NAIDOC Week 2021 is taking place from 4 to 11 July and Tingalpa’s PCYC Queensland and Murarrie’s Goodstart Early Learning have been awarded a total of $8,600 to support their celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and Australia’s rich history and culture.
This funding is part of the Morrison Government’s $1.4 million program to support local organisations celebrate NAIDOC week.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP invites everyone to get involved, learn more about local Indigenous cultures, and share in the traditions that make Australia unique.
“NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Mr Vasta said.
“It is also an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
“For PCYC Queensland, this funding will support their various events across the state including community painting, flag raising ceremony, Traditional Kup Murri Celebration and more.
“For Goodstart Early Learning, it will go towards their Nangara NAIDOC event which is an opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures with children aged birth to 12 years.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, explained that each year, the NAIDOC Week theme draws our attention to an important issue for everyone to consider.
“This year’s theme, Heal Country!, is a call to action to protect and preserve land, water, culture and more – for the benefit of all Australians.”
You can find out more about NAIDOC Week 2021 and the events happening near you by visiting www.naidoc.org.au
All of the events funded as part of the NAIDOC local grants program are required to have COVID-19 plans in place. It is important that anyone attending an event observes these plans and local restrictions to ensure everyone stays safe.
Businesses across Bonner are encouraged to apply for the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative grant to help strengthen Australia’s supply chain capabilities and access to critical products in times of crisis.
Applications have now opened for manufacturers– a key part of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
Matched grants of between $50,000 and $2 million are on offer for local businesses which can help address supply chain vulnerabilities across medicines and agricultural production chemicals –which were identified as sectors of focus in the Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said businesses across the electorate with project ideas are encouraged to apply for funding.
“The Morrison Government is working to not only strengthen our ability to access critical products for the health and wellbeing of all Australians, but also to grow our manufacturing sector and create new jobs,” Mr Vasta.
“This initiative enables vital opportunities for businesses in Bonner to be part of important efforts when it comes to shoring up the nation’s supply chains.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter, said projects could include scaling up existing manufacturing and workforce skills capability or increasing supply chain transparency through technology.
“COVID-19 has taught us that we need to be able to have access to critical products in times of crisis and that’s why we’re investing in projects to strengthen our supply chain resilience,” Minister Porter said.
“Our initial analysis identified medicines, agricultural production chemicals – such as fertilisers – and personal protective equipment (PPE) as key sectors of focus.
“The Morrison Government has already worked side-by-side with industry, offering significant investment to scale up Australia’s ability to make PPE locally when we needed it most.
“Now we want to drive the same success for medicines and agricultural production chemicals.”
Investing in manufacturing projects to support our resilience through the $107.2 million Supply Chain Resilience Initiative is part of a range of measures the Morrison Government is delivering to bolster Australia’s supply chain resilience. This includes the establishment of the Office of Supply Chain Resilience to provide ongoing capacity to monitor vulnerabilities and coordinate whole-of-government efforts to boost supply chain resilience. It also includes the Government’s ongoing commitment to open trade and open markets, which drive our resilience by making our own economy more competitive and able to handle change.
To find out more or apply for a grant under the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative visit business.gov.au/scri
To read more in the Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan visit industry.gov.au/smcp
The Morrison Government is awarding complex electronics manufacturer, Crystalaid $461,118 in funding to improve their technical capabilities so Australia’s growing space sector can play a key role in NASA’s Moon to Mars project.
The second round of Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants follows the allocation of more than $1 million in the first round of grants in March.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this grant will be a game-changer for Tingalpa based manufacturer, Crystalaid in developing their work and growing their skills and capabilities in the Australian space industry.
“Crystalaid is doing revolutionary work in the space industry, with this funding contributing towards replacing and modernising their vacuum oven technology. This upgrade will enhance their ability to supply electronics components to the international space industry, such as being used in satellite electronics systems.
“It will help Crystalaid meet new supply chain opportunities, create more jobs and deliver opportunities for skilled workers; all of which are essential for strengthening Australia’s space manufacturing.
“I am very proud to see the ongoing successes of Crystalaid, whose work contributes to better positioning Australian companies to be part of NASA’s plan to return to the moon and prepare for missions to Mars.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the grants were designed to get more local companies involved in international supply chains and create new Australian jobs as part
of the government’s $150 million Moon to Mars initiative.
“This funding complements our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy which is supporting the space sector as one of the government’s six priority areas.”
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo congratulated the companies and said they demonstrated the high quality of work being produced in Australia.
“These grants encourage the best in our local companies, helping them develop cutting-edge technologies, create partnerships and link into national and international supply chains,” Mr
Palermo said.
“This strengthens Australian space manufacturing industry and helps build a high tech workforce that can make a significant contribution to the national economy.
“Support from the Moon to Mars initiative and other government programs, combined with the talent and innovation of local space manufacturers, is strengthening Australia’s national space
capability and enhancing Australia’s ability to compete in the international space economy.”
The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of over $700 million being invested by the government into the Australian civil space sector towards the goal of tripling the sector’s size to $12
billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030.
The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million, with applications open until 30 June 2023.
To apply for a grant and for more information, visit https://www.business.gov.au/M2MSupplyChain
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP has today launched a Bayside Mental Health Survey representing the first stage of the plan to secure increased mental health funding and local services in the area.
Mr Vasta said, “I have recognised the need for increased mental health services across the Bayside and am eager to understand where support is needed.”
To best understand what is happening on a local level, Mr Vasta is calling on Bayside community members to take part in the quick survey; whose contribution will be invaluable in determining where support must be delivered.
“Everyone knows someone struggling with mental health and I am committed to supporting initiatives and services that help those in our community achieve their best possible mental health.
“To understand what is happening in our neighbourhoods, how and where mental health services are being accessed as well as where the opportunities are, this information must come from locals. This is regardless of whether they use the services themselves or are a friend, family member or carer of someone accessing support.
“That’s why I have launched the Bayside Mental Health Survey, where the responses will help to drill down on where the key needs are in our community.
“As part of the plan, I am thrilled to be involving experts in the field of mental health spanning service providers, community groups, schools, GP’s and more to develop solutions and make sure we are bridging these gaps.”
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. This plan will ensure the funding included as part of the Budget will benefit the Bayside.
To take part in the Bayside Mental Health Survey, please click: here.
All survey responses will be kept anonymous and completely confidential.
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).
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP was recently updated on the construction progress of a new senior playground at Wishart State School thanks to $350,000 in funding by the Morrison Government.
Visiting Wishart State School, Mr Vasta said he was pleased the construction of the school’s very first senior playground was about to get underway for students in years 4,5 and 6.
“Wishart State School has seen enrolment numbers increase by hundreds over the past few years and this new playground will support students experience as the school continues to grow.”
“The playground has been part of the school’s vision for over 20 years, so it is incredibly special to know what it will mean for both the school and local community.”
“What is particularly wonderful about the plan for the playground, is that everyone has been able to have a say, including the students and the parents. In fact, some of the designs prepared by the year 6 students have been incorporated.”
“The Morrison Government is backing our local schools and enabling real improvements just like those to Wishart State School; with a playground that will cater to all abilities for the senior students as well as specialty equipment for the students with special needs.”
Wishart State School Principal Yolanda Tognini said, “Our school is very grateful for this funding and to see the senior playground come to life in the imminent future. We look forward to welcoming Mr Vasta back as the progress unfolds.”
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.
Deputy Speaker I rise today to speak on the Fuel Security Bill 2021.
This incredible commitment by the Morrison Government not only locks in Australia’s sovereign refining capability and our long-term fuel security, it backs local jobs for local families in my electorate of Bonner.
Deputy Speaker, the Morrison Government is taking strong action to support the Australian economy and ensuring our critical services can keep running.
The Bill includes two key measures of the Morrison Government’s fuel security package: the Fuel Security Services Payment and the Minimum Stockholding Obligation.
Fuel is crucial across the economy and through these two key measures this Bill will champion our fuel dependent industries.
Our truckies, our tradies, our farmers, our commuters, our miners—and of course, everyone who travels in Australia.
This Bill will help secure our sovereign fuel stocks and back local jobs.
And this Bill will protect families and businesses from higher fuel prices ensuring that Aussie families can keep more of what they earn!
Deputy Speaker, Australia continues to lead the world in our comeback from the Covid-19 pandemic.
And we aren’t slowing down.
Our Prime Minister has made a commitment.
A commitment to maintaining a self-sufficient refining capability in Australia.
A commitment that has been applauded by the fuel industry and by peak industry bodies.
Deputy Speaker, locking in Australia’s fuel security will deliver benefits for all Australian’s.
Deputy Speaker, traditional fuels will continue to be the dominant fuel source for transport beyond 2030 – we cannot be complacent about fuel security because of this.
The Fuel Security Bill supports the Ampol refinery in Lytton, in my electorate of Bonner, and Victoria’s Viva Energy refinery in Geelong.
This bill will lock in these refineries until 2027 and safeguard levels of key transport fuels through the Minimum Stockholding Obligation measure.
This is critical for our farmers, our emergency services, our truckies and our industries who all rely on diesel to keep Australia moving.
Deputy Speaker, without the passage of this Bill, it is likely Australia’s remaining refineries will close within the next five years.
Between these two refineries, this would mean losing 1,250 direct jobs. That’s 1250 families.
It would mean forfeiting 1,750 new construction jobs.
The fallout would then have a devastating impact on jobs in all fuel dependent industries.
The ramifications would be catastrophic for our local economy.
That’s why I was extremely pleased to welcome the Prime Minister and Minister for Energy and Emission Reduction Angus Taylor to Bonner for the announcement of this Bill recently.
Deputy Speaker, as part of the Fuel Security Services Payment measure, the refineries will be paid a variable production payment.
What this means is if there was a time either of these refineries were not making profits, they would be supported.
It means our taxpayers are only supporting the sector when it is needed.
On a local level this support equates to 550 direct jobs in Bonner.
550 highly skilled workers who can keep their jobs.
The flow on effect of this certainty in the local community can not be underestimated!
This is a Government that is backing jobs.
Deputy Speaker, when I joined the Prime Minister and Minister Taylor on a tour of the refinery, we walked past a worker holding up a hand-written sign which read: Thank you for supporting the refinery.
I was beyond humbled to read this because this is exactly why we do what we do.
These are real people; people with families, loved ones and passions for their work.
These are people with incredible skills that we absolutely must harness to ensure our sovereign capability.
Deputy Speaker, ensuring our sovereign capability is essential.
It means we can prepare for any crisis and protect our families and businesses from higher prices at the bowser.
This is where the Minimum Stockholding Obligation measure of the Bill comes in to play.
The Australian fuel market operates on a near just in time basis and is heavily reliant on global supply chains operating under normal conditions.
Yes, this helps to keep operational costs low.
But Deputy Speaker it means the market is less prepared for disruptions.
Implementation of the Minimum Stockholding Obligation will provide certainty to fuel consumers that there is a baseline level of liquid fuel available in Australia at any point in time.
Deputy Speaker, I say again-locking in Australia’s fuel security will deliver benefits for all Australian’s.
Fuel is what keeps us and the economy going.
That is why the Morrison Government is backing our refineries.
And that is why the passage of this Bill is essential.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of buying Australian Made.
We just recently celebrated Australian Made Week which is a reminder for Aussie shoppers to embrace the incredible quality of locally-made products.
Mr Deputy Speaker, the Morrison Government recognises the job-creating power of Australian manufacturers.
Our Government has invested $1.5 billion in the Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
This means our much-loved green and gold logo can not only have a stronger presence on home soil, but also internationally.
Mr Deputy Speaker, the Morrison Government is backing local manufacturers to scale-up and grow. I am experiencing the benefits of this firsthand in my electorate of Bonner.
Bonner is home to some amazing businesses, proudly showcasing Australian Made products.
Local businesses like:
Make Your Life Easier in Carindale, specialising in premium home organisation products.
August Skincare in Upper Mt Gravatt manufacturing top quality cosmetics and skincare.
And Oz Backdrops and Props in Wynnum, a leader in printed and digital backdrops, printing and more.
And this is just a glimpse into the diverse range of Australian Made products we are manufacturing in Bonner.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to talk about my recent visit to Couplemate in Wynnum.
This is a local business championing Australian Made. Couplemate is based on the Bayside, specialising in the design, manufacture and distribution of caravan and trailer parts.
The last time I visited Steven and his team was late last year. Since then they have done fantastic work re-investing in Australian production.
The businesses dedication to what they do is second to none, resulting in their recent expansion and hiring of four new graduates.
Mr Deputy Speaker, last year was incredibly tough on small businesses.
But the Morrison Government delivered a plan that created jobs, supported our skilled workers and enabled growth.
We now have more Aussies in work than ever before.
Mr Deputy Speaker, since my last visit to Couplemate, their apprentice machinist has now completed his trade and is working full time as a qualified machinist.
Upskilling jobs and our young people has never been more important.
It is essential we are equipping Australians with the skills they need to get a job today and tomorrow.
As part of this year’s Budget, the Morrison Government doubled our commitment to the JobTrainer fund.
We already have around 1,400 apprentices in my electorate of Bonner and these new measures will lead to more opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
To see Aussie grown businesses just like Couplemate go from strength to strength during this time is remarkable.
Mr Speaker, the Morrison Government recognises local businesses are the engine room of our economy.
And to secure our recovery we are making sure they can get on with that they do best.
The Morrison Government is building on its support for small businesses by $8 million to extend the Go Local First campaign for another 12 months.
The national campaign, which is coordinated by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), urges Australians to buy locally in their communities as part of our COVID-19 recovery.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this was great news for the 14,556 small businesses in Bonner who contribute to making sure the local economy thrives.
“I am so thrilled to see the Morrison Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting our local small businesses,” Mr Vasta said.
“Campaigns just like Go Local First are driving awareness for more Australians to buy local, especially during this time when we are focused on securing our recovery and creating more local jobs.”
“I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Rachel Ooi who is a Financial Advisor at Your Wealth Consultants in Wynnum. It was fantastic to hear her support for how the Morrison Government is backing businesses, giving them the confidence during this time to ensure they are continuing to achieve their goals and exceed their targets.”
“Having businesses expand or new businesses open in Bonner on a regular basis makes me so proud to see the Morrison Government’s recovery plan in action. I encourage everyone in our local community to support this campaign and remember to Go Local First!”
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said Go Local First is aimed at strengthening local economies and creating local jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Australia’s 3.5 million small and family-owned businesses are the lifeblood of our local communities and have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 economic conditions,” Minister Robert said.
“As we rebuild from COVID-19, the Morrison Government is ensuring small and family businesses can benefit by building confidence in our community to shop locally.”
Minister Robert said the campaign, launched in July 2020, will run throughout 2021 and into next year, highlighting the crucial role small business plays in our nation’s economy, in keeping communities thriving and creating local jobs.
Research showed 78 per cent of those who had seen the campaign said they would spend with small local businesses over multinationals, compared with only 56 per cent of those who had not seen the campaign.
The campaign will build on this success achieved throughout 2020 in encouraging Australians to choose local small businesses when buying products and services to help support local jobs. For more information, visit www.golocalfirst.com.au.
Image: Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP and Your Wealth Consultants Wynnum Financial Advisor Rachel Ooi.
