Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

Steph Cooke MP with members of the Boorowa Lions Clubs outside their new shed. Members of the Boorowa Lions Club are feeling energised after moving into their brand-new shed ahead of a busy 2026.    The initial aim for building a new facility was to provide an undercover shelter for the club’s mobile Driver Reviver van.    However, the final design has enabled members to store all of their essential items, such as their BBQ trailer.     Club President, Barry Miller, said the

Residents are urged to stand for a Minute’s Silence at 7.01 pm this Thursday, to remember those who were killed in the Bondi terrorist attack.   In recognition of the National Day of Mourning, the electorate’s nine councils will fly their flags at half-mast, as well as all Commonwealth and New South Wales Government buildings.   Announced by the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, the theme for the National Day of Mourning is ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity a

Steph Cooke MP at Australia Day celebrations in West Wyalong, 2025. Picture: Tracey Robertson Videography. Residents across the Cootamundra electorate are encouraged to come together this Australia Day to celebrate their shared spirit and local achievements.   Australia Day is a time to recognise the people and communities who shape our nation, including the vital contribution of rural Australia.   Across the Cootamundra electorate, Councils and community groups have organise

Coolamon Mayor David McCann, heavy vehicle apprentice William Cottom, and Steph Cooke MP. A local apprentice is flourishing in his new role at Coolamon Shire Council, with his position supported by the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program.     William Cottom is a second-year heavy vehicle apprentice from Narrandera, who is gaining hands-on experience servicing and repairing a wide range of equipment, including front-end loaders, compaction rollers, and motor graders.     “I a

Steph Cooke MP with local Laura Messner and event organiser Keith Rowe at the 2026 Tallimba Vintage Harvest Day. Hundreds have descended on the tiny township of Tallimba for a unique glimpse of the Central West’s agricultural history.    Organisers of the Tallimba Vintage Harvest Day are celebrating another successful instalment of the beloved event, which reunited the proud farming community after a challenging harvest season.     Due to less-than-favourable conditions in th

Steph Cooke MP with Club Cowra's Mark McLeish, Cowra Mayor Paul Smith, Cowra Deputy Mayor Nikki Kiss, and Club Cowra's Rebekah Lazarou. All are invited to experience the spirit of the United Kingdom in the heart of Cowra this March at the annual Festival of International Understanding.   Celebrating Australia’s diversity since 1964, the three-day event will promote the unique offerings of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, who have been selected as this year’s guest nation

Cowra’s newest police sergeant is already going above and beyond to keep the community safe by not only policing the town but also serving alongside local firefighters.   Sergeant Jason Baker has recently relocated to Cowra from Lake Macquarie.   In addition to taking up his new policing role, he has joined the Cowra Fire and Rescue, further strengthening the town’s emergency response capability.   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, welcomed Sergeant Baker during a visit to

Owners Ros and Glenn Stewart with Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke at the Hard Rock Gym, Harden. Businesses in Harden are recovering from a devastating hailstorm that caused significant damage to commercial and residential buildings last year.   Owners of the Hard Rock Gym, Glenn and Ros Stewart, were forced to close their doors temporarily after the February storm caused their ceiling to collapse and water to seep into the floor.   During the incident, 40 millimetres of hail and 7

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 Three Probationary Constables have been deployed to police stations in Cootamundra, Cowra and Temora, strengthening frontline policing and helping to keep local communities safe.   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, welcomed the new officers and said it was encouraging to see additional police commencing service across the electorate.   Probationary Constables Ryan Holt (Cootamundra), Brody Forster (Temora) and Jasmine Vitagliano (Cowra) have each

Friday, 19 December 2025​     Junee’s Laurie Daley Oval will soon benefit from a major lighting upgrade, with $260,000 in funding secured through the NSW Government’s ClubsGrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program.    The project will replace four existing light towers with modern energy-efficient LED lighting to enhance the venue for the Junee Diesels Rugby League Club and the broader community.    Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the funding is a significant w

Thursday, 18 December 2025   As another year draws to a close, I find myself back on the road, attending school presentations and spending as much time as possible with local community groups before we pause for Christmas.   As we look back on the year that has been, I can’t help but feel an incredible sense of pride at what we have all been able to achieve, and because of many collective efforts, there is plenty to look forward to as we head into 2026.   I want to express my

Tuesday, 9 December 2025 Cowra’s new $110.2 million hospital has commenced operations, marking another major milestone for the project and an exciting new chapter for the region’s healthcare.   Following months of preparation, a coordinated transfer of departments from the existing hospital is now underway, with emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care operating within the new facility as of today.   Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was wonderful to see patients ac

Monday, 8 December 2025   The National Cherry Festival has marked its 75th anniversary in spectacular fashion.   Home to Australia’s first commercial cherry orchard, Young has proudly hosted this much-loved celebration since 1949.   What began as a small-town gathering has grown into a three-day festival that attracts thousands of visitors to the Hilltops region each year.   Joined by NSW Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was proud

Monday, 8 December 2025 Travellers to and through Gundagai will be met with the warmest of welcomes following a major upgrade of the town’s visitor information centre and surrounding amenities.   The redevelopment of the visitor centre was supported by the former NSW Coalition Government through both the design and construction phases, with $150,250 from round five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund and $300,000 from round one of the Stronger Communities Fund.   Additio

Friday, 5 December 2025 Design for a permanent Water Treatment Plant in Narrandera will commence, with the Commonwealth Government stepping up to support the delivery of clean drinking water to the community in place of their state counterparts.   $908,000 has been awarded from the National Water Grid Fund, which will pay for the plans needed to support the construction phase of this essential infrastructure project.   This is the second time Narrandera Council has been force

​​Sunday, 30 November 2025​    Cowra residents have been given their first look inside the town’s new $110.2 million hospital, which will serve the community for decades to come.    Earlier this month, it was announced that construction of the new health facility had been completed, and that the community would be invited to join guided tours ahead of the official opening.    Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, joined the local residents as the doors to the brand-new hospita

​​Sunday, 30 November 2025​   Engines are roaring louder than ever at the Grenfell Kart Club following the completion of the facility’s brand-new racing track.    Four years of construction by local contractors and suppliers has delivered a resurfaced track with a 160-metre extension and a new start/finish straight.    The project was supported by an $842,339 grant from Round One of the former Coalition Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund, announced by Member for Cootam

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 A united campaign to secure safe, clean drinking water for Narrandera is gaining momentum with local leaders calling on the NSW Labor Government to approve immediate relief measures and commit to long-term investment in the town’s water infrastructure.   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, along with Narrandera Shire Council led by Mayor Neville Kschenka, are calling on the NSW Labor Government to implement emergency safeguards that guarantee the

Monday, 17 November 2025​     Narrandera will receive $14.1 million from the Commonwealth to help safeguard the community from future flooding events.    Narrandera Shire Council has committed a further $3.5 million, ensuring this critical stormwater upgrade can finally proceed.    Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, who has been working closely with Council since the severe flooding of 2022, welcomed the announcement.    “As the local Member and former Emergency Services Min

Friday, 14 November 2025 Jugiong has celebrated the official opening of the newly upgraded Jugiong Memorial Pool, marking the completion of the well anticipated project.   Hilltops Council successfully delivered the upgrades with $1,044,850 in funding from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five.   The improvements include an upgrade to the main pool, refurbished kiosk and amenities, and new ancillary equipment to enhance the overall visitor experien