Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

Steph 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

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

The NSW Labor Government has spectacularly contradicted its own Premier, voting in support of a motion calling for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into water management just hours after Chris Minns told the Legislative Assembly he did not back the proposal.   A Public Interest Debate was held in the NSW Parliament on a motion calling for a federal Royal Commission into water management, including the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.   During Question Time earl

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

NSW Councils have been left high and dry by the Minns Labor Government, with no funding opportunities available to support critical town water projects. The former Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program  remains fully allocated, with no new money invested in the program since Labor was elected in 2023. With the state’s primary funding avenue for town water utilities to improve water security and water quality in regional towns unavailabl

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