The Morrison Government is providing up to $20 million in funding for early intervention projects and up to $10 million for security infrastructure through round six of the Safer Communities Fund.
The early intervention grant opportunity is now open (closing 22 July 2021) and the security infrastructure grant opportunity opens on 15 June 2021 (closing 5 August 2021).
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding will help ensure people in our local community feel safe as they go about their daily lives.
“We’ll continue to work closely with local councils and local community organisations to identify infrastructure projects that can be supported through this funding,” Mr Vasta said.
“The early intervention funding stream will provide support for at risk young people to help them turn away from crime and build positive relationships and skills.”
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood said this announcement is delivering on the Morrison Government’s commitment to deliver safer communities through crime prevention initiatives.
“Local communities can feel safer from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour following these initiatives,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
“The early intervention funding stream will help assist young people at high risk from engaging in criminal or anti-social behaviour build resilience, cultural connections and job readiness skills.
“The infrastructure funding will not only improve security and protect communities through projects such as CCTV, fencing and bollards, it will also keep local people employed, boosting local economies.”
The Safer Communities Fund is a long-standing program that has invested more than $215 million since 2016 and provided over 600 grants directly to local communities.
Grant opportunity guidelines for the early intervention and infrastructure funding streams will be available on the opening dates at www.business.gov.au. Guidelines will include information about how to apply, eligibility and assessment criteria.
The Morrison Government announced $35 million (including program administration costs) from 2020-21 to 2023-24 to fund round six of the Safer Communities Fund in Budget 2020-21.
Bonner locals are being encouraged to buy local to support Australian manufacturers and grow local jobs this Australian Made week, falling between 24th to 30th May.
The Morrison Government recognises the job-creating power of Australian manufacturers and has invested $1.5 billion in the Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the inaugural Australian Made Week, is an opportunity to embrace the incredible quality of locally-made products.
“Bonner is home to some amazing businesses, proudly showcasing Australian Made products,” said Mr Vasta.
Some of these businesses include:
· MYLE- Make Your Life Easier (Carindale): Premium home organisation products.
· A&S August Pty Ltd (Upper Mt Gravatt): Top quality beauty, skincare and cosmetics.
· Oz Backdrops & Props (Wynnum): Leader in printed and digital backdrops, props, printing and studio solutions.
“Another business championing Australian Made is Couplemate Trailer Parts in Wynnum who specialise in design, manufacture and distribution of caravan and general-purpose trailer towing parts.
“I had the pleasure of catching up with Managing Director Steven Wotherspoon and the Couplemate team this week to find out more about their work re-investing in Australian production.
“Their investment in Australian production is benefitting local jobs. In great news, over the past year the Couplemate team has expanded by hiring four new highly educated graduates.
“Our Government is backing local manufacturers, just like Couplemate, to scale-up and grow. As we recover from COVID-19, buying Australian Made is the best thing we can do to keep Aussies in jobs.
“Next time you’re at the shops, I strongly encourage members of our community to search for the green and gold Australian Made logo. Not only will you be directly supporting that business, but also the broader supply chain.”
Couplemate Managing Director Steven Wotherspoon said, “Continuing to diversify the range of Australian-made products we manufacture offers extended product development opportunities while also supporting local jobs and the Australian economy.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said, “The Government recognises the importance of the instantly recognised Australian Made logo, with a $5 million grant given last year to extend its international reach.”
For more information about Australian Made Week and where you can buy Australian made products, visit https://www.australianmade.com.au/
Students in Bonner will benefit from the Morrison Government’s record $5.4 billion funding for schools in Queensland next year, up from $5.1 billion in 2021.
Funding for Queensland schools has almost doubled since the Morrison Government came to office, and is locked in to grow a further 38 per cent between now and 2029.
Government schools in Queensland will see the biggest increase, from $1.7 billion in 2018 to $2.9 billion in 2029.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Government’s record investment in Queensland schools was an investment in their future.
“We’re giving kids in Bonner the best possible chance to get the best education and reach their full potential,” Mr Vasta said.
“We have many highly regarded schools in Bonner, filled with hard-working dedicated teachers and the Government is backing them, so they can focus on giving their students the best education.
“Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Citipointe Christian College in Carindale, who will benefit from this funding. This school is reknowned for its facilities, passionate teachers and vibrant school community.
“It was fantastic to catch up with college Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran to hear of the opportunities that are being presented to students to aid their development and how this funding will assist.”
Citipointe Christian College Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran said, “As a member of Associated Christian Schools, the College welcomes the Government’s funding to strengthen education.”
“The funding by the Government continues to support the democratic nature of our society to grant parental choice for educating their children,” Pastor Mulheran said.
“Increased funding is required by schools as needs increase. Needs such as student well-being which is vital to improve educational outcomes.”
Minister for Education and Youth Hon Alan Tudge MP said, “Locking in record funding means states, territories and schools can now focus on lifting standards.”
The National Curriculum is also under review, with the independent body ACARA currently seeking public feedback on draft proposed changes.
National Reconciliation Week is a time where we acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and re-commit ourselves to progress reconciliation.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said that reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
This year, 2021, marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of the Australian formal reconciliation process.
“The week commences 27 May marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and concludes with the anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision on 3 June – both significant milestones in our nation’s history,” Mr Vasta said.
“This year’s theme, More than a word, Reconciliation takes action, calls on all Australians to think about the meaningful ways to affect change.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said that for reconciliation to be effective, it must actively address issues of inequality, racism and instances where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced.
“Our goal in reconciliation is a nation where all children have the same life chances and choices, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.”
“Through our actions, we can build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Australian community.”
The Morrison Government continues its commitment to reconciliation by reforming the way we work with Indigenous Australians – in partnership – to achieve better outcomes.
”I encourage all residents in Bonner to get involved in National Reconciliation Week and share your events and messages using the hashtags #MoreThanAWord and #NRW2021.”, Mr Vasta said.
To secure Australia’s recovery, the Morrison Government will continue to support tens of thousands of Bonner’s small and family businesses—the backbone of our community.
As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government will back small businesses by continuing tax incentives which will allow around 20,400 businesses in Bonner to write off the full value of eligible asset they purchase.
Additionally, around 8,200 businesses in Bonner will be able to use the extended loss carry back measure to support cashflow confidence. This has helped businesses invest more in the local economy and create local jobs.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said supporting local small and family businesses will help to stimulate more economic activity and create more jobs.
“Bonner is home to incredible small and family owned businesses. Backing these businesses, means we are making sure they are able to thrive and keep Australian’s in jobs, which is more important than ever,” said Mr Vasta.
“The support delivered by the Morrison Government is impacting businesses like Chocolate Elements which has just opened in Wynnum. Last week I had the pleasure of dropping in on store owners Phil and Dawn, a couple who have put their heart and soul into starting this delicious business.
“Being a new business, Phil and Dawn are really pleased with the support our Morrison Government is delivering, making sure not only their business, but all existing and future small businesses can feel supported as we recover from COVID-19.”
In more good news, around 1,000 small brewers and distillers across the country will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the Budget, including Wynnum’s Hudson Brewery.
The Morrison Government is committed to assisting local businesses to grow, create jobs and support Australia’s economic recovery.
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Today I rise to speak on behalf of my constituents: Kate and Grant Gough and their six-month old baby, Oakley.
I recently met with this beautiful family who shared with me the heartbreaking story of baby Oakley’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy diagnoses at just 8 weeks old.
Sadly, SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants under the age of two in Australia, with 1 in 35 Australians unknowingly carrying the gene.
Deputy Speaker, had Oakley been screened for SMA as part of the Newborn Bloodspot Screening and started treatment sooner, her quality of life may be completely different to today.
I first became aware of SMA in 2018 through baby Mackenzie. At just 10 weeks old, little Mackenzie was diagnosed with SMA, sadly passing away at just seven months and eleven days old.
I brought Mackenzie’s story to the attention of Minister Hunt and Minister Coleman and they took prompt action.
Deputy Speaker, this action resulted in the inclusion of a $20 million study into reproductive genetic carrier screening called Mackenzie’s Mission in the May 2018 Federal Budget.
I understand the Minister has asked all states and territories to include screening for SMA in their Newborn bloodspot screening programs.
Trials for SMA through Newborn bloodspot screening programs are currently ONLY underway in New South Wales and the ACT.
I ask those in room today, what about newborns impacted by SMA in other parts of the country?
Deputy Speaker, I want to emphasise that the results of these trials have been extremely encouraging.
The medical community is overwhelmingly in agreement that the sooner the treatment begins, the better long-term prognosis for children with SMA.
With that in mind, I am calling on the Queensland State Labor Government to consider the courageous families battling SMA or will be in the future.
Even AMA Queensland is asking for SMA to be included in the Queensland Newborn bloodspot screening program.
Deputy Speaker, our families do not have the time to wait for trials to conclude in NSW and ACT before Queensland State Labor acts.
With the cost effectiveness of this test – approximately $10 per test- its positive results thus far, AND the Morrison Government’s willingness to collaborate, I urge Queensland State Labor to include SMA in their Newborn bloodspot screening program.
You’ve heard Oakley and Mackenzie’s stories today.
As a father of two, there is nothing more important to me than family and their wellbeing.
I am taking this opportunity today to fight for the quality of life these babies deserve.
No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child to this disease. And no child should be disadvantaged based on where they’re born.
Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed recently completed upgrades to their facilities thanks to funding from the Morrison Government’s Community Development Grants Program.
This Men’s Shed secured $200,000 in funding to improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities.
Men’s Shed is community-based, non-commercial organisation that is open to all men. They do wonderful work to address social isolation and boost men’s mental health by enabling them to feel safe, make friends and share in meaningful activities.
Earlier this week, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP visited the Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed to see the upgrades that had been made.
“The Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed is accessible to all men in our community, providing a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on a variety of projects from manual crafts to gardening,” Mr Vasta said.
“These projects are often donated back into our communities, whether it be model trains for childcare centres, supporting local businesses with handmade décor like table numbers for the Wynnum Leagues Club or providing carpentry support to those in need.
“I was thrilled to see the incredible upgrades to the Men’s Shed, as it will continue to aid their work in our community, with the best possible facilities and tools to do so. The Shed and its members are very deserving of this funding boost.”
The funding was able to upgrade the Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed’s office facilities, shed tools and equipment including a laser cutter and dust extraction system as well as the installation of solar panels and more.
“Programs like the Community Development Grants Program are invaluable as it enables us to give back to communities and recognise those who go above and beyond to make a difference. Nurturing this is essential to fostering a supportive community, just what we have in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said it was vitally important that Shed Members felt valued and remained connected to their community during a period that was difficult for many Australians.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring that even doing the pandemic, members can stay in touch and continue to providing meaningful contributions to their communities,” Minister Hunt said.
Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said there are more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds across the nation.
“Men’s Sheds play a vital role in preventing social isolation and mental ill health. They offer thousands of men of all ages a safe and friendly environment where they can work on meaningful projects while building strong social connections,” Minister Coulton said.
Including this announcement, the Morrison Government has provided $6.4 million in grant funding to support Men’s Sheds since 2013.
Men’s Sheds are an integral part of their local communities. This Government will continue to support Men’s Sheds as part of our comprehensive approach to improving the health of Australian men and boys.
Every child in Bonner who is about to start school will benefit from $1340 as part of the Morrison Government’s $2 billion commitment to ensure every Australian child can attend kindergarten.
The Commonwealth is offering new four-year agreements to states and territories, including $352 million for Queensland school years 2022-2025.
The $1340 per child will need to be passed on for every child, regardless of whether they attend ‘kinder’, ‘preschool’ or a kindergarten program at a centre-based day care.
From 2024, states and territories will need to set and meet attendance targets agreed to by all jurisdictions.
The Commonwealth will work with states and territories to develop and implement a kindergarten outcomes measure.
The funding would provide greater certainty for the kindergarten sector and benefit around 62,000 children attending kindergarten in Queensland next year.
The current Universal Access National Partnership (UANP) gives children access to 15 hours of kindergarten per week (600 hours per year), but only 72 per cent of children make full use of the available hours.
Attendance rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (60 per cent) and disadvantaged children (66 per cent) are even lower.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the funding, saying the reforms would benefit all local children attending kindergarten.
“Bonner is a fantastic place to raise a family and its essential we are supporting our young families by providing access to quality kindergartens,” Mr Vasta said.
“This week I had the pleasure of visiting Lead Childcare in Tingalpa where I caught up with the centre manager Krissy who was very pleased with this announcement. It was great to hear positive feedback from someone with extensive experience in this sector as well as a passion for fostering an environment where wonderful levels of learning and care for our children takes place.
“Children who fully engage in kindergarten and early education are generally better prepared to start school, and enjoy better educational outcomes.
“The Australian Government’s partnership with Queensland has seen continuous improvements to kindergarten enrolments, but enrolments alone do not produce outcomes – participation does.”
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said it was the first time a federal government had committed to ongoing funding for kindergarten.
“This is a significant reform that will mean children in Bonner are better prepared for school, can get the most out of their early years of learning, and ultimately achieve more in the long-term,” Minister Tudge said.
“Regardless of where a child gets their kindergarten education, they will benefit from the Federal Government’s $1340.
“These reforms will boost the quality and impact of kindergarten education in Australia.
The new agreements would be linked to reforms that lift kindergarten attendance and school readiness.
The funding brings the Morrison Government’s total investment in early childhood education and care to $3.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget, including $1.7 billion to improve affordability of child care for families with multiple children aged five and under.
The Morrison Government is taking strong action to further boost Australia’s long-term fuel security by locking in the future of our refining sector at the Ampol refinery in Lytton.
The Government’s fuel security package will help secure Australia’s recovery from the COVID crisis and it will help secure our sovereign fuel stocks, locking in jobs and protecting families and businesses from higher fuel prices.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he welcomes this action as it builds on securing our economic resilience by keeping Lytton open.
“Having our fuel security on shore and localised to areas which can best deliver, means we are protecting 550 local jobs in Bonner, giving certainty to key industries, and bolstering our national security,” Mr Vasta said.
“This is great news, as it means we are keeping our skilled workers in a job as well as ensuring we have the sovereign capability needed to prepare for any event, protect our families and local businesses from higher prices at the bowser.
“Locking in Australia’s fuel security will deliver benefits for all Australians and keep the country moving as we secure our recovery from COVID-19.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was delivering on its commitment to maintain a self-sufficient refining capability in Australia with the Ampol refinery in Lytton being one of two refineries across the country supporting the operation.
“Major industries like agriculture, transport and mining, as well as mum and dad motorists, will have more certainty and can look forward to vehicle maintenance savings and greater choice of new vehicle models.
“This next stage in our plan for Australia’s recovery will create jobs and make our country more self-sufficient and secure.”
This package implements the Morrison Government’s commitment to the refining sector, announced as part of the 2020-21 Budget, and complements other measures including increased onshore diesel storage and taking advantage of record low prices to store oil in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Just in time for National Volunteer Week, falling on the 17th to 23rd May, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has celebrated Bonner volunteers at his annual Bonner Volunteer Awards, which recognises outstanding local volunteers and volunteer groups in the Bonner electorate.
Mr Vasta held a dedicated ceremony on Wednesday 5th May to congratulate the 16 local nominees as well as announcing the overall winners and presenting them with their awards.
“At the heart of Bonner, are the individuals of all ages and groups which make up our fantastic community. Having the opportunity to recognise those who are often the unsung heroes in making a difference is a privilege.”
“These awards give thanks to the individuals and groups that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer qualities. They form part of the backbone of our community and make significant and lasting contributions.”
Category winners for the 2021 Bonner Volunteer Awards include:
SENIOR: Janette Taylor (Carina Heights)- Janette has been a member of Quota Carindale since 1995 and during this time has served as Board Member and a President.
Whenever Janette hears of anything in the local community where she believes Quota Carindale could assist, she goes above and beyond to put a solution in place.
After the devastating 2011 to 2012 floods and as part of her work with Quota Carindale, Janette visited and provided support to the small town of Condamine which had been evacuated.
For many years Janette has also been a home-stay parent for international students both at university and high school.
ADULT : Steven and Toni-Noon Heymer (Belmont)- Steven and Toni the founders of the annual Belmont Santa Studio.
For the last 11 years they have done incredible work in spreading the Christmas spirit all over Brisbane by arranging Santa photos for families with special needs.
Many of these children are unable to visit shopping centres or other public venues and this is where Steve and Toni saw a need.
Belmont Santa Studio Co-Founder Steven Heymer said, “It is nice to get an award like this, but it isn’t what we do it for. For us, our focus is on the kids, the families and being able to give back.”
“We started this because our 12-year-old daughter is on the autism spectrum and we wondered how many other families are going through what we’re going through,” said Mr Heymer.
“We have watched these families grow up over the last 11 years, coming back every year. Now some are bringing back kids of their own. It’s quite touching to see them growing up.”
YOUNG ADULT: Caitlyn Robinson (Mansfield)- Caitlyn is an amazing 19-year-old who is committed to making a difference to young women both in her community as well as the rest of the world through Girls Brigade.
Through her passion for advocacy and social justice, Caitlyn was selected to represent Girls Brigade’s Pacific Fellowship and present at the UNs Commission on the Status of Women in New York last year.
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, she was unable to attend in person. However, in March this year Caitlyn was able to present to a global audience through an online platform.
She is bringing her experience on shore by organising speaking tours with the UNs Australian Youth Representative.
Caitlyn is doing all this while studying a dual degree in Nursing and Psychology, serving in her local Girls’ Brigade Company, and running her own charity shop – Cait’s Charity Cards.
STUDENT: Anisha Verma (Mansfield)- Anisha graduated from Mansfield State High School last year where she completed an incredible 3000 minutes of volunteering.
At 17 years of age and currently also balancing University studies, her passion for volunteering is unwavering.
ENVIRONMENT: Queensland Koala Society (Carina Heights): Angela Christodoulou founded the society in 2018 as a not for profit volunteer group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Koalas and other native wildlife in the Southeast Brisbane area.
The Queensland Koala Society would like to become the first organisation in the Brisbane area that can provide all the needs for koalas, including other native wildlife that includes rescue, rehabilitation, development and release within their local environment.
GROUP/ORGANISATION: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s Boatshed Crew (Manly)- The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s Boatshed Crew are group of volunteers who work tirelessly around the club to maintain the volunteer vessels and facilities.
This dedicated group of volunteers meet twice per week to make sure the volunteer racing fleet of 14 support boats are maintained to the highest of standards.
During the racing season, these members are also seen at the Yacht Squadron on the weekend, either assisting with race management, mentoring new volunteers, or turning their hands to the next maintenance project.
They do great work in caring for one of Queensland’s oldest and most prestigious recreational sailing and cruising clubs.
“I was truly overwhelmed by the stories of every person and group who was nominated or won this year. All should be proud of this achievement and I would like to personally extend my thanks for the positive difference they’re making in our local community and inspiring others to volunteer,” Mr Vasta said.
