The festive season has officially begun! This is a time of celebration and joy, but for some it can be stressful, isolating, and costly – especially during the ongoing pandemic.

Every year, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP encourages locals to give the gift of giving by donating non-perishable food items to the Bonner Christmas Appeal. This year’s appeal has now launched and will be running until Wednesday 15^th December.

Mr Vasta said the goods will be spread across Bonner’s not for profit groups where they are needed most including Mt Gravatt Community Centre, Access Street Van’s in Mansfield, Rosie’s, Beyond DV as well as church groups like St Peters in Wynnum and Citipointe Church in Carindale.

“This has been another challenging year for many individuals and families in our community. The Bonner Christmas Appeal is an opportunity for locals to spread joy and comfort to those who need it most by donating the simple food items most of us take for granted.

“I’ve already heard from local not for profit groups that there is an immense need for donations in the lead up to Christmas. That is why it is a privilege to be partnering with them and involving our entire community to provide a helping hand.

“While you’re shopping for your loved ones this year, I encourage you to think about adding a few items to your trolley which can make a real difference to someone’s Christmas.

“Together, let’s make sure our community can enjoy Christmas.”

St Pete’s Pantry volunteer Marilyne Jacob said, “This is such a generous appeal; there is a definite need in this community.

“People’s money is not stretching, and Christmas is that time where most of the community wants to help,” said Mrs Jacob.

Donations can be dropped into the below locations any weekday between now and Wednesday 15^th December between the office hours at each location:

• Ross Vasta MP at 69 Clara Street Wynnum (open 8:30am to 4:30pm)
• State Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin MP at Unit 1, Millennium Business Centre, Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Steven Huang at MacGregor Ward Office 2072 Logan Road Upper Mt Gravatt (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Ryan Murphy at Chandler Ward Office Shop 8 Millennium Centre, 14 Millennium Boulevard Carindale (open between 9am to 5pm)
• Councillor Lisa Atwood at Doboy Ward Office Shop 5, 1181 Wynnum Road Cannon Hill (open between 9am to 5pm)

As part of Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP’s ongoing plan to deliver more mental health services on the Bayside, this week he reconvened the Bayside Mental Health Working Group.

The over 20 attendees heard from Brisbane South PHN Senior HR Business Partner Melissa Binks and Head of Be Someone for Someone (Initiative of Feros Care) Joanne Winwood who presented social prescribing as an early intervention and prevention approach for youth mental health; a plan tailored to the Bayside.

Throwing his support behind this plan, Mr Vasta said the meeting addressed problematic loneliness amongst young people and how to help them to reconnect with their community through the potential of social prescribing.

“Social connections are the greatest protection against depression and are proven to reduce suicidal behaviour. Young people are the largest cohort of Australian’s experiencing problematic loneliness, so it is critical to not only be recognising this need but responding to it by delivering accessible support services,” Mr Vasta said.

“Taking urgent action to combat loneliness and social isolation amongst youth has widespread social and economic benefits for communities. It supports individuals’ mental health and quality of life and makes these communities stronger.

“Brisbane South PHN and Feros have proposed a co-designed model, seeking feedback from local mental health experts and community providers whose work extends right across our area including (but not limited to) children, men, women, young people, adults, older people, First Nations and LGBTQI+.

“With a deep understanding of what is happening and what needs to be done in our area specifically around early intervention for youth, their feedback has already played a fundamental role in formulating this plan.

“The mental health of our community cannot be underestimated and I look forward to continuing to work with Brisbane South PHN and Feros on this plan for the Bayside.”

Supporting mental health is a key priority of the Morrison Government, who made a $2.3 billion commitment to the sector as part of the recent 2021-22 Federal Budget. The Bayside Mental Health Roundtable forms part of Mr Vasta’s plan to ensure the funding included as part of the Budget will benefit the Bayside.

Do not hesitate to reach out for mental health support. Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).