Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has affectionately named 2019 the year of the Volunteer in his South-east Brisbane electorate.

This week marks the 30^th National Volunteer Week but the celebrations began early in Bonner when the Coalition Government announced more than $90,000 for local community groups in February to help support their volunteers.

Organisations in Bonner receiving grants include;

• Carina/Carindale and District Basketball Club inc. – $5,000
• Transformative Training Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club – $1,678
• Belmont Lions Club – $3,000
• Wynnum Manly Community Gardens Group – $3,972
• St Vincent De Paul St Peter’s Rochedale – $2,500
• Queensland Cyclists Assoc. Chandler – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Tourism and Visitor Info Centre – $1,224.98
• St Vincent De Paul Manly – $3,600
• Bayside United Sports Club – $5,000
• Community Sports Mentoring and Coaching – $5,000
• ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Assoc. Upper Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Bulimba Creek Catchment B4C – $1,000
• Mt Gravatt Community Centre – $3,600
• Genealogical Society of Queensland Wishart – $4,942
• Mt Gravatt East Primary P&C – $4,390
• Marshall Road Primary P&C – $2,035
• Girls Brigade Mansfield – $5,000
• RSL National Servicemen Mt Gravatt – $2,806
• Boys’ Brigade Queensland Holland Park – $4,750
• South Western Metro Basketball – $3,592
• Australian Academy of Martial Arts – $1,800
• Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Manly – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Employment and Training – $4,800
• Gateway Life Centre Carindale – $5,000

 In addition to this Mr Vasta also celebrated local volunteers with his own Volunteer awards in March recognising local sporting, environmental, youth and older volunteers for their tireless work in the community.

Winners of the 2019 Bonner Volunteer Awards include from each category Adult: Brenden Hodgkins (Hemmant); Senior: Roma Barton (Murarrie); Youth: Kate Fainton (Manly West); and Group: Mackenzie 4156 Neighbourhood Watch.

Volunteering Australia has announced this year’s theme for National Volunteer Week 2019 “Making a world of difference” and Mr Vasta said it’s the little things that volunteers do that make so much difference in the community of Bonner.

“Volunteering greatly benefits our local community, the people and the organisations – both socially and economically.”

“Australia has more than 8.7 million volunteers, and it’s estimated that the value of their time per year amounts to more than $290 billion per year.”

“Whether it’s helping meals on wheels during the week or volunteering at the local homeless shelter these generous locals are the backbone of our strong community,” Mr Vasta said.

“Volunteers embody the best of our community with thousands of people regularly volunteering their skills, services and time to make life in Bonner better for those around them.”

The Liberal-National Government’s strong economic management is why we can afford to provide the essential services Australians rely on and support and encourage the good work of our local volunteers.