On 25 April, Australians will commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during the First World War and honour the sacrifices of those service personnel who helped forge our national identity.

This Anzac Day Australians are also being asked to spare a thought for our current serving personnel and recently returned veterans who have served on operational service overseas.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said it is as important to commemorate the ongoing work of the men and women who continue to serve and represent our nation abroad today as it is to commemorate the acts and deeds of those present at the Gallipoli landings.

“It is important to honour and support the current generation of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans who have served on our behalf in what are often complex, challenging and extremely dangerous environments,” Mr Vasta said.

“In recognition and gratitude for the service of our current personnel, I encourage Bonner residents to consider donating to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On.”

“These excellent organisations provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel, past and present, and their families.”

“The service of Australia’s military personnel is rightly revered by the community and I urge everyone to show their support this Anzac Day.”

Donations can be made to Legacy (www.legacy.com.au) or Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au) in support of those personnel who have been wounded on operations, and those family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.

Messages of support can also be emailed to serving personnel at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au.

For those still wishing to send a care package, the Australian Forces Post Office box address below will be open until 13 April 2015:

An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

Those who are short on time can still help by donating to the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund. Which 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.

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

The Australian Government is calling for applications for the 2015 Community Heritage Grants program.

Grants of up to $15,000 are available to not-for-profit community groups across Australia to preserve and manage nationally significant cultural heritage collections of documents and objects for future generations. Projects supported include significance assessments, preservations needs assessments, conservation activities and collection management.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, invites local not-for profit community organisations to apply for the Community Heritage Grants.

“I strongly encourage local libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies, and multicultural and Indigenous groups in Bonner to apply for this year’s grants.”

“This funding is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to our national cultural identity by restoring our locally-held collections to share with future generations.”

Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC, said, “The successful recipients of the Community Heritage Grants program will assist in preserving and maintaining collections of important objects that make up Australia’s history.”

“The program also invites first-time recipients to Canberra to receive their grant and build their collection management skills through training from our national collecting institutions including the National Library of Australia, National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive, and the National Museum of Australia.”

Since the Community Heritage Grants program began in 1994, the Australian Government has provided more than $5 million to 1117 projects.

The Community Heritage Grants program is managed by the National Library of Australia and funded by the Attorney-General’s Department with the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive, and the National Museum of Australia.

More information about the Community Heritage Grants Program can be found on the National Library of Australia website at www.nla.gov.au/awards-and-grants/chg. Applications close on 1 May 2015 and should be submitted online.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, has welcomed the release of the Australian Government’s Energy White Paper, which puts one of our most important economic sectors in the box seat for further growth.

“People in Bonner are more aware of energy issues than ever before,” Mr Vasta said.

“Whether it’s about electricity prices or ensuring our long-term energy security and export growth, the energy sector underpins our lives and our economy.”

“That’s why the Energy White Paper is so important for Australia’s future, because it sets the path for economic growth.”

“Importantly for homes and businesses, the White Paper reaffirms the Government’s commitment to putting downward pressure on electricity prices, by ongoing work with States and Territories on energy market reform.”

Mr Vasta said the White Paper included several measures to reduce pressure on gas prices, the result of increasing demand from international exports which is also providing revenue and jobs.

“The White Paper addresses the issue of access to affordable and reliable energy for all States and Territories, including measures to ensure an open and transparent gas market, which is essential for economic and industry growth,” Mr Vasta said.

“Competition amongst gas suppliers and increasing supply will help ease price pressures. The Australian Government is working with the States and Territories to remove unnecessary barriers to responsibly developing more supply.”

“The White Paper will deliver efficient, transparent markets that support competition and give consumers information to make choices about their energy use.”

“In addition, the National Energy Productivity Plan will promote more efficient buildings, transport, and equipment and appliances, also helping to reduce household and business energy costs.”

“The plan will deliver up to 40 per cent improvement in energy productivity, encouraging economic growth, as well as helping to reduce emissions.”

Mr Vasta said the Energy White Paper would build on other initiatives to reduce pressure on energy prices and increase Australia’s competitiveness as a global energy supplier.

The Energy White Paper is available at www.ewp.industry.gov.au.