Kindy’s in Bonner have the opportunity to learn another language thanks to the Morrison Government’s play-based Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program that teaches young Australians a foreign language.

The $27.5 million ELLA program has already helped educate 110,000 children about foreign languages, across more than 3,500 preschools.

ELLA is a digital, play-based program that introduces young Australians to languages other than English. It can help teach 13 languages: Arabic, Mandarin, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said learning a second language would give students an educational advantage and broaden their horizons.

“ELLA supports children to explore other languages and cultures, inspiring them to continue learning in years to come,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Government is helping prepare students in Bonner for the future economy where having a second language will be an enormous benefit.

“Kindy educators don’t need any language training experience to run the ELLA program because extensive support material, offline games, learning resources, and a responsive helpdesk are all provided.

“I encourage kindergarten operators in Bonner to apply to run the ELLA program to introduce our children to the joy and challenge of learning a second language.”

The Coalition Government has already provided $11.8 million to expand ELLA into 300 schools for grades Foundation to Year 2. Visit www.ella.edu.au for more information, including eligibility criteria, device requirements and how to apply.

Researchers and entrepreneurs can receive up to $ 1 million from the Morrison Government for breakthrough medical devices that improve patient care.

The third round of funding from the Government’s $45 million BioMedTech (BMT) Horizons initiative, funded by our landmark Medical Research Future Fund, opened on 15 October.

This round will direct funding to projects in three focus areas:

• Digitally enabled medical devices in mobile health, health information technology, wearable devices, telehealth and telemedicine, and digitally enabled personalised medicine.
• Implantable digitally enabled medical devices addressing unmet needs in any therapeutic area.·
• General medical devices in the areas of regenerative medicine, women’s health, cardiovascular, orthopaedics, neuroscience, general surgery and oncology.

The funding will be available through a competitive process. The three focus areas will support development of biomedical and medical technologies in the priority areas, to the proof of concept stage and towards to commercial development.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP says that this funding will improve upon the nation’s world renowned health care Australians receive and boost the economy.

“New medical treatments and technology supported by BMT Horizons funding will result in better health outcomes and quality of life for Australians and people around the world,” Mr Vasta said.

“In some cases, they will be life changing or even lifesaving,

“They will also fuel growth in Australia’s biomedical and medical technology sector. As projects mature and reach commercialisation, they will create jobs and generate domestic and export income.”

Successful applicants for the second round of BMT Horizons funding are currently being finalised.

Further details are available at: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/biomedtech-horizons

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP represented Foreign Minister Marise Payne at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly reception on Disability Rights and Inclusion.

Mr Vasta attended the reception to celebrate the launch of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) at the Global Disability Summit one-year progress report.

“I was very honoured to represent the Foreign Minister at this important event which was co-sponsored by the Australian Government and hosted by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Disability Alliance (ISA),” Mr Vasta said.

“As well as launching the UNDIS, it was a great opportunity for UNICEF, IDA and partners of the UN community to renew their commitment towards disability rights and inclusive development.”

Mr Vasta said the UNDIS provided the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all the pillars of the work of the UN.

“Australia is a strong advocate for disability inclusive development and disability rights,” Mr Vasta said.

“Speaking at the event, I shared how in Australia, all levels of government are working together to improve the lives of Australians with disability, their families and carers in line with the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020.”

Mr Vasta said he also shared a story from a local constituent in Bonner who had benefited from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“When Tricia contacted me crying with gratitude because her 15-year-old with Aspergers and NF1 had been approved for the NDIS, it really hit home the impact our Government is having on people with disability and their families,” Mr Vasta said.

“It was an important message to share at the UN reception on Disability Rights and Inclusion because it puts a face and emotion to the cause we are championing.

“Australia has been a steadfast supporter of the UNDIS since its inception and it was an honour to represent Australia at this UNGA event.”