Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

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

Thursday, 13 November 2025 Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has expressed her deep disappointment following the NSW Labor Government’s decision not to support the Biodiversity Conservation and Local Land Services Legislation Amendment (Broombush and Blue Mallee Coppicing) Bill 2025 in the NSW Parliament.   Ms Cooke said the Bill sought to provide an immediate, practical solution to support farmers affected by ongoing restrictions of coppicing activities and protect the en

$13.5 million is now available through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund, with this year’s round receiving a boost of more than $2 million. Crown land managers across the Cootamundra electorate are encouraged to apply for a share of this funding to support projects with the potential to make a big difference in their communities. Member for Cootamundra and Shadow Minister for Crown Lands, Steph Cooke, said the funding will help deliver more local projects that keep communit

Wednesday, 5 November 2025 Students at Murrumburrah High School are taking a hands-on approach to tackling the global challenge of food insecurity, thanks to an innovative partnership with Food Ladder.   The local school is the first in the region to team up with the not-for-profit organisation, which is helping schools across regional Australia grow their own fresh produce through sustainable hydroponic systems.   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Food Ladder prog

Monday, 3 November 2025 Almost a year since construction commenced, the first wave of children has made their way to Taylor Park to test out Grenfell’s brand-new accessible playground.   The grand opening of the play park was held on Saturday, with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joining representatives from Weddin Shire Council and the Touched by Olivia Foundation to officially open the facility.   Also known as Livvi’s Place, the facility at Taylor Park joins a network o

Thursday, 30 October 2025   Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says while she appreciates the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty taking the time to visit Gundagai, she remains deeply concerned that southern New South Wales farmers will continue to go without the urgent support they need.   The meeting with the Minister was attended by Ms Cooke, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Abb McAlister, Councillor and farmer Mr David Graham, and focused on the worsening dr

Monday, 29 September 2025 The Cowra Netball Association has ended its 2025 winter season on a high, with local leaders handing over the...

Thursday, 11 September 2025​   Following an extensive inquiry, the NSW Select Committee on PFAS Contamination in Waterways and Drinking...

Monday, 1 September 2025 Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke is calling for the publication of all non-confidential submissions relating...

Tuesday, 19 August 2025​     Work on the new inclusive playspace at Taylor Park is now nearing completion, bringing Weddin Shire one step...