Bonner locals are encouraged to buy a badge, bear and other merchandise during Legacy Week to support the partners and children of veterans who lost their lives or have been seriously injured serving our country.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Legacy Australia supports 43,000 families including children, widows, and dependants with a disability providing practical assistance through advocacy, counselling, medical, and social support.

“Families who have suffered the impact of injury, or death, of a loved one as a result of their defence force service deserve our support,” said Mr Vasta.

“The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940s and their badge is a special emblem which is recognised by all Australians. It’s a symbol of our nation’s greatest values of mateship, compassion and respect.

“To show your support for Legacy Australia and their remarkable work, I encourage Bonner locals to buy a badge or donate through their website. No donation is too small and will go a long way.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of Legacy volunteers- Legatees, for their tireless dedication, mentoring and assisting of families of those who served our country. Our nation is incredibly grateful.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said Legacy Australia has played an important role in the veteran community for the last 98 years.

In the trenches of the Western Front during the First World War, an Australian Digger said to his dying mate, “I’ll look after the missus and kids”. This became known as The Promise.

“The Promise has been kept since Legacy was formed in 1923, and Legacy continues to support Australian widows, their families and children following the loss or injury of their loved one,” Minister Gee said.

“Fundraising efforts first known as ‘War Orphans’ first began during the Second World War to raise funds for the widows and children of soldiers who did not return. Today, this appeal is known as Legacy Week.

“Since then, Legacy has become a fundraising force providing much needed support.

“Legacy is currently caring for tens of thousands of widows who have lost their loved ones and been affected by their partner’s service in the Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Vietnam War, as well as campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan and in peacekeeping operations across the globe.

“Normally our Australian Defence Force personnel volunteer to sell Legacy badges across the country. However this year, numbers will be considerably reduced in line with state and territory COVID-19 guidelines, which makes raising vital funds a real challenge.

“Please check with one of the 44 Legacy Clubs across the country about how you can support Legacy Week – or visit legacy.com.au.”

Royal Australian Navy veteran Heidi knows how life-changing the support from Legacy can be, as a single mum to four boys, with her two oldest on the autism spectrum.

Legacy has helped Heidi and her boys by assistingacy g with bills, school fees, uniforms and speech therapy lessons.

Growing up in a military family, Heidi was familiar with the Legacy logo but didn’t understand what it stood for.

“When I see that little badge now, I get emotional about it. Even the boys know what Legacy has done for us. Legacy has brought us happiness as a family,” Heidi said.

Legacy Australia Chairman Legatee Rick Cranna said every year Legacy helps thousands of war widows and families in the veteran community with emotional and financial support.

“The work we do is made possible by the generous contributions of the Australian public and we are very thankful of the support we receive from every day Australians who want to help the families of those who have given their life or health in the service of our country,” Mr Cranna said.

Legacy’s Badge Day is Friday 3 September and donations can be made at their website legacy.com.au. Legacy merchandise, including badges, can be purchased online at the Legacy shop, legacyshop.com.au.

Legacy Week will run from 29 August to 4 September.

The Morrison Government has marked National Skills Week 2021 by reminding Australians of the incredible opportunities of a skilled career as hundreds of thousands make use of the skills and training pathways guaranteed through record levels of federal funding.

Given the 1,455 apprentices in Bonner and the demand for skilled workers, it is also a great reminder that it is never too late to take up a new trade or to upskill through Australia’s world-class vocational education and training sector.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said National Skills Week is a chance for school leavers, job seekers and anyone wanting a career change to consider a new pathway.

‘I would encourage all Bonner locals to consider taking up an apprenticeship or a traineeship because taking up a skill or a trade sets you on a path for a rewarding career,’ Mr Vasta said.

‘This National Skills Week I am proud to be part of a Government that is guaranteeing pathways to a better future for Australians through record funding of skills and training, whether it is our $2 billion JobTrainer fund or our $3.9 billion investment in wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees we are putting money on the table to deliver opportunities to get into high-quality jobs in our community.’

‘Everywhere you look, Australians are making a difference by doing incredible things with world-leading skills developed right here in our backyard.”

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said that while this National Skills Week would be held virtually, a skilled career promised significant opportunities out in the real world.

‘This National Skills Week is a chance for all Australians to consider having a crack at vocational education and training and remind everyone about the amazing opportunities a skilled career can generate for you and your family,’ Minister Robert said.

‘These opportunities are guaranteed by the Morrison Government which is backing Australians to take up new skills with the highest spend on skills and training in Australia’s history, $6.4 billion just this financial year,’

‘This includes a two-year extension of the $2 billion JobTrainer fund, offering free or low-fee training to Australians, jointly funded with state and territory governments. To date the JobTrainer fund has supported over 230,000 Australians upskill and break into new career opportunities.’

National Skills Week will see events and webinars held across the country aiming to help Australians unlock their potential and gain real skills for real careers.

For more information, visit www.yourcareer.gov.au

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Mt Gravatt Show- the best little country show in the city.

A weekend long show more than just rides, fireworks, showbags and farm animals.

It was a show that showcased the very best of the Mt Gravatt community Deputy Speaker.

And this year the Show celebrated the huge milestone of 105 years.

Those who came along as children are now bringing their children or their children’s children.

A tradition Deputy Speaker which gets bigger and better every year.

I had the privilege of opening the show and was joined on stage by an Alpaca who completely stole the show.

Now what is seeing this show go from strength to strength are the people behind it.

The Show President Kim Goss, Loretta Smith from the Mt Gravatt Show Society and the entire committee.

All working tirelessly to make this show a calendar moment for people from across Brisbane.

Thank you for your hard work.

Deputy Speaker, this was no easy feat this year.

Unfortunately, last year’s show was cancelled because of the pandemic.

I know how much this show means to our community and that is why I fought for its return.

Over $43,000 in federal funding was delivered this year that enabled the show to get back on its feet.

And funding that saw stallholders and small businesses breathe a sigh of relief after the last year.

I want to thank the Morrison Government for the opportunity to see our community come together.

Our Government is securing our recovery by supporting local and giving confidence to these businesses.

And our community spirit is being made better because of it.

Manufacturers in Bonner can now apply for a share of $800 million in funding for major job creating projects under the Morrison Government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Funding of between $20 million and $200 million is available, covering up to 33 per cent of eligible project expenditure.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has called on local manufactures to lodge their applications for funding before September 9.

“Our $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative is designed to support Australian manufacturers to build resilience, scale and become more competitive – all while creating the jobs we need in Bonner and right across the country,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the Government will strategically invest in projects that will help manufacturers to scale up and create jobs, with investments targeted at projects within the six National Manufacturing Priority areas.

“As a Government we plan to harness Australia’s manufacturing capability to drive job creation and spur private investment, especially as we chart our economic recovery from COVID-19 and build our future resilience,” Minister Porter said.

“Through the Collaboration Stream, we are determined to co-invest in industry-led proposals that will transform our National Manufacturing Priority areas, by encouraging manufacturers to move up the value chain to higher value, higher margin activities, including drawing on our world class research.

The Morrison Government’s six National Manufacturing Priority areas are: medical products; clean energy and recycling; food and beverage; defence; space and; resource technology and critical minerals processing.

Applications can be lodged from today until 9 September. More details and the guidelines are available at www.business.gov.au/mmic

Belmont State School P&C has been awarded $12,225 in funding from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP for the refurbishment of their canteen.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP met with Belmont State School Principal Mrs Angela Douglas to see firsthand the valuable upgrades this funding has enabled.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program, we delivered $12,225 in funding for Belmont State School P&C to give its school canteen a facelift. This has seen the removal of its old window bars and screens and replaced with new crim safe sliding doors.”

“The canteen has also received a fresh new paint job and has been rebranded as ‘The Hungry Hut’. It has been transformed with a vibrant new aesthetic and feel which is loved by the entire school community.”

“It was fantastic to congratulate Belmont State School P&C on being awarded this funding and see the great impact it is having.”

“P&C’s are at the heart of our local schools, facilitating their improvement and contributing to student’s participation and success. Their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Belmont State School Principal Mrs Angela Douglas said, “Thank you very much for advocating for this funding to be delivered to Belmont State School. It’s a really inviting place for the kids now to come.”

“We’ve also been able to get more volunteers because the space is so much nicer.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supports projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Bayside Mental Health Roundtable I recently convened in my electorate of Bonner.

I believe there is a great need for increased mental health services, particularly on the Bayside of Bonner and especially during this unprecedented pandemic.

To understand the thoughts of the Bayside, I encouraged the community to take part in my Mental Health Survey.

Over 500 responses were collected in just 2 weeks- a truly overwhelming response.

97% of respondents believe there is a real need for more services in our community.

With a clear need for more support, I want to ensure the Morrison Governments $2.3 billion investment into the mental health sector delivers on the Bayside.

And as a next step I organised the Bayside Mental Health Roundtable.

I involved mental health experts from the Bayside who have a deep understanding of the needs of our community to workshop solutions with me.

I was joined by a range of community providers, including but not limited to, service providers, GP’s, first responders, schools and more.

Learning about the life changing work our mental health experts are already doing in our community was a privilege, along with how all levels of Government can work together to better support them.

I will continue pursuing the outcomes of the Bayside Mental Health Roundtable and fighting for the funding for my community.

I extend my sincere thanks to all those who took part in the Roundtable.

Deputy Speaker, these conversations are just the beginning.

The Morrison Government today congratulates the Australian athletes who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games including those from Bonner.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Team Australia had blown away the nation and broken records across the board, with local stars from across Bonner also making their mark.

“Bonner locals have been inspired by the Olympic athletes that call the area home, including Gymnasts Georgie Godwin, Lidiia Iakovleva, Alexandra Aristoteli, Emily Ellison Abbot along with Footballer Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is proof to any aspiring athlete in Bonner that competing for our nation is an achievable goal and the journey can begin right in their neighbourhood.

“With Australia having recently secured the 2032 Games in South East Queensland, it is a game changer for our young people who can aspire to compete at a home Games.”

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said, “On behalf of all Australians, I would like to congratulate our Olympians for their outstanding success and achievements.

“You have allowed us to cheer from the sidelines and had us on the edge of our seats, uniting us as a nation at a time when we have never need it more.”

Australian athletes were responsible for an equal all-time gold medal haul of 17, with seven silver and 22 bronze.

Mr Colbeck said the Australian team provided plenty of highlights.

This included the astonishing performance of swimmer Emma McKeon whose seven medals in the pool – four gold and three bronze – equalled the most by any woman across all sports at any Olympics.

“It doesn’t happen without hard work, long hours training and sacrifice – but Emma’s Olympic feat is now etched in the pages of Australian sporting history,” Minister Colbeck said.

Other incredible Olympic stories included Jess Fox’s gold in the canoe slalom, Ariarne Titmus edging out Katie Ledecky in the 400 metre freestyle, Andrew Hoy becoming the country’s oldest medallist with silver and bronze in equestrian and 800m runner Peter Bol delivering a stirring performance on the track.

Keegan Palmer will also go down in history for winning the first men’s park skateboarding gold, while Cedric Dubler’s extraordinary act of sportsmanship in the men’s decathlon – running beside team mate Ash Moloney, urging him to a bronze medal – is one of the moments of the Games.

Then on the second-last day of the Games, an inspirational Patty Mills led the way with the Boomers to secure a bronze – the first Olympic medal in Australia’s men’s basketball history.

Mr Vasta said he was incredibly proud of the Australian Olympians, along with the tremendous efforts of their coaches, support staff, family and friends who assisted them in getting to Tokyo.

“To see our home-ground athletes compete at the highest level is an integral part of Australia’s sporting history and is invaluable in inspiring participation for generations to come,”

“We now set our sights to the Tokyo Paralympic Games which will begin on Tuesday 24^th August. I am certainly looking forward to cheering on our world class Australian Paralympic team!”

A full list of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games local competitors can be found here.

Wynnum’s Waterloo Bay Hotel has been awarded $25,000 in funding from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP to contribute to a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly business.

Prior to the current lockdown, Mr Vasta met with the Waterloo Bay Hotel’s Group Director Justin Ham and Operations Manager Ailish Harding to congratulate them on this funding thanks to the Morrison Government’s $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program which supports small and medium hotels improve energy productivity and reduce their carbon footprint.

“This amount of funding is truly game changing for our local small and medium businesses like the Waterloo Bay Hotel, providing lasting energy savings, reducing operating costs and bettering our environment,” said Mr Vasta.

“The hotel has put the funding towards replacing all of the aircon units in their motel rooms, opting for more energy efficient options which will help lower their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint significantly. These savings will support the creation of new jobs which is essential to securing our national recovery.

“Tourism and hospitality sectors are amongst the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with funding awarded by the Morrison Government being vital to helping our local operators get back on their feet.”

Waterloo Bay Hotel Operations Manager Ailish Harding said, “What this will do for our hotel is reduce our energy and electricity costs significantly. We are so thankful for being awarded this funding which will help our business greatly.”

“Switching to a clean energy future is about establishing simple and small changes which make a big difference. The changes introduced by the Waterloo Bay Hotel demonstrate conscious decision making to help protect our environment,” said Mr Vasta.

The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive funding under the program.

Bonner residents whose hours of work have been impacted by the current lockdown will be able to claim COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government is committed to standing with Australians as we make our way through the global pandemic.

“Eligible people will receive $750 per week if they have lost 20 or more hours of work, and $450 per week if they have lost between 8 and less than 20 hours of work, or a full day of work,” Mr Vasta said.

“The payment will be available to eligible people who live or work in the hotspot areas in Queensland, or who have visited a Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspot.

“Eligible people will be back-paid to the start of the lockdown.”

People who currently receive an income support payment can also claim to receive a payment of $200 if they have lost more than 8 hours of work and meet the other eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment. This payment is additional to their regular income support payment.

The fastest and easiest way to claim is through a myGov account.

More information about financial support available to Queenslanders and how to claim will be available on the Services Australia website at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19disasterpayment