Federal funding delivered to train Lovewell Foundation Volunteers

Federal funding delivered to train Lovewell Foundation Volunteers

The Lovewell Foundation has been awarded a Federal Government Volunteers Grant by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP, which will allow the foundation to help upskill and train volunteers.

Mr Vasta visited the Lovewell Cafe, at the top of Mt Gravatt Lookout, to talk with volunteers and see how the funding will be used.

“I am proud to work with the Lovewell Foundation and provide funding to help support women from vulnerable backgrounds so they can train and gain new skills,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Lovewell Cafe is an empowering social enterprise that supports women from vulnerable backgrounds to help rebuild their lives in a safe and welcoming environment.

“The training these women receive from Lovewell helps increase their self-esteem, as they have an avenue to gain independence and financial stability through training and employment.”

Executive Director of Lovewell Foundation Annie Stonehouse said the support Mr Vasta had given to the organisation was invaluable and had helped over 80 women from vulnerable backgrounds.

“Everyone at the Lovewell Foundation is grateful for Ross’ support and the funding delivered by Ross has gone directly to recruiting and training our volunteers,” Ms Stonehouse said.

“A woman escaping a vulnerable situation like domestic violence, often lacks the support, skills, confidence and self-esteem to work towards rebuilding their life, as they have been in a survival frame of mind for many years.

“That is why training our volunteers and mentors is so important, it helps empower our women to find the self-belief they need to rebuild their lives and gain independence and move toward training or employment.

“With support from staff, volunteers and mentors, our women find themselves and their new purpose, and this leads to a decrease in mental health issues and increases their quality of life and gives them self-confidence.”

Mr Vasta has been working closely with the Hope Lovewell Foundation for many years. Mr Vasta delivered funding for infrastructure upgrades at the Lovewell Cafe and will continue to support the foundation to achieve their goals.

If you would like to volunteer or mentor with Lovewell Foundation, please email hello@lovewellfoundation.org.au

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Sporting Schools expansion helps chart a path to future success in Bonner

Thousands of school students across Bonner will benefit from the expansion of the Morrison Government’s popular Sporting Schools program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said extending and expanding the program reinforced the Morrison Government’s commitment to ensure children and teenagers across Bonner continued to pursue healthy and active lifestyles.

The Morrison Government is investing $79.6 million to extend the Sporting Schools program for an additional two calendar years to the end of 2024, with a further $20.2 million to be provided to expand the program to students in Years 9 and 10.

“The Sporting Schools program isn’t just an investment to keep kids across Bonner active,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is also a program which creates a tangible pathway for those students who want to make their sporting dreams a reality.

“Extending Sporting Schools across Bonner is also particularly important to support children and their families to reconnect with sport in a safe and healthy way as schools and community sport bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic.”

Established by the Coalition Government in 2015, Sporting Schools partners with 35 National Sporting Organisations to provide free sport-based activities to students of all abilities, to help schools increase children’s’ participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities.

More than 8000 schools have received funding through the program which has reached more than 2.2 million students annually.

Currently, the program caters for primary schools students and students in secondary schools up to Year 8.

Expanding the program to include Years 9 and 10 will address the significant decline in sport participation, physical activity and social connectivity in secondary students aged 12-16, particularly amongst girls.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said expanding Sporting Schools to students in Years 9 and 10 increases the reach of the program to 1800 secondary schools and an additional 700,000 students, expanding the reach of Sporting Schools to 2.9 million students every year.

“It marks a huge step forward as we continue to support the individual health and wellbeing of students at all levels,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Importantly, the expansion will help focus on talent identification among a cohort of children who could be our athletes of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

“After the successful performances of our athletes in Tokyo, there has never been a better time for our young sports stars to chart a path to their own success.”

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Federal funding delivered to train Lovewell Foundation Volunteers

The Lovewell Foundation has been awarded a Federal Government Volunteers Grant by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP, which will allow the foundation to help upskill and train volunteers.

Mr Vasta visited the Lovewell Cafe, at the top of Mt Gravatt Lookout, to talk with volunteers and see how the funding will be used.

“I am proud to work with the Lovewell Foundation and provide funding to help support women from vulnerable backgrounds so they can train and gain new skills,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Lovewell Cafe is an empowering social enterprise that supports women from vulnerable backgrounds to help rebuild their lives in a safe and welcoming environment.

“The training that these women receive from Lovewell helps increase their self-esteem, as they have an avenue to gain independence and financial stability through training and employment.”

Executive Director of Lovewell Foundation Annie Stonehouse said the support Mr Vasta has given to the organisation has been invaluable and has helped over 80 women from vulnerable backgrounds.

“Everyone at the Lovewell Foundation is grateful for Ross’s support and the funding delivered by Ross has gone directly to recruiting and training our volunteers,” Ms Stonehouse said.

“A woman escaping a vulnerable situation like domestic violence, often lacks the support, skills, confidence and self-esteem to work towards rebuilding their life, as they have been in a survival frame of mind for many years.

“That is why training our volunteers and mentors is so important, it helps empower our women to find the self-belief they need to rebuild their lives and gain independence and move toward training or employment.

“With support from staff, volunteers and mentors, our women find themselves and their new purpose, and this leads to a decrease in mental health issues and increases their quality of life and gives them self-confidence.”

Mr Vasta has been working closely with the Hope Lovewell Foundation for many years. Mr Vasta delivered funding for infrastructure upgrades at the Lovewell Café, and will continue to support the foundation to achieve their goals.

If you would like to volunteer or mentor with Lovewell Foundation, please email hello@lovewellfoundation.org.au

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More support for new and aspiring parents in Bonner

A re-elected Morrison Government will invest $53 million to make it easier for more Australians in Bonner to become parents and to support the mental health of new parents.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP said this commitment from the Liberals would provide additional support and services for aspiring and new parents.

From 1 November 2022, the Morrison Government will subsidise the costs of storage of eggs, sperm or embryos for Australians who have cancer or are at risk of passing on genetic diseases.

This will include:

  • $9.9 million to support Australians with cancer to preserve their future fertility by paying the costs of storage. This will assist an average of 4,200 Australians per year, saving them approximately $600 per year
  • $4.5 million to support Australians who have been identified as being at high risk of passing on genetic diseases or conditions to their children. This will assist an average of 2,000 Australians per year, saving them approximately $600 per year.

“One in six Australian couples face difficulty trying to start a family and it can be even more difficult for those suffering from cancer or at high risk of passing on genetic diseases or conditions to their children,” Mr Vasta said.

“The subsidy will provide that much needed support and provide more options for those thinking about starting a family or expanding their family, including in Bonner.”

New Mums and Dads will also have easier access to important information and government services as we streamline the process for enrolling new babies with Medicare and Centrelink.

As part of this package, a re-elected Morrison Government will also provide $25 million to fund 20 new Gidget Foundation Australia perinatal mental health and wellbeing services across the country, to make sure new parents have access to the mental health support they need.

“Gidget has a long track record of supporting thousands of women and families each year and these additional locations will mean trusted support is available to more Australians, right across the country,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Morrison Government has guaranteed Medicare and is providing record funding for hospitals, new medicines and treatments.

“By having a strong economy, we to make investments like this and continue to provide the services Australians rely on.”

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$200,000 to build Bonner’s first Koala Kindy

A re-elected Morrison Government will deliver $200,000 to the Queensland Koala Society at Chandler to develop a pre-release koala enclosure or ‘Koala Kindy.’

LNP Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Queensland Koala Society had quickly established itself in the region to help injured wildlife and provide them a safe space to recover.

“Their rehabilitation centre has already created custom enclosures for special-needs koalas, echidnas, bandicoots, gliders and birds,” Mr Vasta said.

“Since starting the centre, Queensland Koala Society founder Angela Christodoulou’s dream had been to develop a koala kindy to help prepare young, rehabilitated koalas to return to the wild and adapt them in a safe environment.

“I am so very excited we will be able to support Angela’s dream and help our furry friends with this project.”

Queensland Koala Society President Angela Christodoulou said the pre-release koala enclosure would not only help with rehabilitation projects but also help with boosting koala population numbers through increased releases after rehabilitation.

“A koala kindy will be amazing. We’ll make this funding work to deliver a facility that will help prepare our rehabilitated koalas to be released back into the wild,” Mrs Christodoulou said.

“This will allow us to help between five and eight koalas at a time.”

Mrs Christodoulou said she was in shock after receiving the news and was grateful that Ross had fought so hard to secure the $200,000 funding for the Koala Kindy.

“In 2019 we started here, and a koala kindy has always been a big part of our plans,” Mrs Christodoulou said.

“Ross is just amazing. He said he was fighting for us and it’s not just words, he delivered, and I am in disbelief over the exciting news.

“It just changes everything here. We have big plans for our site in the future with an education centre and this project and funding is the start of what will all flow on from there.”

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Morrison Government improves mobile connectivity in Bonner

The Morrison Government is improving connectivity for Australians living on the urban fringes of our major cities, today announcing $28.2 million for 66 successful projects to improve mobile coverage, competition, and address blackspots, including three projects in Bonner.

The investments complement the Coalition’s highly successful Mobile Black Spot Program, which is improving mobile coverage and competition across regional and remote Australia by building more than 1200 mobile base stations in regional and remote areas, with over 1000 already built.

The Minister for Communications, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said the Morrison Government was committed to improving mobile connectivity for people living in outer urban areas as part of its plan for a strong economy and a stronger future for Australia.

“Improving coverage on the urban fringe will help communities access vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed and stay in touch with loved ones,” Minister Fletcher said.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was very pleased to announce the Morrison Government would build new mobile sites to improve mobile coverage for people ion Mackenzie and Belmont.

“After advocating on behalf of residents and businesses in the community, I am so pleased we are able to deliver better mobile coverage across Mackenzie and Belmont,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s not just about being able to make or receive a call, but in times of an emergency, and those who learn or work from home, they deserve quality coverage to go about their daily lives.”

The new mobile sites in Bonner are:

  • An Optus site in Mackenzie North;
  • A TPG site in Mackenzie North; and
  • An Optus site in Old Cleveland and Gateway.

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$3.89 million to support sport at Mansfield SHS

A re-elected Morrison Government will deliver $3.89 million for the multi-purpose sports facility at Mansfield State High School.

Announcing the funding commitment during the school’s P&C candidates forum, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was very pleased to secure the funding to support the growing state high school.

“The Mansfield State High School P&C have been very committed to making this project happen and I am so pleased to secure the funding to support this project with $3.89 million,” Mr Vasta said.

“Mansfield State High School is not only Queensland’s second largest secondary school, but also one of the state’s highest performing schools.

“I am proud to be part of a government that is not only delivering record funding for government schools, which has nearly doubled since we came into government from $13 billion in 2013, to $25.3 billion in 2022, but also supporting our P&C’s which support the enhancement of school facilities.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the commitment would ensure greater sporting opportunities for the school community.

“The multi-purpose facility at Mansfield State High School will help set students on a path to achieving their sporting dreams. This has never been more important as Queenslanders and young local athletes in particular look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Colbeck said.

“We also know how sport and good local facilities can bring people together. This commitment from the Morrison Government will ensure a strong sporting future for Mansfield.”

Mansfield State High School principal Karen Tanks said the announcement of a $3.89 million federal government investment into Mansfield State High School was great outcome for students and the community.

“This investment will go directly into expanding our multi-purpose sport centre, which will be used by school students and community groups alike,” Mrs Tanks said.

“Mansfield State High School has 3340 students and is one of the largest secondary schools in Australia.

“In conjunction with Mansfield State School, we form one of the largest state educational precincts in the country.”

Mansfield SHS P&C president Phil Reeves said the multipurpose sports facility not only benefited the school and students, but the wider Mansfield community.

“We are really appreciative that Ross came and met with the P&C and listen to our representation and now he has been able to get an election commitment for Stage 2,” Mr Reeves said.

“This Stage 2 project will increase the facility from 2 more full size indoor courts which would allow for centre to have a total of 8 volleyball courts or 4 basketball/netball/futsal courts.

“Stage 2 will be a big bonus for the school and its students, a boom for local sports and their players, and a bonanza for the health and educational outcomes for the community.”

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Stage 2 Lindum Crossing upgrades underway

With stage one safety upgrades completed to the Lindum level crossing, work has begun on Stage two upgrades to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and commuters.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said since securing the $85 million Federal Funding for this project in 2019, he had been working with the state and local council to move forward with vital safety improvements.

“I’ve been fighting for this upgrade since 2017 when over 7000 locals in Bonner signed my petition to fix Lindum crossing,” Mr Vasta said.

“Sadly, we have lost too many lives at this dangerous level crossing, and while stage one safety improvements are completed thanks to $1 million from our $85 million, I am very pleased work on stage two is now underway.”

Mr Vasta said the immediate safety upgrade to Lindum crossing included the installation of new and extended median islands, as well as new on-road line markings and resurfacing.

“The second stage utilises $10 million of our government’s $85 million commitment and involves realigning and signalising the intersection at the level crossing,” Mr Vasta said.

“I will continue to work with all levels of government and deliver on my commitment to the people of Bonner to fix Lindum crossing and provide an upgrade that safely caters for commuters, school children, business, bike riders and pedestrians.”

More information on stage one and two Lindum safety upgrade works is available here.

In addition to the Federal Government’s commitment, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government have each committed $5 million to stage two of the project.

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$6 million investment to upgrade the ‘famous Muzz’ to an international cycle park

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP has delivered $6 million in Federal Government funding to upgrade the Murarrie Recreational Reserve to an International Cycle Park.

The Murarrie Recreational Reserve is known as a premier location for cycling in Brisbane. With the proposed upgrades, it will provide world-class facilities for cycling enthusiasts and families to enjoy, Mr Vasta said.

“Working with Councillor Lisa Atwood and Brisbane City Council, I am proud to have delivered $6 million to upgrade the Murarrie Recreational Reserve to an international cycling and wheel precinct,” Mr Vasta said.

“This upgrade will allow cycling enthusiasts, families, and the local community to enjoy world-class facilities that will provide a range of quality recreation opportunities.

“The Morrison Government is committed to investing into local sports and community infrastructure and it is only through having a strong economy where these investments are made possible.

Councillor Lisa Atwood said this federal government investment is providing exciting opportunities for locals, especially leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games.

“The Murarrie Recreation Reserve has been loved by the community since it was a Commonwealth Games venue way back in 1982. The investment by the Morrison Government will turn the Muzz into Brisbane’s only international cycling precinct,” Councillor Atwood said.

“It’s through Ross’s energy and advocacy for our area that we are able to deliver great infrastructure upgrades for cyclists and our community.

“Once complete, the Murarrie Recreation Reserve will have various facilities for cycling including a learn to ride course for our littlies, a BMX pump track and an upgraded cycling circuit. The variety of cycling experiences will provide opportunities for our next generation of Olympians ready for the 2032 Games here in Brisbane”.


To read more about the plans for the Murarrie Recreation Reserve International Cycle Park, click here. 

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$600,000 to deliver female change rooms for AC Carina Football Club

A re-elected Morrison Government will deliver a $600,000 investment to AC Carina Football Club to install women’s change rooms, new lighting and an upgrade to its grandstand.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the club’s women’s program had grown stronger each year and a women’s changeroom had been on the agenda for a while.

“AC Carina featured in two grand finals in the Brisbane Women’s Premier League in 2021 and have also teamed up with an Indigenous Women’s team Jiinda Magic, who will also be using their facilities,” Mr Vasta said.

“I am so pleased to have secured this funding to deliver a women’s change room which will be well utilised as the club continues to grow.”

Mr Vasta said the funding would also support the installation of new lighting and upgrades to the grandstand.

“The club is committed to providing better facilities for our community members and I share their vision to grow and provide new and improved facilities for Bonner’s football fans to enjoy,” Mr Vasta said.

AC Carina FC President Nick Certoma said the new field lighting would help secure extra field space, not just for training, but to also host more games.

“We have had a huge increase in female footballers over the past few years and we would love to build on that into the future,” Mr Certoma said.

“Ross’ commitment to our club will ensure we progress with the needs and wants of our members and local community at the forefront of these plans.

“The lighting upgrade will allow us to replace all current lights with LED fittings which will provide a safer and brighter facility for both training and games.

“The facilities upgrade will allow us to create comfortable and modern spaces for our growing club, especially that of our women’s program.”

Mr Certoma said the club’s women’s program had seen huge changes over the past few seasons with a significant increase in senior women’s teams and the introduction of a framework that will see the support of increased junior female participation.

“With the landscape of football evolving, the surrounding house and golf course developments and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022, this is the perfect time to look forward to the future of AC Carina Football Club.

“We are so pleased and thankful that Ross has supported our plans with a $600,000 commitment.”

Only the Morrison Government will continue to deliver a better future for Bonner as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.

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