Community organisations will work directly with men through culturally appropriate initiatives under the Morrison Government’s National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022 plan.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said over the next three years $2.3 million would be added to the Plan to address the unique challenges in reducing family violence in some of our most at risk communities.

“Violence is violence no matter the cultural background or religious upbringing, and violence against family will not be tolerated, not now, not ever,” Mr Vasta said.

“These culturally appropriate initiatives funded under Men as Role Models will express this message to men and equip them with the tools to have a discussion rather than resort to violence.”

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said preventing violence before it occurred was the most effective way to break the cycle.

“Evidence indicates that Indigenous and migrant women and children experience disproportionately high rates of family violence,” Minister Ruston said.

“In order to make a long term difference in violence against women we must change attitudes to violence and to do this we must create opportunities for men within communities to be involved in their communities to be positive role models.

“Men have an essential role to play in our home, work and communities to reduce family violence.”

For more information visit www.plan4womenssafety.dss.gov.au

Local businesses in Bonner are rallying behind drought affected communities in Queensland as they begin to recover from devastating droughts and bushfires.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was proud of the people in his electorate for rising up and helping Australians doing it tough.

“The spirit of mateship has really shone through in such a difficult time for our country and to see people in my electorate rolling up their sleeves and helping out underpins who we are as a nation,” Mr Vasta said.

“Wynnum Bar, Cedar and Pine have been purchasing their wine from scorched vineyards in Stanthorpe, as well as the storing and reselling of their stock on their behalf because of fire damaged refrigeration.

“Other businesses have organised luxury getaways to boost tourism efforts and remind people these bushfire affected regions are still thriving in spite of and the loss and hardship.”

The 2019 Ross Vasta Christmas Appeal for Stanthorpe saw Bonner locals raise $5000 for the struggling region, with many in the community appreciating the extra support during the festive season.

“Because of the generosity of the Bonner community, family-run businesses struggling through drought were able to keep their doors open, and parents were able to put presents under the tree,” Mr Vasta said.

“Even with the Christmas period over, it’s great to see creative ways people from our community are able to support or neighbouring Australians in need.”

For more information on how you can support a drought and bushfire affected community visit www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au