RACQ Years ahead program- Bay Belles
Hosted by RACQ Community Education staff, join us for a safety and awareness program aimed at helping senior Queenslanders drive safely and longer. The presenter will: review crash statistics, explain changes to the road rules such as merging and round abouts and u turns, discuss driver behaviour, clarify medical reporting rules and suggest alternative transport options. This should be an interesting evening and the Belles are keen to welcome community members to the event.
Date / Time: Thursday 15 June, 7.30pm start
Venue: Wynnum RSL Club 174 Tingal Rd, Wynnum QLD 4178 (upstairs small function room)
Cost: $3.00 pp (covers cost of a light supper)
Further information: https://baysidebelles.wordpress.com/ | baybelles@outlook.com |
MEN’S HEALTH WEEK LAUNCHED AT MT GRAVATT MEN’S SHED
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today hosted a men’s health information session for members of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, as part of Men’s Health Week 2017.
He was joined by Dr David Hunt from Mt Gravatt, who spoke to Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed members about health-related issues they faced, and State Member for Mansfield, Ian Walker.
“I know a number of men here whose lives have been changed for the better since joining this Men’s Shed,” Dr Hunt said.
“Men’s Sheds are a wonderful health initiative and it’s great to see Ross get involved today.”
President of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, Murray Rogash, said Men’s Sheds were health-focused and helped save lives.
“We have a medical doctor, psychologist, and Minister of Religion who help meet our members’ physical, mental and spiritual needs,” Mr Rogash said.
“On August 7th, we will be offering members another Spanner in the Works tune-up. Spanner in the Works is a great initiative by the Australian Men’s Shed Association that encourages members to stay on top of their physical and emotional health with regular health check-ups.”
Mr Vasta said Men’s Sheds give their members an opportunity to gather together to take part in a range of activities, helping stave off social isolation while keeping member’s minds and bodies engaged.
“This year the theme for Men’s Health Week is Healthy Body-Healthy Mind: Keeping the Balance, which is exactly what men’s sheds are all about,” Mr Vasta said.
“I’m proud to support Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed and I’m pleased to have been able to deliver them $22,000 in funding recently to install new solar panels, which will help them continue their good work improving the health and well-being of members of our community.”
For more on Spanner in the Works visit http://malehealth.org.au.
COFFEE WITH A COP TALKS BAYSIDE CRIME AND SAFETY
Local residents from the bayside and Gumdale-Wakerley areas joined officers from Wynnum Police, as well as volunteers from Crime Stoppers and Volunteers in Policing, at Coffee with a Cop hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, in Manly West last Saturday.
Coffee with a Cop gave members of the community an opportunity to get to know their local police officers, discuss with them their experiences with crime, and seek advice on protecting their homes and properties from lawbreakers.
“I have received a fair amount of feedback from my constituents on local crime and safety. It’s a particularly vital issue for residents in the Gumdale-Wakerley area,” Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said.
“This Coffee with a Cop was designed to start a conversation on crime in the area, and allow residents and local law enforcement to share their ideas on how to reduce and deter crime in the neighbourhood.”
Mr Vasta said the main issues of concern in the area were break-and-enters and hooning.
“It was great to see so many people taking the time to discuss local crime and help make our community safer,” Mr Vasta said.
“I will be using feedback from this Coffee with a Cop to develop a community-based program aimed at reducing crime and making the bayside and Gumdale-Wakerley neighbourhoods safer for everyone.”
“I will also be hosting more Coffee with a Cop sessions elsewhere in Bonner later this year, so stay tuned.”
Mr Vasta encouraged members of the public to complete his online Community Safety Survey at https://rossvasta.com.au/Surveys/CommunitySafetySurvey.aspx.
He also thanked members of Volunteers in Policing for offering free security assessments for homes and businesses in the area, and encouraged locals to contact Wynnum Police Station for more information.
Landcare award nominations now open
Member for Bonner Ross Vasta is urging residents to nominate a local environmental hero for the 2017 State Landcare Awards.
Mr Vasta said local Landcare groups and volunteers deserved to be recognised for their passion and commitment to conservation and the work they do to maintain our local environment.
“Landcare is an important part of the Australian Government’s billion dollar plus investment in improving the condition of our natural resources including soil health.”
“As a result it is vital we acknowledge those individuals, partnerships and organisations that are carrying out this essential work.”
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker said these awards are a timely reminder to encourage people to get involved in their local community but also an opportunity to acknowledge the many significant environmental and agricultural outcomes being achieved around our nation.
“We can’t have a sustainable agricultural industry without looking after its productive base – soil management, weed, pest and disease management, water management and biodiversity,” said Mr Hartsuyker.
This year there are nine categories in the state and territory Landcare awards including sustainable farming, indigenous land management, young land carers, coast care and innovation.
Nominations for the Queensland awards are now open and will close on the 7th September 2017.
For more information visit: https://e-award.com.au/2017/landcareawards/newentry/about.php
LOCAL DRUG ACTION TEAMS TO HELP FIGHT ICE, DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION
The second round of applications is now open for local organisations to join the Turnbull Government’s Local Drug Action Team program.
Community groups across Australia are joining forces to deliver targeted local action to help tackle drug use and addiction.
“We need to work together to fight the scourge of ice and other drugs which cause so much harm to individuals, families and our communities,” Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said.
Mr Vasta said the four-year $298 million program would help address local drug addiction issues, including those raised at the Bonner Ice Forum and roundtable he previously hosted with local law enforcement, medical experts, community leaders, and individuals affected by ice.
“Local Drug Action Teams is a community driven program that supports local organisations to work together to develop and deliver local solutions to reduce the harm of ice, drugs and alcohol,” Mr Vasta said.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation will support the program to develop and deliver evidence-based community level planning and action.
Each successful Local Drug Action Team will receive minimum initial funding of $10,000 to support the further development of their local plan for on-the-ground prevention activities.
Community teams can apply for funding of up to $40,000 per annum to support the prevention activities and priorities they have identified in response to local issues.
“I’m calling on concerned community groups in Bonner to join together and take advantage of this program,” Mr Vasta said.
“Membership of each team might include representatives from local councils, schools, police, youth services, primary health services and treatment services, community groups, non-government organisations and interested community members.”
Examples of the sorts of activities Local Drug Action Teams might undertake could include:
· Fighting the scourge of ice in communities by promoting and disseminating evidence-based information and encouraging people to access available support;
· Working with vulnerable people to improve engagement with education/employment services;
· Providing support and information for parents and carers to talk to each other and their children about alcohol and other drug issues;
· Developing local solutions for reducing alcohol-related violence and other drug harms in community spaces.
Applications are now open until 14 July 2017.
Details about the program, community support material and application documentation is available on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website at www.adf.org.au
Kein Sheldrake- House of Representatives
90 SECOND STATEMENT
KEIN SHELDRAKE
29 MAY 2017
Today I would like to share the story of a very impressive young man who studies at Belmont State School in my electorate. Kein Sheldrake has achieved amazing things at just 11 years of age. He currently builds and refurbishes computers and donates them to children and families who couldn’t otherwise afford them. This is remarkable in and of itself, but it’s the story behind his work that has touched me deeply and deserves recognition.
Last year, Kein taught himself how to build a PC by watching YouTube videos. After successfully building his first computers, he decided to use his skills to provide for others less well-off. With his mum Michelle’s help, he set up a GoFundMe page in January to raise funds to help him build and refurbish PCs for kids whose families can’t afford them.
He was able to make contacts in the community and was put onto a service that does work with refugee families. So far two of his computers have gone to refugees from the Congo. Kein’s enthusiasm for helping those in need is admirable and I commend him for helping give others access to technology and the internet
Michelle recently told me her son, Kein, has Asperger Syndrome. She wanted me to mention this to show how a condition such as Asperger’s doesn’t have to prevent a person from following their passion, and I have to agree. Well done to Kein who has a very promising future in his dream career of IT!
M1 Upgrade Update- Federation Chamber
FEDERATION CHAMBER – 3 MINUTE SPEECH
M1 UPGRADE (GATEWAY MERGE AT EIGHT MILE PLAINS)
29 MAY 2017
Today I have some very good news for commuters in my electorate. I’ve recently received updates from the Minister for Urban Infrastructure and from the Department of Transport and Main Roads regarding the Gateway Motorway merge upgrade at Eight Mile Plains.
This is one of many vital upgrades to the M1 taking place under the Queensland Roads Package deal reached by the Australian Government earlier this year. The M1 is of course notorious for its peak hour traffic. The southbound lanes of the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Rochedale, in particular, are plagued by congestion during afternoon peak hours.
I and State Member for Mansfield, Ian Walker, have regularly heard from constituents about how traffic in these lanes now starts to back up as early as 2pm, and doesn’t ease until as late as 6pm. We’ve been pushing for an upgrade on their behalf. So we’re thrilled that work to widen the M1 at the Gateway Motorway merge past the Rochedale Road off-ramp will begin later this year.
More specifically, the upgrade will include:
· Up to five southbound lanes on the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Rochedale;
· The relocation of the existing bus entry from the Eight Mile Plains Bus Station onto the M1;
· A replacement four-lane overpass on a realigned Underwood Road;
· Managed motorway technologies from Klumpp Road to Rochedale Road.
This upgrade is a major win for commuters who use this part of the M1 on a daily basis. They will enjoy improved traffic flow, reduced travel times, as well as improved safety.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is currently finalising the design for the upgrade. It has also contacted land owners impacted by the upgrade and will deal with them directly on a case-to-case basis. Early works on the project are expected to commence later this year, with major construction to begin following the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
I can’t wait to see this much-needed project completed. I encourage residents and motorists with more questions about the upgrade to contact my office for further information or visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.
ADJOURNMENT SPEECH- AUSTRALIAN INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS- 25 MAY 2017
Today I would like to shine a spotlight on Australian Innovative Systems, an outstanding company in my Bonner electorate that continues to impress year on year. Last week, the Prime Minister and I had the pleasure of touring their Tingalpa facility. It was great to hear from CEO Elena Gosse about how the Government’s measures to help small and medium-sized businesses will benefit AIS and its customers.
AIS has been a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of water disinfection technology and chlorine generators for over 20 years. It now employs over 60 staff and exports its products to over 55 countries. AIS has been recognised for its innovative work with an incredible number of awards. This includes being named Australian Small Business Champion in the manufacturing category, and winner for Best Innovation Culture in BRW’s 50 Most Innovative Companies Awards.
The Prime Minister also commended AIS last week for its ongoing commitment to innovation. We were very impressed seeing its range of chlorine generators for commercial and residential swimming pools. As the Prime Minister put it, AIS is what innovation enterprise is all about, and small and medium-sized businesses like AIS are at the heart of our economic future.
That’s why this Government is continuing to support small businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million by lowering their tax rate to 27.5%, the lowest level in 50 years. This follows global trends and will allow Australian businesses to compete globally. We’re also extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off scheme and introducing the new Skilling Australians Fund.
CEO Elena Gosse told us how these measures will benefit AIS. Our company tax cuts will help their bottom line, which will allow them to invest more in research and development, expand their production and create more local jobs.
The extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off scheme will also assist its customers. Eligible swim schools and aquatic facilities will be able to purchase pumps and filtration systems from AIS and claim an immediate deduction for depreciation up to $20,000 each financial year. This is a great incentive for businesses to upgrade their equipment and support a home-grown company like AIS.
Companies like AIS will also benefit from the Skilling Australians Fund. The Government is providing a record $1.5 billion through the fund to help train Australian apprentices and trainees in key trades, helping them gain the skills they need for jobs in demand. It will give people more opportunities to be an apprentice or trainee. It will also give employers more opportunities to support apprentices and trainees.
I thank Elena and AIS staff for hosting the Prime Minister and myself, and for providing and supporting so many local jobs in my electorate. Your success is very much deserved and I look forward to seeing you grow and achieve greater things over the coming years.
Ride Against Drugs Speech- House of Representatives
Today I’d like to speak about the Ride against Drugs group operating in my electorate and the work they do for youth in Bonner.
I met with co-founder and director Max Cooper to hear all about the RAD movement. Max and his partner Tracy founded the group in 1996 with the aim of creating a community of young BMX, freestyle, dirt trail riders, and skaters who embody the drug free message and lead by example.
RAD has come a long way since 1996 enlisting thousands of program recruits, sponsors and mentors in many different parts of Australia including my electorate of Bonner.
I was honoured to be able to recognise one of the local riders as an outstanding student role model within our community as part of my Bonner Volunteer awards for 2016. 15-year-old Zac Pankhurst was awarded the volunteer student award for his commitment to being an anti-drug ambassador for local youth. We all know that when people are involved with drugs at a young age it’s often harder to break the cycle, which is why the Ride against Drugs movement is so very important.
RAD deserves congratulations for the tireless work they do within my community, all delivered purely on donations and monies raised.
For anyone who would like to sign up or get involved, this Sunday RAD is holding a Ride Jam at 10am at the Lota Skate Park in Bonner complete with free bbq for riders and families, prize competitions, and a special show from the RAD lead pro team.
Thank you.