With the sixth round of the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities grant program now open, this round will be particularly important in supporting Australia’s economic recovery.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the program had successfully supported dozens of projects in his electorate, with community groups contributing equal share or in-kind funding.

“However, for this special round, the grant funding for each project will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, except for local governing bodies,” Mr Vasta said.

“Grant requests must be between $2500 and $20,000 and projects completed by December 31, 2021.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program provided each electorate with $150,000 to fund small capital projects that improve local community participation.

“This could be anything from fitting out community centres, to upgrading sporting club equipment, purchasing emergency service equipment or adding disability access as just some examples,” Mr Vasta said.

“If your sporting club, school or community organisation has a project in mind, I encourage you to get in touch with my office to submit an expression of interest.”

Applications open January 19, 2021 and close March 15, 2021.

For more information email ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au  or visit www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme

Are you the king or queen of the summer barbecue at your place? If so, enter your best barbecue secret and go in the draw to win a Bonner Barbecue prize pack this Australia Day.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was looking for the best barbecue tips and recipes in celebration of Australia Day.

“Australia Day this year will be a day for us all to reflect on the events of 2020, respect the selfless sacrifice of frontline workers and celebrate the promise of a brighter 2021,” Mr Vasta said.

“I want to help kick off those celebrations with a barbecue prize pack for your Aussie Day event.”

Mr Vasta said Australia Day was always about coming together with family, friends and our local community to celebrate our nation’s place in the world.

“Whether its at the beach, the park or your own backyard, celebrating Australia Day with a barbie has become tradition for most of us,” Mr Vasta said.

“I know a lot of families have had a tough year and enjoying an Aussie Day barbecue by winning a Bonner Barbecue pack could brighten up your public holiday even more.

“So if you’d like a barbecue meat pack from one of Bonner’s local butchers, jump onto my website and enter for the chance to win one of three delicious BBQ packs.”

Entries close January 22 and the winners will receive their Bonner Barbecue prize prior to Australia Day.

Visit www.rossvasta.com.au for more information.

I rise today to share the news of the completed all-abilities senior playground for students in years 4 to 6 at Wishart State School. This playground has been part of the school’s vision over the last 20 years and has been made possible thanks to $350,000 in funding by the Morrison government. It is a playground which will be enjoyed by the school community for years to come.

Since announcing the funding, I have been following the upgrades closely and have made regular visits to the site. The school undertook an extensive consultation process to make sure staff, students and parents could all have a say in the designs. In fact, some of the designs prepared by year 6 students have been incorporated. The consultation process was a fundamental step in ensuring all senior students were considered, including specialty equipment for those with special needs.

This month I visited the school once again to see the completed playground and to catch up with the principal, Yolanda Tognini. Ms Tognini has been overwhelmed by how pleased the students, staff and parents are with the new playground. It’s already making an incredible difference to the entire school community, and they are grateful for the government’s contribution.

Over the past few years, Wishart State School has seen enrolment numbers increase by hundreds, and this new playground will support the students’ experience as it continues to grow. Our government continues to back local schools, enabling real improvements, just like those to the Wishart State School.