on Saturday August 27th, 2022.

Temora Shire Council will be running a further 11 events later in the year, with more information to be made available at https://temora.com.au/events

The $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package, designed to support economic and social recovery across regional NSW that will create new jobs and support community events, shows and festivals to boost tourism.

For further information on the NSW Government Community Events go to: Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program | NSW Government

$25 Million to Celebrate and Connect Local Communities Across Regional NSW

People in the Cootamundra electorate can celebrate their community and reconnect with neighbours and friends at local markets, carnivals, festivals and fairs, thanks to the NSW Government’s new $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said with regional residents getting out and about again after the challenges of drought, fire, COVID and floods, the funding will help local communities reconnect once more.

“This program will support eligible regional Local Government Areas to host activities and support the events, hospitality and tourism sectors as increasing numbers of visitors return to regional NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“The past two years have been difficult for our small communities with people disconnected from family and friends, which is why the NSW Government is backing local events that bring local communities together again.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding will help regional councils stage events that bring communities together, while also supporting local job creation and injecting cash into local economies.

“The NSW Government is backing events that will help to reinvigorate communities and contribute to a sense of improved wellbeing and connectedness in 2022 and beyond,” said Mr Toole.

“People are getting out again and we want to see communities thriving and businesses benefitting from more local activities, events and opportunities in the regions.”

The $25 million Community Events Program is part of the $200 million Regional Recovery Package, designed to support economic and social recovery across regional NSW by creating new jobs and supporting community events, shows and festivals to boost tourism.

Applications open Thursday 7 April 2022 for events held over the next 12 months.

For eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to: http://www.nsw.gov.au/communityevents