The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) has announced The Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours list.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP congratulated the five locals from the Bonner electorate who received honours for their outstanding contribution to the community.

“I am always out and about in the community, meeting and getting to know our locals. In every exchange I am continuously touched by the acts of selflessness and generosity that are displayed,” Mr Vasta said.

“As part of The Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours list, I am proud to recognise the five incredible individuals from Bonner who have demonstrated exceptional achievements.”

“Each of their unique stories span a variety of fields, such as law, creative arts, community groups, education as well as supporting those who are blind or have low vision.”

2021 Queen’s Birthday Honour recipients for Bonner:
• Mr Brian Boulton (Carindale): For significant service to the law, and to the judiciary, particularly to District Courts.
• Mr George Amarandos (Carindale): For service to the Greek community of Queensland.
• Mrs Judith Connors (Carindale): For service to the creative arts, particularly as a tatter and lace maker.
• Associate Professor Sarah Kelly (Lota): For service to tertiary education, and to sports administration.
• Mr Lorin Nicholson (Mansfield): For service to people who are blind or have low vision.

“Awards like The Queen’s Birthday Honours list are a heartening reminder of the difference we can all make on a local level,” Mr Vasta said.

“I thank all the Australians who were awarded for their service and congratulate them on this recognition.”

As part of Men’s Health Week, the Australian Government is encouraging Men’s Sheds across Bonner to apply for funding as part of the newest round of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP).

Opening this week, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encouraged all Sheds in Bonner to apply for Round 22 of the NDSP.

“Men’s Sheds are friendly and inclusive settings where men can meet to work with tools and equipment, or just spend time together, to support each other’s mental and physical good health,” Mr Vasta.

“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.”

Men’s Sheds can apply for financial support across the following funding categories:
• Category 1: Health, Wellbeing, and Events $8,000 maximum
• Category 2: Shed Improvements $8,000 maximum
• Category 3: Equipment $5,000 maximum

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said connection was the key to the success of the more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds around the country.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for many Australians, and it is vitally important that Shed Members remained connected to their community during this time,” Minister Hunt said.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Men’s Sheds, we provided $500,000 to Sheds around Australia in the latest round of NDSP grants and $6.4 million in grant funding to support Men’s Sheds since 2013.”

Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton, said Men’s Sheds play a vital role in regional Australia, becoming one of the most important regional organisations.

“Men’s Sheds provide a safe and friendly environment for men to gather and or work on meaningful projects, with the ultimate aim of improving the health and wellbeing of their members,” Minister Coulton said.

“I am also pleased to announce that work will soon begin on the $1.5 million Regional Coordinators for Men’s Sheds Initiative, which helps Men’s Sheds to connect with local health services and promote health events for their members.”

Men’s Sheds Associations in WA, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland will be funded to introduce regional coordinators in those states.

The Australian Men’s Shed Association, which manages the NSDP, has also received funding under the Initiative to implement regional coordinators in NSW, the ACT, SA and the NT. Regional coordinators will be introduced in every state and territory.

Applications for the next round of Men’s Sheds grants is open until 26 July 2021. Those wanting to submit an application can visit https://mensshed.org/development-grants.