Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

Kurrajong Laundry in Narrandera has officially reopened at a brand-new location, marking a powerful comeback for the organisation after a devastating fire destroyed its previous facility.   The laundry provides supported employment for people with disabilities while delivering essential services to a wide range of local businesses across the region.   In May 2024, staff and the broader community were left devastated when the Myrtle Street facility was declared “completely des

Steph Cooke MP addresses local media at 2026 Cootamundra Mayoral Summit. Millions of dollars in road and transport upgrades are urgently needed from the NSW Government to improve driver safety across the Cootamundra electorate.   Safer bridges and rail crossings emerged as key priorities at the 2026 Cootamundra Mayoral Summit, with local leaders highlighting long-standing hazards that continue to endanger motorists.   Having gained a reputation as the Riverina’s most dangerou

Seph Cooke MP with Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram. Water security for Boorowa and Narrandera remains uncertain, as New South Wales grapples with a multi-billion-dollar backlog of critical infrastructure projects.   A recent report from the Auditor-General found that at least $1 billion is required to support water infrastructure across regional and rural NSW, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing communities.   In response, Local Government NSW warned that a continued l

Steph Cooke opening the 8th Annual Cootamundra Mayoral Summit.   The fight to secure Cootamundra a brand-new hospital is on, following a powerful campaign to save the town’s pathology lab that laid bare the urgent need for a modern, fit-for-purpose health facility.    In 2024, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s draft health services plan for Cootamundra Hospital prompted widespread community outrage, with residents and health professionals warning that a proposed reduct

Steph Cooke MP with students from St Marys and Monteagle Public. Students and parents shared nervousness and excitement outside the region’s school gates as teachers welcomed new and returning faces to the start of term one of the 2026 school year.   This week, a brand-new cohort of kindergarten students have taken their first steps on their educational journey, while HSC students have strapped themselves in for the final year of their secondary studies.   Member for Cootamun

Attendees of the Cootamundra Firearms Roundtable hosted by Steph Cooke MP in Junee. Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, is calling on the NSW Labor Government to thoroughly consult stakeholders before drafting any regulations concerning firearms and licence holders.   In December 2025, firearms legislation was rushed through the NSW Parliament without consultation with key bodies and without the support of the NSW Nationals.   These laws have been heavily criticised by prima

Steph Cooke MP at a community barbecue in Quandialla on Australia Day, 2026. Cootamundra came alive this Australia Day, with local events and gatherings drawing crowds in true Aussie spirit.   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, covered more than 300 kms throughout the day, in an effort to celebrate with as many communities as possible.   Beginning with the Bland Shire Australia Day Mayoral Reception on Sunday evening, Ms Cooke started Australia Day in Temora at the Australi

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