After positive developments from his community Bayside Mental Health Survey, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has today launched a Southside Mental Health Survey. This represents the first stage of Ross Vasta’s plan to increase funding and local services for residents on the Bonner Southside.

“After listening to residents, I have identified a need for greater access to mental health services on the Southside,” Mr Vasta said.

“I have been a strong advocate for mental health, and I am committed to providing a plan and delivering for mental health funding and services for residents on the Southside.”

To best understand what is happening on a local level, Mr Vasta is calling on Southside community members to take part in the quick survey; whose contribution will be invaluable in determining where more support must be delivered.

“Every community has different demographic and geographical needs, that is why it is important for residents on the Southside to take 30 seconds to fill out this survey.

“By filling out this anonymous survey, it will provide a better understanding on what services and resources are needed and where.

“As a part of this plan, I will also be holding the first roundtable discussions on the 23^rd of March where I have invited community groups, schools, GPs, mental health providers and more to develop solutions to bridge the gaps in the current system.

“ Everyone knows someone who has experienced or is struggling with mental health, and with suicide continuing to cause the greatest loss of life for young Australians, I remain committed to fighting for greater awareness, and more funding for mental health services.”

Mr Vasta has seen positive developments out of the roundtable Bayside, which has seen great community consultation and has led to practical steps in addressing the gaps in the mental health system in the area.

“I’m very happy to have delivered the first stages of my mental health plan for the Bayside.

“ I know we will be able to replicate and adapt this approach on the Southside but first, community feedback from the survey is needed.”

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 2021-22 Federal Budget.

To take part in the Southside 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 said support was available to local families affected by severe flooding in large areas of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

“This is a difficult time for families in the Bonner electorate, but emergency support is now available, including for families with children in childcare,” Mr Vasta said.

“Assistance is available to help families and childcare services manage during the immediate flood emergency period and the recovery phase to come.”

Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert MP, said families in affected areas should be aware that children have 52 allowable absence day from childcare this financial year.

“The number of allowable absence days was increased due to COVID-19, but they can be used for any reason including the current flood emergency,” Minister Robert said.

“Importantly, childcare services can continue to receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) while they are closed during a local emergency.

“Flood-affected families, including those whose home have been destroyed or badly damaged, may also be eligible for extra help with the cost of child care through the Additional Child Care Subsidy (temporary financial hardship). Families must apply directly to Centrelink.”

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said childcare services facing financial viability issues or closure due to the floods could also apply for a Special Circumstances grant.

“Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances Grants are available to approved services that operate in, or provide care for, disadvantaged and vulnerable communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the flood emergency and Commonwealth assistance may be extended to other local government areas.”

Ross Vasta MP welcomed the Government’s swift response and commitment of disaster assistance to affected local families.

“The Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child to support people in impacted local government areas,’ Mr Vasta said.

“The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.”

For more information on the targeted support available to child care providers, services and families in the event of a local emergency visit: www.dese.gov.au/child-care-package/ccp-resources-providers/help-emergency

The Australian Government provides a range of payments and services to individuals affected by a major disaster. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster.

Personal hardship assistance has been extended to more flood-affected individuals and families in the Brisbane, Logan and Noosa local government areas as the South East Queensland flood emergency continues.

Ross Vasta MP the Federal Member for Bonner welcomed the inclusion of the Personal Hardship Grants now available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“DRFA personal hardship assistance was in addition to a range of assistance already available in response to the floods,” said Mr Vasta.

Grants of up to $180 per person, to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more to eligible people in flood affected areas of Brisbane, Logan and Noosa to alleviate personal hardship and distress.

“The full impacts yet to be completely understood, however, we know thousands of residents in these areas have been affected.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to identify what additional assistance is required as we start the road to recovery from this major event,”

DRFA personal hardship assistance was now available in eight local government areas in South East Queensland.

The Commonwealth Government is committed to providing all the support we can and now flood-impacted residents in Brisbane, Logan and Noosa can access this assistance, which was already available in Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay and Somerset.

The City of Gold Coast and Logan City Council have also been activated for DRFA assistance for the repair and reconstruction of damaged essential public infrastructure.

For information on Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.