On Saturday, 23 May, I had the pleasure of hosting Prime Minister Tony Abbott for afternoon tea in my electorate of Bonner.

The Prime Minister was a delightful guest, updating the crowd on the latest post-Budget news and listening to the individual stories and concerns of my constituents.

The reception the Prime Minister and I received at the afternoon tea was an unmatched experience not soon forgotten.

I thank those who attended for their words of support and encouragement during the event and in the days following.

I very much look forward to hosting the Prime Minister in Bonner again.

I will continue to work with the Prime Minister and the rest of our parliamentary team in Canberra to deliver more jobs, growth and opportunity for the people of Bonner.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today said sporting opportunities for children were set to expand now that local Bonner primary schools could apply for funding through the Abbott Government’s $100 million Sporting Schools programme.

Mr Vasta said the before, during and after school hours sporting programme is designed to deliver sports for local schools’ particular needs and ultimately to get Australia’s children active, engaged and having fun, more often.

“I urge local schools that have not already done so to register and apply for funding as part of the Abbott Government’s $100 million Sporting Schools programme,” Mr Vasta said.

“The new Sporting Schools program gives local primary schools more versatility to run activities before, during or after school time.”

“We know it’s vitally important that we help children in Bonner develop healthy and active habits early in life.”

Mr Vasta said local primary schools could apply for funding between now and 26 June 2015, and be part of a national programme that’s set to improve children’s participation in sport.

Approximately three quarters of children spend their spare time watching television, while only one third of children are managing the recommended hour of physical activity a day and only half are involved in sport. With this in mind, the Abbott Government is committed to providing Australian children with an opportunity to build healthier habits early in life.

“Sporting Schools is about developing children’s love of sport during those early years,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s about nurturing their love of fitness and activity so that they become committed to a long term sporting life and fostering skills in leadership, teamwork, social inclusion and community spirit.”

Over 2,000 primary schools have registered for the programme, which aims to eventually include 5,700 primary schools across the country and to target over 850,000 children to get involved in a before, during or after school sporting activity.

This year’s round of programme delivery grants will enable primary schools in Bonner to deliver sports-based activities during Term 3 and 4 this year.

More information on Sporting Schools can be found at www.sportingschools.gov.au.