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