The Coalition Government has committed an additional $22.5 million in Budget 2018-19 to continue the highly successful Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the fourth round of the program would ensure funding was available for a range of important community infrastructure projects such as sporting facilities and community halls.

“Bonner has been very successful under previous rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme,” Mr Vasta said.

“In the first three rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme, I have been proud to secure $397,028 in Stronger Communities grants for 35 community groups—including school P&Cs, sports clubs, environmental groups, men’s sheds, and community kindergartens—in my electorate.”

Mr Vasta said the additional investment for a fourth round of SCP would ensure that local decision-making continues to play a decisive role in funding community building projects. He encouraged local community groups to start 

“The Coalition Government will fund up to 50 per cent of costs for successful projects from a pool of $150,000 in each electorate, delivering more than 1,000 further projects in this round.

“Grants will be available between $2,500 and $20,000 for successful applications and I will soon invite organisations within the community to put forward their high-quality projects for assessment.”

“This Budget continues the Coalition Government’s commitment to building strong communities with extensions to vital community grants programs that invest directly in economic and social infrastructure,” Mr Vasta said.

Successful Round 3 Stronger Communities projects included: 

For more information on the Stronger Communities Programme visit: http://regional.gov.au/regional/programs/stronger-communities.aspx or call 3893 3488.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP today invited locals in his electorate to celebrate National Families Week and honour the central role that families play in our lives and our communities.

National Families Week runs from 15 to 21 May and has the theme ‘Stronger Families, Stronger Communities’. The United Nations International Day of Families is also on 15 May.

Mr Vasta said the week allowed people to reflect on the families who supported Australian children to grow up happy, healthy and strong.

“Families play such an important and central role in our community,” Mr Vasta said.

“National Families Week is a great opportunity to come out and help celebrate your family, your neighbours’ family and all the families who contribute so much to this country.

“I’m pleased to see the Turnbull Coalition Government is providing over $117 billion to support Australian families this financial year.

“We provided a further $652 million in 2017–18 under the Families and Communities program, which includes children and parenting support, settlement grants and emergency relief.

“We invest significantly in programs that support children and families, including parenting programs and family relationship services.”

This week, more than 100,000 people will participate in National Families Week events around the country. To find an event near you, visit https://nfw.org.au/find-an-event/.

Further information on the Turnbull Coalition Government’s Budget commitments for families can be found at https://www.budget.gov.au/2018-19/content/families.html.