Not everyone enjoys the luxury of having flannelette sheets and a heater to come home to during the colder months.

For the month of June Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta is encouraging all locals to spare a thought for someone doing it tough in winter and donate a blanket.

Mr Vasta said he is working alongside Rosies – Friends on the street in Wynnum, and Mt Gravatt Community Centre to gather blankets for them to give to locals in need.

“Rosies and the Mt Gravatt Community Centre do a lot of great work in our local community and I’m always keen to help out wherever I can for locals who are having a hard time.

“I’ve started the ball rolling by donating three new blankets, and I’ve already had a number of people come into the office to donate some new and pre-loved blankets to this cause as well.”

Mr Vasta said they don’t have to be new blankets as long as they’re clean and in good condition.

Donations can be dropped into Ross Vasta MP at 69 Clara Street Wynnum any weekday between now and the end of July between 9am and 4:30pm.

Ross Vasta MP today reminded personnel leaving the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and now living in the Bonner community to book in for their Veteran Health Check.

This follows the announcement made by the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, that from 1 July 2019 all ADF personnel leaving full-time service can gain access to a fully funded comprehensive health check from a GP every year for the first five years.

“These health checks are specifically designed for veterans and allows them to keep on top of their health after they leave the ADF,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Veteran Health Check allows a veteran and their GP to act on any issues before they become major problems and for the GP to assess their patient’s current physical and mental wellbeing.”

More broadly, the Australian Government provides more than $230 million a year towards veteran mental health, as part of more than $11 billion for veterans and their families in this year’s budget.

“I encourage all veterans living here in the Bonner area to book in for their Veteran Health Check if they haven’t already,” Mr Vasta said.

“If someone in your family, or a friend, has left the ADF recently take a moment to remind them that they should be looking after their health and to talk to their GP today.”

ADF members who transition before 30 June 2019 will continue to be able to gain access to the comprehensive One-off Veteran Health Check (formerly known as the one-off ADF Post-Discharge GP Health Assessment) at any time post-transition.

For those in need of immediate mental health support and counselling, Open Arms – Veterans and Family Counselling Service can be contacted on 1800 011 046, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To find out more about Veteran Health Checks, please visit the AT-Ease website or call DVA on 1800 555 254.