2017 Age Pension Guide
For more information about the Age Pension changes please click here for the Bonner Age Pension Guide: 16×645-VastaR_Age-Pension-Guide-2017.pdf
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MAKE A LIST AND SAVE THIS CHRISTMAS
It seems that Santa might have been onto something when he made a list and checked it twice.
With Australians spending over $1,079 at Christmas in recent years, some forward planning for meals and presents can lead to big savings.
On average, Australian households throw out 14% of weekly groceries worth about $1,100 each year, and this is most pervasive at Christmas. Collectively that’s more than $10 billion of food every year, representing almost half of all municipal waste that goes to landfill.
“Planning meals ahead of time and shopping accordingly, opening food as you need it and resisting the urge to over-cater will reduce this waste and the cost of festive celebrations,” Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said.
Planet Ark’s The 12 DOs of Christmas awareness campaign includes tips for reducing food waste and excess packaging, more environmentally friendly choices when buying gifts and recycling items like wrapping paper, foil, cartons, drink containers, plastic and cards as well as electronics and batteries.
“At Christmas we spend more, eat more and party more than any other time of the year, so it’s no wonder that councils report dramatic waste spikes over the festive season and everyone’s credit card bills skyrocket,” explains Ryan Collins, Recycling Programs Manager at Planet Ark.
“It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and buy too much. When you throw food in the bin it’s pretty much like throwing money away. It also represents a waste of the water, fuel and resources it took to get the food from the paddock to your plate.
“Meal planning, sticking to a list and buying presents in plenty of time avoids those last-minute panic buys, saving you money and lessening the environmental impact of Christmas.”
This year we’re tipped to spend an average of $539 on presents, up 28% on last year, many of which are unwanted. Taking someone shopping for their present, giving experiences, gift vouchers or donations are great ways of reducing the likelihood of a present sitting in a cupboard unused.
Electronic waste is also a big theme at Christmas as people receive new electronic items like mobiles, tablets and computers or and toys as gifts, which are often battery-heavy. As electronics include non-renewable and toxic materials, it’s important to make sure that old ones are re-homed or responsibly recycled.
“Christmas is a great time of the year but it’s true that getting everyone together can result in an argument or two. Checking RecyclingNearYou or downloading the free recycling app is the best way to avoid arguments over what goes in the recycling!” says Collins.
The interactive app draws data from the RecyclingNearYou site and allows residents to easily search for information about how to recycle over 170 household items.
The RecycleSmart App and The 12 DOs of Christmas tips are available on recyclingnearyou.com.au, a comprehensive online household recycling directory on which the app is based. For more information call the Recycling Hotline on 1300 733 712.
The recyclingnearyou.com.au website and hotline are supported by sponsors Bingo Bins, MobileMuster, TechCollect, Tetra Pak and ‘Cartridges 4 Planet Ark’.
LOCAL STUDENTS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS NEW COLOMBO PLAN SCHOLARSHIPS
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today announced two undergraduate students from the electorate have been awarded Australian Government scholarships to live, study and intern in the Indo-Pacific.
“These local students have won two of only 105 prestigious New Colombo Plan scholarships to support our nation’s best and brightest to engage with our region,” Mr Vasta said.
Shaun Milligan, a Holland Park West local and Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business student from Griffith University, will undertake legal studies in dispute resolution at the University of Hong Kong for one semester.
“I believe the NCP experience will foster relationships, both personal and professional, that will last long into my career. These relationships will grant me exposure to intercultural perspectives and dialogue, and the capacity to increase my proficiency in regards to Indo-Pacific work practices,” Mr Milligan said.
Wynnum local Michael Lucas, a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Arts student from the University of Queensland, will be undertaking full-time Indonesian language immersion at Universitas Gadjah Mada for one semester.
The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and intern in the region.
“New Colombo Plan scholarships recognise students’ exceptional academic performance, community engagement and commitment to deepening relationships with our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Vasta said.
“While overseas, New Colombo Plan scholars act as ambassadors for their communities, universities and indeed Australia. We can all be proud of our scholars’ achievements and look forward to their contribution to Australia’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific in the years ahead.”
New Colombo Plan 2017 scholars were announced this week by Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, and Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham.
“New Colombo Plan scholars will study in 17 Indo-Pacific locations in 2017, including Pakistan and Papua New Guinea for the first time,” Minister Bishop said.
“This reflects the continued strong demand for diverse study opportunities in our region.”
The NCP scholars will join more than 7,400 New Colombo Plan mobility grant recipients in 2017, taking the total number of students supported by the NCP in its first four years to 17,500.
“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the commitment of the Government, our universities and business champions to invest in our young people and demonstrate our genuine commitment to long-term engagement with our region,” Minister Bishop said.
For more information on the New Colombo Plan visit www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan.
GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN BONNER
Community organisations in Bonner are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $5000 to assist the work of their volunteers.
Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the funding is being provided under a $10 million Volunteer Grant funding round, announced by the Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter.
“This funding is a key part of the Australian Government’s support for volunteers who give their time and energy to help build stronger, more cohesive communities,” Mr Vasta said.
“This is a great opportunity for community organisations in Bonner to apply for a grant of between $1000 and $5000 to support the important work of their volunteers.
“Last year 12 organisations in Bonner received a Volunteer Grant, out of 5282 groups that benefitted nationally.
“These grants can be used by organisations for anything that helps with costs incurred by their volunteers, such as first aid training, background security checks or transport for volunteers who may have a disability, as well as the purchase of much-needed equipment.”
Wynnum Arts Council Inc. used their 2015 grant to purchase equipment, including a first aid kit for first responders, a computer system and colour printer, a data projector and screen, an exhibition banner and more.
“These items will enable our volunteers to effectively deliver our programme of workshops and events for our community. Our volunteers also work with other local community groups to assist with the delivery of their programmes by supplementing their resources. The collaborations with our neighbours at the Wynnum Community Centre enables each organisation to enhance the activities specific to their requirements,” said Wynnum Manly Arts Council Treasurer, Coralie Peterson.
“Volunteer grants are very much appreciated and the Government’s support must be acknowledged.”
The St Agnes Catholic Primary School Parents and Friends Association used their 2015 grant to purchase replacement chairs for their school hall and a much-needed mobile public announcement system, while the St Agnes Netball Club used their grant to provide its volunteers with the opportunity to gain the latest netball training techniques.
“The St Agnes Parents and Friends Association appreciates the volunteer grant funds, which have been of enormous help to the school. These funds have helped cover the cost of new equipment and the training costs of our St Agnes Netball Club volunteers,” said Frances Fernandez of the St Agnes P&F Association.
In opening the Volunteer Grants 2016, Minister Porter said this funding is part of the Commonwealth Government’s $28 million Strengthening Communities programme that supports the capacity of communities to address local issues.
“Funding priority will be given to organisations working in disadvantaged communities or those affected by natural disasters,” Minister Porter said.
“I particularly encourage regional and Indigenous organisations to apply.”
Applications for Volunteer Grants close 20 December 2016. For further information go to dss.gov.au/grants.
Alternatively, contact the Volunteer Grants 2016 Hotline on free call 1800 020 283 or email grants@dss.gov.au.