Steph Cooke MP | Politician
Steph Cooke MP
Phone: +61 2 6382 2399
Address: 140 Boorowa Street 2594 Young, NSW, Australia
Website: http://www.stephcooke.com.au
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25.01.2022 BRIBBAREE SHOW SOCIETY MEMBERS DAY Today on what would have been the 2020 Bribbaree Show, the Show Society held a fabulous, jam-packed Members Day instead. Everyone had the most wonderful time and I was kept busy from the moment I arrived . ... The 2020 Bribbaree Show Cycling Classic went ahead for the second year and I was delighted to present the winners with their prizes. In the 70km category: Phil Beer Bronte Rathjen Matt Hunter - well done on organising another great cycling event!! A huge highlight of the day was the presentation of Life Membership to Ian Murphy. I personally cannot think of a more worthy recipient and I was honoured to pin on his special badge. Then I was joined by Pat and Ian to officially open the new bar, funded by the NSW Government - another incredibly worthy project at this much loved showground. And for the first time ever, I sat on Penny-Farthing Bicycle, thanks to Mark Skimmings. Mark rode 40km today on his bike, what an effort! Finally, I had a tour of the 50 acres of showground, taking in all the infrastructure that together we’ve funded and built in the last two years. The next build is the new poultry shed which has been marked out by bright orange flags. I’m looking so forward to that sod turn - I might even bring along one of my little silky chickens to mark the occasion. Congratulations Show Society President Maryann Schiller and your Committee on a fantastic and super successful day and for the many local businesses who have continued to contribute despite this very difficult year: Wilder Motorcycles and Power Equipment MA Steel Bribbaree Motor's & Engineering Forbes Livestock and Agency Co. Donges Supa IGA GBAS - Spreading and Supply
25.01.2022 NEW LAWS TO HELP PROTECT PETS FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERPETRATORS PASSES NSW PARLIAMENT I’m pleased to inform the communities of our electorate that domestic violence victim-survivors and their companion animals will have greater protections under new reforms to expand the conditions of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO). I was proud to speak in support these important reforms which have now passed through both houses of the NSW Parliament. A link to my spee...ch can be found here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au//Pag/HansardResult.aspx The definition of ‘intimidation’ in AVDOs will now be expanded to indicate explicitly that harm to, or harm threatened to, animals is a form of intimidation. The Legislative changes will also ensure that the protection of animals will be a standard condition in all ADVOs. This is an important step that will make it easier to respond to the vile form of abuse that seeks to terrorise victims and their much-loved animals. There is much evidence that animals are often used as an instrument of coercive control designed to torment victims. In these cases, perpetrators use animals to intimidate, retaliate against, and manipulate victims during the relationship and after separation, as punishment for leaving. Animal abuse in domestic violence settings can also delay victims leaving violent situations for fear of having their companion animals left unprotected with perpetrators. Finally, while there are existing animal cruelty laws, this reform means if offences are committed in the context of a domestic relationship, with intent to coerce or control the victim, or cause intimidation or fear, they may be also charged as domestic violence offences. Our fury little cherubs, Tilley (rescued) and Lolly (adopted), just one of thousands of photos I could have chosen. And we love them more than chocolate!
24.01.2022 $20 MILLION READY TO BE ‘REELED IN’ BY RECREATIONAL FISHERS I’m urging all the region’s fishings clubs, local councils and community organisations to throw in a line for almost $20 million in State Government funding, through Recreational Fishing Trust. The funding is available to help support projects in the area to improve and promote recreational fishing, such as new facilities (scaling tables, boat ramps, floating pontoons etc), fish restocking, improving fish habit...at and educational programs, like learn to fish days. The program is open to all in the recreational fishing industry, including clubs and organisations, community groups and councils. If you’ve got an idea that will support fish habitats and recreational fishing in our region then please get your application in. More than one million anglers take to our waterways annually, so it’s important we give them the tools to do what they love. Funding guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au Grant ideas can also be discussed by contacting DPI Fisheries on (02) 4916 3835 or by emailing [email protected] Applications are now open and close on 30 October 2020. NSW Department of Primary Industries Junee Shire Council Temora Shire Council Cowra Shire Council Narrandera Shire Council with Adam Marshall MP, NSW Minister for Agriculture at Narrandera Fisheries John Lake Centre pre-
24.01.2022 COOLAMON STREET UPGRADED Over the weekend I was able to join Michael McCormack MP and Temora Shire Council for the opening of upgrades to Ariah Park's main street. These gorgeous improvements have really opened up Coolamon Street, made it more accessible and more practical for everyone. ... This is a fantastic community and these upgrades should mean even more people stop in and explore everything Ariah Park has to offer. The improvements include installing landscaping in the centre island, new car parking spaces and paths, new seating and cycle parking. The project has been made possible thanks to a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, and $184,602 from the Federal Government Drought Communities Program, meaning every level of government has come together to make this happen. The results are stunning!
23.01.2022 GOOD LUCK TO OUR FABULOUS YEAR 12s Congratulations on the final week of school for all our Year 12 students! I am incredibly proud of what you have all achieved and overcome this year, finishing school is a challenge at the best of times.... Best wishes for the next few months and please be kind to yourself, know the HSC and your ATAR is not the be all and end all, keep active and get lots of sleep, and if you need help don't be afraid to reach out (the HSC Hub is a great place to start https://education.nsw.gov.au//care-/connect/students-12-18)
22.01.2022 BATTLE OF BRITAIN DAY - 80 YEARS ON Today is Battle of Britain Day, marking 80 years since the Luftwaffe launched its largest and most concentrated attack against London in the hope of annihilating the RAF. Throughout the long months of the Battle of Britain, 35 Australians flew combat operations, in Fighter Command, Bomber Command and Coastal Command. ... 14 were killed in action. While the skies over the United Kingdom are a long way from regional NSW, men like Pat Hughes from Cooma saw defending Britain as little different to defending Australia. Pat had 14 confirmed successes during the Battle of Britain, making him one of the top 10 Allied aces of the battle. But his daring and bravery would come with a price, and he was killed in action on the 7th of September 1940, less than a fortnight before his 23rd birthday. He is one of nearly 40,000 of Australians who made the supreme sacrifice during the bloodiest conflict in human history. 80 years on, the efforts of the young men and women who fought in this ferocious air battle that determined the fate of Britain in the Second World War can still be summed up in the words of Winston Churchill: "Never before in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few."
21.01.2022 GRANTS TO GROW GREEN THUMBS Grants are now open for Public Schools across the Cootamundra electorate to create sustainability projects. Schools can apply for up to $15,000 to develop hands-on projects to make their school environment more sustainable. The projects must be interactive, linked to the curriculum, and should aim to inspire students, all while benefiting the environment. ... Earlier this year I was able to announce two local schools who had received funding for sustainability projects: Gundagai High School received $15,000 for its Agriculture and Waterwise project which will collect and store water off the school’s roofs in a new tank. The rainwater will be used to irrigate the School Agriculture plot, provide water for livestock and small vegetable gardens planted by students. Beckom Public School received $5,489.18 for its Kids in the Kitchen and Garden project which will involve a new school kitchen garden growing seasonal vegetables, teaching students about propagation and planning, sustainable gardening methods and water conservation. This next round is a great opportunity for some of our local schools to get stuck in to fantastic new projects. To apply visit https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au//sustainable-s Presenting Gundagai High School with their grant in February.
21.01.2022 NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY Today I encourage everyone to pause and reflect on the service of our Police Officers. Every year on 29 September we pause to honour officers who have lost their lives while performing their duty.... Policing is not an easy task, and every day the officers of our four Police Districts - Chifley Police District, Murrumbidgee Police District, Riverina Police District and The Hume Police District - go above and beyond to keep our communities safe, confronting dangerous situations and diffusing tension. This year has been particularly challenging for our police officers, and I thank them all for their tireless work in protecting our communities. Take a moment today to thank those who do so much for all of us. Recent visit to our Young Police Station by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Hon. David Elliott.
18.01.2022 SMALL BUSINESS MONTH October is Small Business Month, where we celebrate all the brilliant small to medium businesses in NSW. This has been such a difficult year for many of our fantastic local businesses, and now is the time for us all to get out and show our support. ... To help all our amazing enterprises there is a range of events happening both in the electorate and online. Junee Business & Trades are hosting a 'Building Your Brand on Social Media' session, helping people get their businesses online and make the most of the platforms available. As Natalie Phillips told me, Junee losing its local paper has meant businesses need to find a new way of marketing, and this is an opportunity for local businesses to get their brands out there. Here's the details of their event: Building Your Brand on Social Media Presented by Junee Business & Trades 7 October, 6:30pm-8pm, Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au//building-your-brand/ In Cootamundra and Gundagai at the end of the month a group of wonderful local businesses are banding together to encourage people to shop local. You'll be able to buy a 'Why Leave Town' loyalty card which will support smaller businesses, and you can load gift cards up to get others to shop in town. Here's the details: Why Leave Town Shop Local Promotion 28-31 October, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au//why-leave-town-shop/ You can find the full list of events happening around the state and online here: https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/
18.01.2022 $17,000 MICROFILM READER-PRINTER It’s a fancy bit of kit, but worth every penny with the Young and District Family History Group Inc now able to enjoy the benefits of this specialised, game changing piece of equipment. Thanks to Emma Coburn and founding member Margaret Hall, I’ve seen first hand how this newly arrived $17,000 machine, thanks to the NSW Government, has transformed the way people can do their family history research.... The group was incredibly worthy of the grant they received - they help bring our local history to life, and their new equipment will benefit the entire Young community. I’m so pleased for President Carmel Price, Emma, Margaret, Kaye and the team who will now be able to more easily help people from around the corner and around the globe find the local records they are after, dating back to the 1850’s. Well done everyone! It was wonderful to see your new reader in action! Sx Anyone looking to get in touch can email [email protected] or ring 63824050 for more information.
18.01.2022 STORM DAMAGE IN THE DISTRICT Here’s the latest on damage on yesterday’s wild weather: UPDATE: ...Continue reading
16.01.2022 ILLABO SHOWGROUND POWERS AHEAD This week I was able to hand over a cheque to the Illabo Showground Land Management from the NSW Government's Showground Stimulus. The Showground’s bar area and sheep yards will be rebuilt, and additional power points will be installed thanks to a $144,786 grant. ... Our showgrounds are one of our most important community assets, but unfortunately this year many of them have not been able to hold the events which help them pay for maintenance and improvements. These upgrades will be a boost to everyone who uses the showground, including the show itself, which is scheduled to host its 100th show in 2021, campers and other community events. Well done and I can't wait to see the finished work.
15.01.2022 GLOUCESTER PARK PLAYGROUND OFFICIALLY OPENED First job for the start of the school holidays was to officially open the upgrades to the Gloucester Park playground. The playground upgrades includes... new play equipment including flying foxes, swings and a modern-day hurdy-gurdy! New pathways to help little poppets learn about road safety while enjoying time in the outdoors on their bikes. The upgrades were made possible thanks to two grants from the NSW Governments Stronger Country Communities Fund totalling $186,445, and a $2500 donation from the Temora Quota Club. Gloucester Park is now an even better place to play. These improvements have made this area a safer, more engaging and more accessible place for everyone I particularly acknowledge the Temora Shire Council (especially Claire Golding) - they have done a fantastic job in making the most of this funding. This playground is such an asset for both the community and those visiting the region and I am delighted to join my hometown community to officially open these upgrades. Sx
15.01.2022 HIDDEN TREASURE RECOGNISED The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll recognises women who volunteer their time and go above and beyond for their communities. It is such a pleasure to meet with Jennifer Duddle, who for the past six years has been teaching a music and dance class for preschool aged children at the Young and District Community Hub.... Jennifer has a knack for developing confidence in her students and getting everyone who comes along involved in the fun. These classes bring children out of their shells, are great for their development and create a passion for music, dance and performing. She is a worthy addition to this incredible list of rural women. Congratulations Jennifer and thank you for your service to the Young community.
12.01.2022 SOD TURNED ON HARDEN'S NEW COURTS I love a trusty shovel old to break ground on projects across the Cootamundra electorate, and it was great to be able to put a dent to start the site of Harden's new multipurpose courts! The courts are replacing the Harden Tennis Club's existing facilities, which have been much loved but are ready for an upgrade. ... Three grants from the Stronger Country Communities Fund are bringing this project to life, which will feature multipurpose courts for a range of sports. They will also mean people can come and play sport, and then enjoy everything the Country Club has to offer. Thank you to Bronwyn Ryan and the Club for hosting me, I can't wait to see this work come to life!
10.01.2022 COVID RESTRICTIONS EASING More restrictions are easing as we head in to the festive season, meaning more of us will be able to come together at this important time of year. Here's what's changing from Monday (23 November): ... Up to 500 people can attend outdoor religious services, the audience must be seated (with 1 person per 2 square metres if there is assigned seating, or 1 person per 4 square metres if seated in an allocated seated area e.g. where the grass is marked or on picnic rugs). Singing and carols - up to 30 singers will be allowed outdoors (indoors the limit is still 5). The audience/congregation can also sing but 12 years or older must wear a mask. Up to 3,000 people can attend concerts that are ticketed and held in an enclosed/fenced area, with 1 person per 2 square metres if there is assigned seating, or 1 person per 4 square metres if seated in an allocated seated area (e.g. where the grass is marked or on picnic rugs). From 1 December: Up to 300 people can attend funerals On New Year's Eve fireworks will be going ahead around Sydney Harbour, with viewing spots reserved for frontline workers to say thank you for keeping NSW safe throughout this year. If you had planned on going to Sydney for New Year's Eve please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//covid-s/major-events/new-years-eve What's staying the same: Make sure if you feel unwell you get tested, keep practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing. Everyone has done such a fantastic job in doing their part to look after the community, and I am so pleased we will be able to enjoy this Christmas time almost as normal. Keep up the good work!
09.01.2022 TEMORA AIRPORT TO TAKE OFF THANKS TO $10.1 MILLION I am so excited the Temora Airport will be undergoing a $10.1 million upgrade. Deputy Premier John Barilaro joined me a short time ago to make the announcement, which will create up to 20 additional airpark lots, new taxiways and roadways as well as power, telecommunications, gas, water, sewer and stormwater connections so new businesses can establish themselves at the airport. ... Temora is a town that is famous for its aviation past and present, and this upgrade will only increase that association. It will also help open up the region even further to investment and tourism. This fantastic project has been made possible thanks to the $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund which is delivering programs across regional NSW to boost employment and grow our small communities. A huge congratulations to the Temora Shire Council and everyone involved in this project, I know this will be a great boost to local jobs and opportunities.
09.01.2022 EASING OF COVID RESTRICTIONS Some COVID-19 restrictions are set to ease across a range of industries and events. I know many of you will be excited and relieved at these sensible changes that are coming in over the next few days and weeks. ... Here's what's changing: Agriculture workers: Agricultural workers in Victoria are able to apply for an Agricultural Worker Permit This permit will mean they can enter NSW via land, and won't have to fly to Sydney and undergo hotel quarantine Businesses will need to have a COVID Safety Plan in place, which will be available from 12.01am tomorrow morning at www.nsw.gov.au For more details and to apply from Friday visit www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88 Weddings Up to 20 people in the official wedding party can now take to the dance floor at weddings Changes for schools in Term 4: Interschool activities can recommence on September 26 where there is a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place Playing wind instruments, singing and chanting is permitted with strict restrictions Year 6 formals and graduations are permitted High school formals are permitted from 12 November Kindergarten orientation, Year 7 transition, excursions and camps can resume with strict guidelines Musical ensembles can resume, as long as players keep a 1.5 metre distance from one another, or three metres for players of non-reeded woodwind instruments. Community sport: More than one parent may now attend community sporting activities if physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres can be maintained between people that are not from the same household Here's what's staying the same: Please keep practising social distancing, washing your hands regularly and stay home if you feel unwell. Thank you for all your patience during this tough time.
09.01.2022 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall for people in the Riverina and parts of Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Lower Western and Upper Western Forecast Districts. Everyone stay safe, check in on your neighbours and pets, and take care. ... Here's the advice from the SES: Move your car under cover or away from trees. Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony. Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences. Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill. Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water. If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue. Unplug computers and appliances. Avoid using the phone during the storm. Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500. for more information visit http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN21033.shtml
09.01.2022 INTERNATIONAL AG DAY Today is International Ag Day! It always amazes me the quality and quantity of produce that comes from the Cootamundra electorate. Whether it’s fine wool, juicy cherries, quality wines, superb cereals, oilseeds, prime beef, lamb, pork, delicious stone fruits and a range of broad acre crops, our region is one of the nation’s food bowls. ... Our farmers are some of the best in the world, producing the highest quality food and fibre without subsidies and on some of the most ancient soils on the planet. They are producers, environmental conservationists, scientists and wear many other hats. We are lucky so many of them call the Cootamundra electorate home. And today isn’t just about farmers, it’s about the army of agronomists, rural suppliers, manufacturers, agents, processors, vets, scientists, contractors and others who make up this vital industry. Thank you to each and every one for being part of the agriculture sector and for helping it thrive.
06.01.2022 COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASING A short time ago the Premier announced a further easing of restrictions as we head in to the Christmas period. Here's what's changing:... From 1 December You can have up to 50 people visiting your home if you're using an outdoor space - eg a backyard. This is up from 20 visitors. If you do not have an outdoor area its not recommended you have more than 30 people in your home. Hospitality venues (up to 200sqm) can have 1 person per 2 square metres. Up to 50 people can gather outdoors in a public space. - This is up from 30 people. From 14 December The health order recommending working from home will be removed - businesses can decide what they will do with their employees in the new year. This will likely mean a lot of people heading back to the office. Workplaces are encouraged to have COVID-Safe plans. Employers are encouraged to stagger staff starting and finishing times to reduce the impact on public transport. If you're using public transport it's strongly encouraged you wear a mask. I know this will be very welcome news for a lot of people, particularly those planning Christmas parties and gatherings in their homes, and our hospitality venues. It's all down to everyone's hard work, getting tested and doing your part. Well done!
05.01.2022 EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN AT ST ANNES TEMORA These wonderful young women are all super heroes in my eyes, and I had a wonderful time with them this morning. We chatted about leadership, making tough decisions, overcoming fear and being nervous, and dealing with perfectionism! Being a former student, there were also plenty of questions about my classmates .... Thank you so much for sharing your time with me, and a huge shoutout to Mrs Coleman for organising and delivering this series for Stage 3 girls at school on empowering young women to believe in themselves and know that they can achieve anything they set their mind on. I hope this program continues as I would love to continue my involvement. Sx
04.01.2022 RESOURCES FOR REGIONS GIVE BOOST TO BLAND Great news for Bland Shire today with five new projects funded under the Resources for Regions program. More than $2 million is being invested in local infrastructure upgrades which will help people get out and about and enjoy Bland Shire, and make it an even more fantastic community to live in. ... This is a huge investment in the Bland Shire and a recognition of how much the community contributes to the state’s resources industry. Here's what the Resources for Regions is delivering: West Wyalong Aerodrome Upgrade, $606,173 - Construction of a wildlife exclusion fence surrounding the West Wyalong aerodrome and installation of fuel depot. West Wyalong Recreation Ground Upgrade, $485,000 - Resurfacing netball courts at the Park Street Recreation Ground, renovation of the cricket nets, sports lighting upgrade and fencing. Cooinda Waters Canoe Circuit, $350,000 - extending the circuit and widening the existing channel. West Wyalong Harness Racing Club Refurbishment, $354,763 - revitalising the Club's facilities West Wyalong Golf Course Rejuvenation and Sustainability Project, $299,236 - includes drought proofing the West Wyalong golf course and adjacent bowling greens.
03.01.2022 OVER 300 CONTRIBUTIONS TO NSW PARLIAMENT Just shy of 3 years since I became the Member for Cootamundra, I have passed another milestone, having made in excess of 300 contributions to the NSW Parliament. Over this time I have worked very hard to be the voice of our people and communities, speaking on important matters every time I’m in the Chamber. ... I’ve spoken about schools and roads, the infrastructure that needs fixing and issues that are dear to our heart. I’ve championed causes like funding for the redevelopment of Cowra Hospital, the raising of Wyangala Dam Wall and the need for a new police station in Young and the reopening of the Blayney-Demondrille railway line... just to name a few! I’ve spoken on pieces of legislation which might seem wide ranging overall, but each impacting in some way on the way we live our lives in rural NSW. Finally, I’ve celebrated the achievements of so many individuals and groups across the Cootamundra Electorate - this by far is my favourite thing to do and wish I was afforded more speaking time as I never tire of telling about the wonderful people who make our towns and villages such great places to live, work and play! YOU ARE THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITIES! I will continue to speak up in the Parliament as much as I do at home in the electorate, for as long as I continue to hold the very privileged position of being your NSW Representative! Sx
02.01.2022 JUNEE SKATE PARK RAMPS UP Amazing work has been underway at the Junee Skate Park and now the upgrades are open. The Junee Shire Council received a $241,300 grant from round 3 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund to upgrade the park and make it more appealing for the community's youth. ... The original design and these great new upgrades have been created with the help of the Junee Youth Council, skaters and riders, which means this park has been designed with their input to suit their needs and skill levels. The new seating and shelter areas have transformed this great facility in to a family-friendly area that will be enjoyed by many. This is a fantastic community asset and the finished work looks wonderful.
02.01.2022 EMERGENCY SERVICES IN THE COOTAMUNDRA ELECTORATE Parliament is back this week and it's given me the opportunity to share some of the fantastic things that have been happening for our emergency services in the Cootamundra electorate. I am so proud of our volunteers and paid emergency service workers and how you go above and beyond for our communities in times of crisis, and will continue to work hard to ensure you have the equipment and facilities you need.
