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Local Veteran Honoured For Service in World War II

93-year-old Gregory Graham Perkins was today celebrated in honour of his commitment to Australia during World War II.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta awarded Mr Perkins the Salute Their Service award at a special event held at Gregory’s home this morning.

Mr Vasta said it was an honour to be able to personally recognise Mr Graham for his dedication to this country.

“Many Australians have given so much serving our great country, often even their lives, which is why it is so important to recognise their personal contributions.

“Veterans have always held a special place in my heart and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to congratulate Mr Graham for his service during World War II in front of his nearest and dearest today,” he said.

Enlisting in 1942 Mr Graham served in the Australian Army as a Private in the 2/104 General Transport Company. Among other things he drove vehicles to transport and re-supply Australian Troops with rations, ammunition and stores supplies.

Nominated by his daughter, Mr Graham was very thankful and humbled to receive the Salute Their Service certificate.

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SEEKING COMMUNITY VIEWS ON FLAG RETIREMENT OPTIONS

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta is asking the community for feedback on the best and most appropriate way for Australians to retire used, damaged and worn out Australian National Flags.

Mr Vasta said that the Australian National Flag Protocols currently did not provide detailed guidance on how to retire flags that are damaged, faded or dilapidated.

“There is often confusion from residents and community organisations in my electorate about how to retire Australian National Flags with dignity and respect,” Mr Vasta said.

“Through this process I hope we are able to gather some useful suggestions and feedback on an appropriate flag retirement protocol for the future.”

Mr Vasta said the Australian National Flag was a symbol of great importance to residents in the Bonner electorate.

“The Australian National Flag is proudly displayed by many community organisations, RSLs, schools, clubs and individuals in my electorate, reflecting the great pride and respect Australians have for our flag,” Mr Vasta said.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. James McGrath said a Flag Retirement Protocol Consultation Paper has been made available to help start this important discussion.

“In particular, the Government is interested in community views on changes to the Flag Protocols to include guidance on conducting a retirement ceremony for worn Australian National Flags,” Senator McGrath said.

“We believe this may be a good option for schools, clubs, organisations and others looking for a sense of formality around flag retirement.”

For a copy of the Australian Government’s Flag Retirement Protocol Consultation Paper or to provide feedback on flag retirement options, please visit www.dpmc.gov.au/flag.

Submissions are due by Friday, 3 February 2017.

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BONNER PRESCHOOLERS TO LEARN A LANGUAGE IN 2017

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has called on local preschools and child care centres to sign up to the Turnbull Government’s popular early learning languages program before applications close on 26 February 2017.

Tens of thousands of preschoolers across the country are set to try their hand at languages this year as part of the Turnbull Government’s Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program, which is open nationally for the first time.

Mr Vasta said children could learn Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese or Spanish as part of the program in 2017.

“We want to ensure children in Bonner aren’t left behind the 30,000 young Australians we expect will take part in the ELLA program this year, so I’d encourage our local preschools and child care centres to head to www.ella.edu.au and sign up,” Mr Vasta said.

“We’ve seen how the ELLA languages program can have a positive impact on our children and so parents and families should get in touch with their preschool or child care service and ask them to sign up. We have a range of tools in place to help services roll out the ELLA program but they need to register by 26 February 2017.

“Learning a foreign language doesn’t just give children the gift of the gab, it can boost other vital skills like problem solving and their literacy in English that ultimately carry through to their performance at school.

“Even where young students may not continue into school with the language they learned in preschool, research indicates that they will enjoy real cognitive and developmental benefits from learning another language in their earliest years.

“ELLA is a play-based way for children to learn another language and open their mind. Following the program’s successful trials last year the Turnbull Government committed an additional $5.9 million to roll it out to any eligible preschool or child care centre that wants to take part.”  

For more information visit https://www.education.gov.au/early-learning-languages-australia.

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CONSTRUCTION OF NEW DRESSING ROOM FACILITIES FOR LOCAL SPORTS GROUPS UNDERWAY

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed news that work is progressing on the construction of new dressing room facilities at the Wynnum Manly Seagulls Clubhouse.

“The Coalition pledged $400,000 in funding for local sports groups to go toward new dressing rooms at the Wynnum Manly Seagulls Clubhouse. Today I’m pleased to announce that this funding has come through and that the project is ahead of schedule,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is a great investment that will be put to good use by a number of local football and sporting groups of all ages.

“That includes women’s sports groups thanks to the addition of female changing stalls and facilities.”

CEO for the Club, Hanan Laban said the project would not have been possible without funding from the Federal Government.

“I want to thank Ross for representing us and getting this funding through to us,” Mr Laban said.

“We are very happy with how the project is progressing and we expect the project to be completed sometime this March.”

Mr Laban also thanked local construction company Tierney Constructions for their work on the project.

“I’m proud to have delivered funding for this worthy project. The Coalition Government will continue to invest in local projects like these that provide a great benefit to the wider community,” Mr Vasta said.

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