The $260 million National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence has been rolled out, with Queensland receiving their first payment of $13.255 million to help address increased demand for frontline services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding will help keep the residents of Bonner safe and shows the commitment the Morrison Government has towards ending domestic violence.

“When a woman is escaping domestic violence, she is faced with great uncertainty, limited resources and is isolated,” Mr Vasta said.

“I have no tolerance for domestic violence and abuse and I have worked closely with domestic and sexual violence services within Bonner including Beyond DV, to help ensure women and children are safe and secure.

“This funding adds to the $130 million the Morrison Government provided to states and territories in 2020, which funded 450 family and domestic violence frontline organisations and delivered more than 545 activities and services.

“Under the $130 million National Partnership the Queensland government received $25.638 million which supported 130 frontline family domestic and sexual violence services.

“Among the projects funded there was also a focus on offering services to give women the skills and confidence to leave a violent relationship and live independently such as financial counselling programs and support navigating the legal and courts system which can often be daunting or too expensive.

“This additional support for frontline services also works alongside our Escaping Violence Payment which provides women and children leaving a violence relationship up to $5000 to establish a safe home regardless of their income or assets.”

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the Morrison Government was absolutely committed to working collaboratively and cooperatively with our state and territory counterparts to ensure women and children have access to support they need to live free of violence.

“We are providing $65 million in support to states and territories through the first payment under the National Partnership Agreement giving each jurisdiction flexibility to determine where the money is needed most,” Minister Ruston said.

“It is being used to bolster frontline worker numbers, expand crisis accommodation, sexual violence support, counselling and crisis case management, legal support, perpetrator interventions and men’s behaviour change programs.

“Funding is also being directed to help women and children who may have additional barriers to accessing support such as migrants, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities and women and children living in rural and remote communities.”

The National Partnership Agreement is being funded under the Morrison Government’s record $1.1 billion investment into women’s safety and coincides with the next National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022 to 2032.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has funded the installation of brand-new solar panels at Mt Gravatt Vultures AFC through $12,000 thanks to the Morrison Government’s Powering Communities Grant.

The new solar panels will enable the Mt Gravatt Vultures to lower their energy bills so they can reinvest the savings into their sporting community, whilst also supporting the club’s goal to become more environmentally sustainable.

Visiting the Mt Gravatt Vultures, Mr Vasta said the club is already seeing major benefits.

“It’s great to see that the Mt Gravatt Vultures are already enjoying the advantages from the Powering Communities Grant through new solar panels, especially considering energy bills often being one of the biggest overheads for not-for-profit organisations,” said Mr Vasta.

“These savings can be used by the club to expand their growing football program and provide more opportunities for players, spectators and volunteers alike. It will also go towards purchasing equipment like balls and training bibs.

“The Mt Gravatt Vultures are an important part of our sporting community in Bonner, and I am proud to have supported the club over the years with funding for upgrades to their facilities at Dittmer Park.”

The President of the Mt Gravatt Vultures Daryl Guilford, has expressed the club’s sincere appreciation for the funding which enables them to further invest in its growing football program with over 600 male and female players.

Mr Vasta has a strong history of supporting Mt Gravatt Vultures with funding for several projects over the years to upgrade their facilities at Dittmer Park, including night lighting, field irrigation systems, constructions of coaching boxes and spectator facilities.

Australia Day isn’t complete without a barbeque and Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is giving locals the chance to win everything they need for a spread to impress.

Mr Vasta said Australia Day is about coming together with friends, family and the community to celebrate our country and acknowledge its history.

“This year, Australia Day will be a time for us to reflect on the events of 2021 and how far we have come, respect the selfless sacrifice of frontline workers and celebrate the promise of a brighter 2022.

“For many Australians, the summer barbecue has become a tradition on this public holiday and is enjoyed wherever celebrations are taking place, whether it be at the beach, park or in the backyard.

“As we look forward to Australia Day, I’m giving away three barbeque meat trays. These will be sourced from three local butchers to support their business and recognise the contribution they have made to our community and economic recovery during this time.

“I encourage Bonner residents to enter to win one of these trays, so you’re sorted for the ultimate Australia Day feast!”

Entries close 5pm Wednesday 19 January with the winners to receive their barbeque meat tray in time for Australia Day. Visit www.rossvasta.com.au to enter.