For the first time ever, Cowra Shire residents can choose what community projects they would like funded thanks to the NSW Government's My Community Project program, and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging residents to have their say.
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Ms Cooke said 43 projects in the Cootamundra electorate, including six in Cowra Shire, have reached the public vote stage, allowing everybody a chance to help decide which ideas come to life.
The Cowra Shire projects are for a Connecting Community Pop Up Van ($200,000), a Cowra High School Health Hub ($200,000), restoration of the Brigidine Chapel ($80,000), revitalisation of Cowra's Masonic Hall ($85,450), a new amenities block at the Woodstock Memorial Hall ($166,400) and a school grounds revitalisation project $185,000) at Gooloogong Public School.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for everybody to have a say in how their communities will develop, whether that's through the building of a new sport facility, upgrades to a hall or even the staging of an event," Ms Cooke said.
"It's an innovative and exciting program that is putting decision making back in the hands of community members to weigh in on their top picks for projects in the region."
Voting opened this week and residents have until August 15 to nominate between three and five projects, which is so easy to do.
"All you need is your Medicare card and a free MyServiceNSW account, which also provides quick access to a wide range of NSW Government services, such as the CTP Green Slip refund for eligible policyholders."
You can also pop down to the local Service NSW centre where staff can help residents cast their vote.
What the projects are about:
What's this project about?
Community Pop Up Van - This project will purchase, fit out and organise a van that will be available to all community groups for events, fundraising, meetings, and other activities that would otherwise not occur or be poorly resourced. The van would have basic food preparations facilities, a coffee machine, storage and re-heating facilities for food and equipment to support small and large community events. The Van would allow wider reach for community groups.
Revitalisation of the Cowra Masonic Hall - An economic benefit to the town by employing local trades and spending within the regional retail establishments whilst undergoing renovations. The social befits of providing an independent sizeable venue to the community with a functional kitchen, thus enabling social engagements such as parties, dances and additionally for those needing a larger indoor recreational space. To bring a building built in 1918 back to its former glory.
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Restoration of the Brigidine Chapel - Renovation of the Brigidine Chapel will restore a significant part of Cowra's religious and educational history and become a useful space for a variety of activities. The restored chapel will be available for use as a theatrette, meeting room, concerts, exhibitions, weddings, christenings and educational workshops. The Chapel may become unusable and the Brigidine Sister's Story forgotten if it is not restored in the next few years.
Cowra High Health Hub - Cowra High Health Hub will be staffed by specialist professionals in all areas of physical and mental well-being, allowing all students to be provided with essential well-being services, they would otherwise be unable to access. Contact with these services will result in happier and healthier students of all ages from all schools, who are better able to learn and maximise their true potential, both in school and the wider community.
Woodstock Amenities block - Woodstock Village has very limited toilet facilities for the local community, visitors or handicapped. This will address those needs and the addition of a shower will encourage visitors and travellers. Woodstock has no designated handicapped facilities, thus an amenities block will give the elderly and disabled in our community equal access, allowing them to attend social and cultural events at the Community Hall that they are currently unable to enjoy.
Gooloogong School grounds revitalisation - Revitalisation will reshape the school as the pillar of our small community. The project will improve our grass and play areas, provide much needed irrigation, incorporate meditation and mindfulness areas, revitalise our community soccer field, see the installation of a bicycle track and include extended development of a community garden. The project will strengthen community connections and encourage increased use of the school grounds.
What do you think? Have your say: