The Hon Catherine King MP

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Hon Kristy McBain MP

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

Member for Eden-Monaro

The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in the liveability, sustainability and resilience of regional, rural and remote communities – with over $811,000 in grants flowing to 52 local-led projects across the country, including one in Cooma.

Delivered through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program, grants of up to $50,000 will support local organisations to uplift their communities, following significant disruption from COVID-19.

From improving equipment and facilities at community hubs, to workshops and education programs that will increase community engagement – these small-scale projects will be high impact.

As part of this, Cooma P&A Association will receive $2,500 towards their Securing the Future of Cooma Project.

This will increase the sustainability of The Cooma Show Society post-COVID-19 through the purchase of kitchen equipment that will be available for events and for hire by other groups.

The funding is part of the Albanese Government’s $5 million investment from 2022 to 2024 in the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream of the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“These projects, supported by the Australian Government, encourage people to get out in their community, engage with different local businesses and try new experiences – which will drive employment and economic opportunities.

“The funding assists locally-led projects to stimulate jobs, wellbeing and the economy in regional, rural and remote communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

“The Cooma Show has an incredibly rich history – dating back to 1870 – and is a much-loved day out for many in our community.

“I’m so pleased to see this funding going towards the Show Society to enable it to continue to evolve and grow. It’s a highlight on the community calendar and brings together people from right around the Snowy Monaro district.

“When we back local ideas and invest in local priorities, we get better outcomes in our communities, which is why we’re pleased to deliver over $811,000 towards 52 diverse projects outside of our big cities, like this one in Cooma.

“These projects will support regional, rural and remote organisations to expand their services, and are a key part of the Albanese Labor Government’s continued commitment to activating regional economies”.

Quotes attributable to FRRR Place Portfolio Lead, Jill Karena:

“This round, projects ranged from domestic violence support and mentoring programs, to food security and tourism initiatives to help rebuild the local economy.

“There was really strong demand for support to enhance community infrastructure, particularly maintaining meeting places so people can come together and strengthen local connections.

“We also saw a focus on infrastructure in the COVID recovery grants, with groups aiming to enhance community resilience in the face of disruptions, whether they be environmental or health related.”