Cooke Shines Spotlight On Sport In The Regions

Recognising the pivotal role sports play in local communities, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has called on the Government to ensure next month’s State Budget includes significant investment in regional sporting infrastructure.

Ms Cooke used an address in the NSW Parliament to highlight the need for targeted investment in sporting projects that reduce barriers to participation and nurture talent, particularly for women and girls.

“For those of us in the regions, sport is a big part of our social fabric, and I’m calling on the Treasurer to ensure next month’s State Budget reflects a commitment to ongoing investment in regional sporting projects,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said she was proud to have been part of a Government that invested in sport in the regions, especially in projects that increased participation, promoted healthy lifestyles, and fostered vibrant communities.

Projects that have recently come to fruition include:

• Six new netball courts in Cowra;

• New female amenities at the West Wyalong Golf Club;

• New netball courts for Ungarie;

• Tennis courts at Narrandera; and

• World-class Marrar Campdraft Arena.

Ms Cooke also highlighted the importance of funding programs like Local Sport Grants, along with the need for ongoing government support for the Regional Academies of Sport network.

“Whether you’re competing in the local comp or have your sights set on bigger things, it’s just so important that we have the infrastructure and facilities we need to support sport and recreation in our towns and villages,” Ms Cooke said.

“The importance of these kids of investments was again reinforced for me when I stopped by a netball training session at teh Ganmain Grong Grong Matong LIons Football Netball Club following news our community had been successful in securing a $1.7 million investment g to towards building female change rooms and amenities at the club.

“The NSW State Budget is just round the corner, and I urge the Government to provide the funding necessary to ensure equitable access to sporting resources and opportunities for regional communities, continues well into the future.”

• Topics:

• Grant / Funding
• Government
• Community Groups