Steph Cooke | 10 Dec 2021 | Grants News Uncategorized
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke announced that Temora will benefit from $128,274 in funding as part of Round 1 of Minor Works and Equipment Projects through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.
The Temora Ambulance Museum, The Temora Rural Art Centre and the Young Regional School of Music – Temora Performance Space join 60 recipients sharing in over $6 million delivered across the state to support the development of new and upgraded cultural infrastructure and equipment for museums, theatres, performance spaces, galleries and Aboriginal Keeping Places.
Local recipients of the funding include:
$71,178 to the Temora Ambulance Museum to develop their masterplan to facilitate construction of Stage 3 of their development.
$19,083 to the Temora Rural Art Centre to purchase essential equipment to support the delivery of quality learning experiences in the new centre.
$38,013 to the Young Regional School of Music to purchase a Grand Piano and upgrade the audio-visual equipment in the Temora Performance Space
Ms Cooke said that Temora welcomed the NSW Government’s investment to support quality arts venues for the community will boost tourism and the local economy.
“I am delighted the NSW Government is investing in upgrading and developing our arts and cultural facilities in Temora,” Ms Cooke Said.
“This funding will deliver improved facilities for local arts and cultural organisations and help us provide better cultural experiences for our local audiences to enjoy,”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the funding for Temora would mean everyone across the state would have access to quality cultural infrastructure, no matter where they were from.
“This investment will ensure that no matter where people live across NSW, they will be able to see, make and participate in exciting arts and cultural experiences in state-of-the-art, fit-for-purpose creative spaces.”
“Every region in NSW is getting their fair share of arts and cultural expenditure.”
A full list of recipients funded through the Round 1 of Minor Works and Equipment Projects will be available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
This funding is part of the NSW Government’s $60 million Creative Capital program to address the demand for cultural infrastructure, support the creative economy and improve access for local communities to quality arts venues.
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.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated three Temora-based NSW Ambulance Officers who have been recently recognised with National Service and Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct medals.
“It is an honour for me to congratulate and thank three local paramedics who have called Temora home for some time,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is particularly special for me to be doing so in the same year Temora Ambulance Station marks 70 years of operation from the same location.”
Ms Cooke said the National Service Medal was established in 1975, initially to recognise 15 years of service by members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Police Forces, and Fire and Ambulance Services. A Clasp is awarded for each additional 10 years’ service with eligibility for the medal has gradually expanding to include individuals who have participated in part-time and volunteer service, members of the Australian Protective Service and Correctional and Emergency Services. It is considered to be Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.
The Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is issued to all permanent NSW Ambulance staff upon reaching 10 years of service with the organisation.
Ms Cooke has congratulated the following NSW Ambulance Officers:
Intensive Care Paramedic and Station Officer Mr Chris Doughty: Mr Doughty commenced with NSW Ambulance in June 1986, training in Albury before postings to Griffith and Cooma before settling in Temora in 1987. Mr Doughty has been presented with his 2nd Clasp, Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal representing over 30 years’ service, and his 2nd Clasp, National Service Medal representing over 35 years’ service.
Paramedic Mr Shaun Thomson: Mr Thomson commenced with NSW Ambulance in July 1996, serving his probationary period in Mascot, Engadine, Bondi and Rockdale before postings to Menia and Temora. Mr Thomson’s father also served the Temora community as an Ambulance Office from the late 1960’s to early 1970’s. Mr Thomson has been presented with his 1st clasp, National Service Medal representing over 25 years’ service.
Paramedic Mr Taz Rundle: commenced with NSW Ambulance in October 2003, working at Summerhill and Menia with a decade in Kings Cross before moving to Temora where he now calls home. Mr Rundle received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 2014, and has been presented with his 1st clasp, National Service Medal representing over 25 years’ service.
“I am sure the community of Temora will join me in thanking Mr Doughty, Mr Thomson and Mr Rundle for their ongoing contribution to the local community,” Ms Cooke said.
“They are among many fantastic local Paramedics who serve our small communities, and we are grateful to them for calling the Cootamundra electorate home.”
Sporting pursuits in the Temora region have received a major boost after the NSW Government announced a $900,000 grant for major upgrades of the Temora Swimming Pool.
The grant has been awarded to Temora Shire Council for a project that will involve the widening of the pool to eight lanes, the provision of an accessible ramp entry and in-pool step entry, as well as work to address several maintenance issues associated with the existing facility.
The grant has been awarded under the first round of the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund which will see $50 million awarded over two years for new and upgraded sports facilities in Regional NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated Temora Shire Council on their successful application which will substantially modernise the current facility.
“Sport and recreation is a big part of small communities,” Ms Cooke said.
“This is an exciting project which will provide residents of Temora and further afield with a modern, fit-for-purpose swimming facility.”
“It is fantastic to learn this project will be made possible using local contractors and suppliers, and once completed will ensure the Temora Recreation Centre can attract larger regional competitions, which will be of great benefit to our local economy.”
Mayor of Temora Shire Council Rick Firman said the project will greatly enhance the swimming complex for the benefit of all users.
“We’re overwhelmed with the support we’re receiving from the NSW Government to improve infrastructure at our recreation centre.”
“On behalf of Council we say a warm thank you for this outstanding boost to our community.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the Regional Sport Facility Fund will help promote healthy lifestyles across regional NSW while stimulating local economies and boosting employment.
“The NSW Government recognises investing in new and existing sports facilities plays a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of NSW residents,” Mrs Ward said.
“The Regional Sport Facility Fund will promote improved health and wellbeing, and create a construction boom across regional NSW as part of the NSW Government’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pipeline.”
The Regional Sport Facility Fund provides grants to councils, local sporting bodies, NSW State Sporting Organisations, State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability, National Sporting Organisations and private enterprises.
Steph Cooke | 02 Jun 2021 | Grants News Uncategorized
Stacey Moses, Luke Taberney, Margaret Kanaley, Steph Cooke MP and Pam Halliburton
Two local libraries will soon benefit from the NSW Government’s Public Library Infrastructure Grant program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today announced funding for the Junee Library and Temora Library from the program:
$26,630 to upgrade shelving at Junee Library, adding castors so shelving is moveable. This will allow the library spaces to be reconfigured providing more flexible use of spaces for library programs and events.
$194,000 to improve the amenity of Temora Library with the introduction of contemporary stylish furniture, new carpet and signage.
Ms Cooke said the improvements would help enhance these vital community spaces.
“Modern libraries offer so much to people of all ages; places to learn, study, access technology, hold meetings and events, socialise and of course borrow everything from books, films and games,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s so important we support them to ensure they continue to be fit-for-purpose for the community and meet modern needs.”
“This funding will help both the Temora and Junee Libraries to continue to be important community spaces for everyone.”
Junee Shire Council’s Director Planning and Community Development Stacy Moses said the funding would help transform the Junee Library.
“We’re reconfiguring all of our shelving and putting them on casters making them more durable so we can actually move the library around substantially and have more engagement with the community with events,” Ms Moses said.
“We’re really excited with all the changes that will bring to us. The Junee Library is very important to the local community and we are hoping this will make it more of a community hub.”
“We are very thankful for the grant and are looking forward to getting those casters on.”
Previous support for local libraries from the NSW Government’s Public Library Infrastructure Grantprogram include:
$189,014 for Temora Library building a new outdoor reading and activity space, new accessible toilet facilities, and wheelchair accessible ramps.
$200,000 for the Bland Shire Library to create a dedicated young adult space, mobile shelving and furniture, improved display and a range of seating options.
$200,000 on a youth space at Narrandera Library incorporating areas for collaborative study, meeting, socialising and being connected, accessible toilet and entrance.
$44,727 for Grenfell Library for a microform reader/printer, furniture and shelving.
NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said 25 local councils, of which 20 are in regional NSW and five in Sydney, will receive grants for projects this year to extend and improve public library buildings, spaces and information technology for NSW communities.
“This significant grant program is part of the $60 million that the Berejiklian Government is providing to enhance library services and facilities across the State between 2019 and 2023,” Mr Harwin said.
“It is essential that all residents have equitable access to services, and I am particularly delighted to see that this grant funding will help improve library spaces as their critical services are reintroduced in line with the COVID-19 safety plans.”
NSW State Librarian Dr John Vallance is pleased that the funds will enable councils to develop or improve library buildings and mobile library services.
“In my role visiting libraries across NSW, wherever I go I see the importance of quality library infrastructure, and the great community need for books, information and safe, welcoming public space. NSW public libraries are open to everyone, and the State Library is proud of its long partnership with these crucial institutions.”
The Public Library Infrastructure Grants program is administered by the State Library of NSW on behalf of the Library Council of NSW.
