When: Sunday, 7th December – 5-7pm (pre carols entertainment); 7pm (carols); 8.15pm (fireworks).
Where: Belmont State School, 1275 Old Cleveland Rd, Carindale 4152.
This massive night will include live music, a BBQ dinner, marketplace, face painting, baby animal farm, jumping castle and inflatable slide, coffee van, fairy floss, and much more! Keep up to date on this wonderful event at www.facebook.com/belmontcarolsontheoval.
When: Saturday, 6th December – from 3.30pm.
Where: Wakerley Park – 74 Dianthus St, Wakerley 4154.
You’re invited to the 2nd Annual Wakerley Rotary Christmas Carols! Come along for live music, carols, arts and crafts, rides, a jumping castle and animal farm, Santa Claus, local food and drinks, and fireworks. More information at www.facebook.com/wakerleyrotarychristmascarols.
When: Saturday, 13 June 2015 – 12pm to 9pm.
Where: Wynnum Wading Pool, Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum.
After the success of the inaugural RE/MAX Advantage Illuminations Festival this year, the date has already been set for Illuminations Festival 2015! You’re invited to come along with family and friends to watch Wynnum’s foreshore light up once again in a dazzling display.
There will also be a parade, music, and markets. For more information, visit www.illuminationsfestival.com.au.
When: Sunday, 21st December – 5.30pm (free sausage sizzle and kids activities); 6.30pm (Christmas carols).
Where: Eastside Community Church, Cnr Wondall Rd & Manly Rd, Gumdale.
Join Eastside Community Church to celebrate the joy of the holidays and take part in their Community Carols. Please bring your own chairs and/or blanket. Coffee and other drinks available to purchase.
For more information visit www.eastside.org.au or contact them on (07) 3823 4455.
The Bonner veteran community is set to benefit from funding through the latest round of the Veteran and Community Grants program, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today announced.
The grant for $49,951 will help Manly Lota RSL assist the local veteran community to continue improving services and support for veterans and their families.
“Manly Lota RSL are a vital part of the veteran and defence community in Bonner, and this funding will help them upgrade their existing toilet facilities, as well as construct a wheelchair ramp,” Mr Vasta said.
“This announcement is welcome news for all in our community and particularly those who have so freely given their time and efforts to the work of Manly Lota RSL.”
Ex-service and community organisations, veteran groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community are all eligible to apply for funding through the Veteran and Community Grants program.
“I congratulate Manly Lota RSL on its successful application for this grant,” Mr Vasta said.
“This grant and others made to organisations around the country recognise the community’s appreciation of those who served.”
“The dedication and hard work of organisations such as Manly Lota RSL ensure veterans and their families receive services, support and opportunities in their local communities.”
“Manly Lota RSL is now able to upgrade their facilities to the benefit of their members, and I look forward to seeing the project’s completion.”
For more information about the Veteran and Community Grants program, visit www.dva.gov.au/grants or contact your nearest Department of Veterans’ Affairs office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.
ENDS
Christmas is fast approaching and with more than 2,200 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed overseas on operations, Australians are being asked to spare a thought for our troops who won’t be able to spend Christmas with their families and friends.
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the best and most effective way to show support is to send an email message to the troops at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au, or a postcard to:
Messages to the Troops
Media Section
39 Personnel Support Battalion
Building 217
Randwick Barracks NSW 2031
“Messages are always appreciated by ADF personnel, and sending a message that simply says ‘thank you for your service’ can have a tremendous positive impact,” Mr Vasta said.
“This year I am also asking the community to consider donating to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On in recognition of the increasing numbers of recently returned veterans.”
“These organisations provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel, past and present, and their families, and I strongly encourage residents in Bonner looking to make a difference in the lives of ADF personnel and veterans to consider donating to one of these excellent organisations.”
Donations can be made to Legacy or Soldier On to support personnel who have been wounded on operations and family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.
For those still wishing to send a care package, the Australian Forces Post Office box address will be open from 3 November until 8 December 2014.
An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
All items must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 8 December 2014.
Mr Vasta said those who wish to send a care package but are short on time may like to consider donating money to the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund.
“The RSL provides care packages to Australian troops as well as Australian Federal Police personnel biannually, and your support would contribute to this valuable programme,” Mr Vasta said.
“This Christmas I urge all Australians to again dig deep and support our serving men and women and their families whose sacrifices ensure our safety and security.”
What can be included in care packages
Be creative with donations while being mindful of Australia Post’s guidelines for the free delivery of care packages. Some suggestions are listed below, as are the general restrictions. It is recommended that any donated goods collected by EOs, and which are unable to be sent due to size or weight, be donated to local charities.
Food
– Anzac biscuits
– Salted peanuts
– Muesli bars
– Instant noodles
– Lollies
– Small tinned consumables
– Other commercially manufactured and packaged foods that are non-perishable
Other ideas
– Magazines
– Puzzle books
– DVDs
– Socks
– Letters of support
– Posters and letters from school children
– Stamped, self-addressed envelope – this way personnel can thank you for the package
Toiletries
– Deodorant (non-aerosol)
– Shaving cream (non-aerosol)
– Small bottle of talcum powder
– Disposable razors
– Shower Gel
– Lip Balm
What not to include
– Pornographic material
– Alcoholic beverages
– Any food prepared or cooked at home, including cakes and biscuits
– Clothing (except socks)
– Pork products
– Cigarettes
– Perfumery products
How to donate to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund
The RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund enables the RSL to send biannual care packages to ADF members as well as Australian Federal Police personnel serving overseas. This is a great way to donate as the RSL is well equipped to provide care packages that troops not only want, but are also culturally sensitive and do not contain perishable or illegal material.
More information about the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund can be found by going to www.rsl.org.au – then click on the “Supporting ADF Personnel” link and then on the “RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund” link. This page also includes a link to a donation form. Donations over $2 are tax deductable and every donation is individually acknowledged by the RSL.
When: 13th December 2014, 2.30-4.00pm.
Where: Rotunda George Clayton Bandstand Park, The Esplanade, Wynnum.
Cost: Free
The “Safe by the Bay” team – which includes Ark Church, FSG, BABI Youth and Family Support, Max Employment, Rosies, Second Bite Queensland and more – have come together to help homeless and disadvantaged people in Wynnum with regular community meals.
Wynnum Community Meals is now having a BBQ launch at the Rotunda George Clayton Bandstand Park (formerly Darling Point Reserve). There is no charge and all are welcome. Come along for a great afternoon and go into the draw to win a Christmas hamper!
For more information, visit Safe by the Bay’s Facebook page.
Over the last 25 years, Silky Oaks Children’s Haven has provided food hampers to families in need during the Christmas period. They are now reaching out to the community seeking donations of non-perishable food or goods, or financial donations, to help them continue their good work this year.
You are invited to donate before November 28. Make a donation in person at 218 Manly Road, Manly West 4179, or over the phone on 3906 8888.
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged young people in the community to nominate for the 2015 National Youth Awards.
“This is the third annual series of the Awards, which celebrate the achievements and contributions of young Australians aged 12 to 25,” Mr Vasta said.
“I urge those thinking about nominating to act now.”
Mr Vasta said it was important to celebrate the achievements of young people who are making a lasting, positive difference in their communities.
“Young Australians are doing this every day by volunteering in their local communities, and they deserve to be recognised for the valuable contribution they are making to their local communities,” Mr Vasta said.
“If you know a remarkable young Australian, I strongly encourage you to get involved by logging onto the National Youth Week website and nominating them.”
There are seven Award categories, six of which recognise individuals, and a media award that celebrates positive news reporting about young people in Australia.
The Award categories are:
– Youth Safety Award;
– Youth Courage Award;
– Youth Culture and Diversity Award;
– Youth Employment Award;
– Youth Health Award;
– Youth Leadership Award; and
– Youth in Media Award.
Each of the six individual category winners will receive $2,000, a trophy, and a certificate, while the winner of the Youth in Media Award will receive a trophy and certificate.
The Awards are for young people aged 12 to 25 (with the exception of the Youth in Media Award) and applicants can be self-nominated or nominated by someone else.
Applications for the 2015 National Youth Awards close on Thursday, 27 November 2014.
More information on the National Youth Awards, including entry forms and details of past winners and finalists, is available at www.youthweek.com/nya.
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G20 PLAN EXCEEDS 2 PER CENT GROWTH TARGET AS LEADERS COMMIT TO EXTRA ECONOMIC REFORMS
The combined growth strategies of G20 member nations presented at the Brisbane Leaders’ Summit will equate to 2.1 per cent new growth and inject an additional $2 trillion into the world economy and create millions of jobs.
The Brisbane Action Plan contains close to 1,000 measures, including more than 800 new ones, which the IMF and OECD estimate will boost the collective GDP of G20 nations by 2.1 per cent by 2018.
This is new growth, over and above business as usual trends.
Early in Australia’s G20 Presidency we set an ambitious target of getting all countries to commit to measures that would deliver at least 2 per cent additional GDP over five years.
The benefits of that growth will be felt worldwide, not just in G20 member nations.
Individual country actions range from employment measures to infrastructure investment, as well as actions to expand trade, increase competition and reduce the regulatory burden on business.
The Brisbane Action Plan and individual country growth strategies and employment plans have been made public so people around the world can see our commitments, hold us to account and witness our progress.
In addition, leaders committed to close the gender gap in labour force participation by 25 per cent by 2025. If successful, this will bring more than 100 million women into the global labour force, further increase global growth, deliver financial independence to millions and help reduce poverty and inequality.
Leaders also agreed to a Global Infrastructure Initiative that will help address the $70 trillion gap in infrastructure needed by 2030 to improve productivity and living standards.
Governments cannot afford to foot this bill on their own.
New sources of investment must be found.
A Global Infrastructure Hub headquartered in Sydney, will drive the G20’s work on infrastructure by bringing together governments, the private sector, multinational development banks and other international organisations.
G20 and non-G20 countries will make use of the Hub’s data, information, ideas and networks to help lift infrastructure investment globally.
G20 members also agreed to tackle base erosion and profit shifting and to share tax information by endorsing a new standard on the exchange of information between tax authorities.
This will make sure that big business pays tax in the same place it earns its profits. It will help secure our revenue bases and restore integrity and fairness to the global tax system.
Free trade is good for all of us. It drives growth and creates jobs.
Leaders have put on the table domestic reforms to make it easier to trade.
We agreed on the importance of good quality trade agreements to make our economies more competitive and we began a discussion about how the World Trade Organization could work better to deliver the growth we need.
Australia has pushed hard for G20 leaders to focus on the importance of energy to economic development, particularly for developing economies.
It is critical that global institutions reflect the changing nature of the global energy markets and leaders have agreed the G20 Principles on Energy Collaboration. These will be an important foundation for the G20’s ongoing efforts.
G20 leaders support strong and effective action to address climate change.
Consistent with the UNFCCC, our actions will support sustainable development, economic growth and certainty for business and investment.
Leaders also endorsed significant measures which will help strengthen the global financial system. These measures will help ensure the circumstances which led to the global financial crisis do not occur again.
Banks are now better capitalised, derivative markets are safer and work has progressed to better protect taxpayers if large banks fail. We have reduced risks in the shadow banking sector.
Our focus now is to get on with the job of implementing our commitments while remaining alert to new and emerging risks.
We have also made progress on anti-corruption, energy and sustainability, development and reform of international economic institutions.
Leaders also expressed deep concern about humanitarian and economic impact of the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
We support the international response and have committed to do all we can to contain and respond to the crisis.
I thank my fellow G20 leaders for their support and willingness to prioritise reforms that underpin economic growth and job creation.
