Category: Media Releases

Improving Health and Wellbeing Connections for Australian Men

This Men’s Health Week, we’re encouraging men to better connect with their health and wellbeing, by raising awareness of the preventable health problems facing Australian men and asking them ‘who’s on your team?’

As part of this year’s theme ‘Connecting for Men’s Health’, Healthy Male, a national men’s health information organisation, is reminding men that staying connected with their team and seeking help early is vital for supporting and maintaining good health and wellbeing.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said your team can include friends, family, work colleagues, community groups and health professionals, and this connection is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As part of year’s Men’s Health Week, we are reminding men to prioritise their physical, emotional and social health by staying connected and knowing it is okay to ask for help,” Mr Vasta said.

“With men being less likely to seek medical advice, the importance of staying connected also spans health services and online health information sources.”

“When I think about environments where I have seen men in my electorate of Bonner connect in friendly, open, and supportive environment’s, I always think of our local Men’s Sheds.”

“Men’s Sheds are often at the heart of boosting men’s mental health in our local communities. Open to all men they play vital roles in preventing social isolation by providing a safe, friendly, and welcoming space where men can work on projects that also contribute to the local community.”

“We have more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds around Australia, which the Morrison Government supports with $1 million worth of grants each year through the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP).”

“I am incredibly pleased to announce we will be opening round 22 of the NSDP on Tuesday, 15 June. I encourage our Men’s Sheds to apply for funding to best support their meaningful work.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said one of the health issues exclusive to men is prostate cancer, which is currently the fourth most common cause of cancer death in Australian men.

“This is an ongoing focus for our Government, and I am pleased to announce that fifteen new prostate care nurses will be will be employed in health services or cancer centres across Australia in 2021-22, as part of Prostate Cancer Nurses Program,” Minister Hunt said.

“The $23 million Program, which we announced in the 2019-2020 Budget, was established to support existing prostate cancer nurses and fund positions in more than 40 new locations.”

“There will now be a total of 72 (54.5 fulltime equivalent) Commonwealth-funded PCNs across Australia, to provide vital care and information to men and their families affected by prostate cancer.”

Connection is particularly critical in supporting men’s mental health and reducing the risk of suicide.

Mental health and suicide prevention is a key priority of the Government, with the 2021-22 Budget including a record $2.3 billion investment into mental health and suicide prevention services.

We encourage all Australian men, young and old, to participate in Men’s Health Week, which runs from 14 to 20 June.

We thank the organisations comprising the Men’s Health Initiative for their ongoing work in promoting men’s health and wellbeing, and for leading events and activities across Men’s Health Week.

Applications for the next round of Men’s Sheds grants will be open until 26 July 2021.

Those wanting to submit an application can visit https://mensshed.org/development-grants.

Read More

Mt Gravatt State School awarded funding for a new school garden

Mt Gravatt State School has been awarded $8,058 as part of the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities program, constructing a brand-new greenhouse for students.

What was once the school’s unused cricket nets, Mt Gravatt State School saw a greater need for the nets to be converted into a Shade House.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP recently visited Mt Gravatt State School to congratulate them on this funding and see what it has enabled for students in terms of learning practical habits to better take care of our environment.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program, we have delivered an incredible $8,058 to Mt Gravatt State School to aid their valuable work in educating students on gardening and how to leave a green mark on our environment,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Shade House is the newest addition to Mt Gravatt State School’s student gardens, who also have a Bush Tucker Garden and a Gardening Club. These are well loved by students and it is fantastic to be contributing to these activities focused on sustainability, with learnings that will last a lifetime.”

Mt Gravatt State School Principal Jenny Watson said, “We’ve been able to convert the old cricket nets into a wonderful shade house where the kids can get really involved in gardening. Through the help of our grounds person we’ve been able to get the kids involved planting, which has really helped our school community.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supported projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

“This investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Program is about invigorating organisations just like Mt Gravatt State School and ensuring their continued success,” Mr Vasta said.

Read More

The first ever Junior Bonner Youth Advisory Council kicks off!

This week, the Junior Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC) met for the first time with Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP and GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant to have their say on issues important to them.

Launched in 2020, the BYAC has now extended to junior students, inviting Bonner schools to select students between years 5 to 6 to take part in the program which provides young people with the opportunity to meet with Mr Vasta and other community leaders.

The meeting saw 10 years 5 and 6 students from Moreton Bay College, Gumdale State School, Manly West State School and Redeemer Lutheran College join a Zoom call with Mr Vasta and Mrs Tennant to find out more about how the not for profit charity GIVIT is making a difference to those in need by encouraging donated goods, disaster relief assistance, giving to charity and more.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was fantastic to welcome junior students to the BYAC and bring natural born leaders from various schools across Bonner together.

“The Junior BYAC is an incredible initiative where students can learn about the issues important to them and understand the role the government plays in our local community. It is essential we are extending these learnings to our junior students and that’s why I have started the Junior BYAC,” Mr Vasta said.

“Students were very engaged with the story behind GIVIT and the work of this not for profit, with many asking questions around how it started, what charities it supports and how they can even start donating themselves.

“Sarah’s does special work with GIVIT. She has an incredible passion for making a positive difference and helping Australian’s give the way that best suits them, no matter how big or small. Sarah is also an East Brisbane local!

“I am very proud of the students who took part in the meeting. The Junior BYAC is an initiative that not only enables me to teach young people about the role government’s play in our local community but provide them with an opportunity to have a voice and influence change.”

GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant said, “I was honoured to be a part of the first meeting with the Junior BYAC.

“It was so heart-warming to hear how the students saw a need to help those in vulnerable situations. A few of them even shared how they would like to make a difference by donating some of their old books or clothes,” Mrs Tennant said.

“It’s very special to see this level of compassion in the next generation of leaders and I congratulate these students on being great examples.”

“Junior BYAC participants can be chosen by their school or they can self-nominate for the chance to be the youth voice of their peers,” Mr Vasta said.

“If you would like to be part of the 2021 Junior BYAC, you can be nominated through your local school or contact my office.”

About GIVIT 

GIVIT is the smart way to give. Through GIVIT.org.au, we channel generosity where it is needed to support vulnerable people and communities in Australia. Working with more than 4,000 support organisations, we ensure people get what they need when they need it most – whether recovering from an emergency event, or experiencing hardship due to circumstances such as drought, domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability, and mental health. GIVIT captures all offers of goods and services online, removing the need for charities and services to sort, store and dispose of unrequested donations, saving valuable resources. 100% of donated money received by GIVIT to support people in need are used to purchase essential items and services. We buy locally, wherever possible, to support local businesses and the economic recovery of affected communities.

 

Read More

Ocean Crusaders awarded funding to help clean our oceans

Ocean Crusaders has been awarded $20,000 in funding for the installation of an automatic bottle cap washing machine.

Based in Hemmant, this charity organisation specialises in waterway cleaning on a large scale, with its Caps Crusade initiative helping to ensure plastic caps don’t end up in the environment but can be recycled into new products.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP recently visited Ocean Crusaders headquarters to congratulate the team and its volunteers on this funding, which is essential to driving change and clean our waterways.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program, we have delivered an incredible $20,000 to assist the work of Ocean Crusaders, including its team of volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring our oceans, waterways and beaches are clean and safe for all animals,” Mr Vasta said.

“Bonner is home to beautiful waterways, tidal creeks and even islands. We are fortunate to have these gems right in our backyard, which means we all must play a part in protecting them and keeping them clean today and into the future.”

Ocean Crusaders Director Annika Thomson was thrilled by what the funding will mean for the organisation, driving their mission to change Australia’s thinking of plastic and its ‘throw-away society’ mentality.

“Across South East Queensland, there are 2.5 million caps per day being produced, ending up nowhere but in landfill. This is premium plastic,” said Mrs Thomson.

“With this funding we can develop a system to clean them and make it easier for our volunteers to get clean plastic back on the market.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supported projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

“This investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Program is about invigorating these organisations and ensuring their continued success,” Mr Vasta said.

 

Read More

Bonner Winter Appeal 2021- Sharing the love with locals doing it tough

It’s the first day of winter and as the temperatures continue to drop and night-time comes even earlier, we must remember that some of us don’t have the luxury of warm clothing or heaters during the colder months.

Up until Friday 9th of July, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is encouraging locals to spare a thought for those doing it tough this winter by donating goods such as clothing, blankets, and non-perishable food items.

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

“Winter is an extremely hard time for some of our locals. This year’s Bonner Winter Appeal is a chance for us to donate the simple food and clothing items most of us take for granted.”

“I would love for you to be a part of this year’s appeal. The various not for profit groups where the goods will be donated do great work in our local community by providing a helping hand to those who need it most.”

“Having the opportunity to help out is a privilege and the difference these goods will make to someone this winter is priceless. I have already had a number of people contact my office asking when they can start donating!”

Mr Vasta said clothing and blankets don’t have to be brand new, as long as they’re clean and in good condition.

Donations can be dropped into the below locations any weekday between now and Friday 9th July between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

  • Ross Vasta MP at 69 Clara Street Wynnum
  • Councillor Steven Huang at MacGregor Ward Office 2072 Logan Road Upper Mt Gravatt
  • Councillor Ryan Murphy at Chandler Ward Office Shop 8 Millennium Centre, 14 Millennium Boulevard Carindale

Read More

Safer Communities Fund Round 6-NOW OPEN

The Morrison Government is providing up to $20 million in funding for early intervention projects and up to $10 million for security infrastructure through round six of the Safer Communities Fund.

The early intervention grant opportunity is now open (closing 22 July 2021) and the security infrastructure grant opportunity opens on 15 June 2021 (closing 5 August 2021).

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding will help ensure people in our local community feel safe as they go about their daily lives.

“We’ll continue to work closely with local councils and local community organisations to identify infrastructure projects that can be supported through this funding,” Mr Vasta said.

“The early intervention funding stream will provide support for at risk young people to help them turn away from crime and build positive relationships and skills.”

Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood said this announcement is delivering on the Morrison Government’s commitment to deliver safer communities through crime prevention initiatives.

“Local communities can feel safer from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour following these initiatives,” Assistant Minister Wood said.

“The early intervention funding stream will help assist young people at high risk from engaging in criminal or anti-social behaviour build resilience, cultural connections and job readiness skills.

“The infrastructure funding will not only improve security and protect communities through projects such as CCTV, fencing and bollards, it will also keep local people employed, boosting local economies.”

The Safer Communities Fund is a long-standing program that has invested more than $215 million since 2016 and provided over 600 grants directly to local communities.

Grant opportunity guidelines for the early intervention and infrastructure funding streams will be available on the opening dates at www.business.gov.au. Guidelines will include information about how to apply, eligibility and assessment criteria.

The Morrison Government announced $35 million (including program administration costs) from 2020-21 to 2023-24 to fund round six of the Safer Communities Fund in Budget 2020-21.

Read More

Buying Australian Made supports Bonner home-grown businesses and jobs

Bonner locals are being encouraged to buy local to support Australian manufacturers and grow local jobs this Australian Made week, falling between 24th to 30th May.

The Morrison Government recognises the job-creating power of Australian manufacturers and has invested $1.5 billion in the Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the inaugural Australian Made Week, is an opportunity to embrace the incredible quality of locally-made products.

“Bonner is home to some amazing businesses, proudly showcasing Australian Made products,” said Mr Vasta.

Some of these businesses include:

·         MYLE- Make Your Life Easier (Carindale): Premium home organisation products.

·         A&S August Pty Ltd (Upper Mt Gravatt): Top quality beauty, skincare and cosmetics.

·         Oz Backdrops & Props (Wynnum): Leader in printed and digital backdrops, props, printing and studio solutions.

“Another business championing Australian Made is Couplemate Trailer Parts in Wynnum who specialise in design, manufacture and distribution of caravan and general-purpose trailer towing parts.

“I had the pleasure of catching up with Managing Director Steven Wotherspoon and the Couplemate team this week to find out more about their work re-investing in Australian production.

“Their investment in Australian production is benefitting local jobs. In great news, over the past year the Couplemate team has expanded by hiring four new highly educated graduates.

“Our Government is backing local manufacturers, just like Couplemate, to scale-up and grow. As we recover from COVID-19, buying Australian Made is the best thing we can do to keep Aussies in jobs.

“Next time you’re at the shops, I strongly encourage members of our community to search for the green and gold Australian Made logo. Not only will you be directly supporting that business, but also the broader supply chain.”

Couplemate Managing Director Steven Wotherspoon said, “Continuing to diversify the range of Australian-made products we manufacture offers extended product development opportunities while also supporting local jobs and the Australian economy.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said, “The Government recognises the importance of the instantly recognised Australian Made logo, with a $5 million grant given last year to extend its international reach.”

For more information about Australian Made Week and where you can buy Australian made products, visit https://www.australianmade.com.au/

Read More

Record investment in Bonner schools

Students in Bonner will benefit from the Morrison Government’s record $5.4 billion funding for schools in Queensland next year, up from $5.1 billion in 2021.

Funding for Queensland schools has almost doubled since the Morrison Government came to office, and is locked in to grow a further 38 per cent between now and 2029.

Government schools in Queensland will see the biggest increase, from $1.7 billion in 2018 to $2.9 billion in 2029.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Government’s record investment in Queensland schools was an investment in their future.

“We’re giving kids in Bonner the best possible chance to get the best education and reach their full potential,” Mr Vasta said.

“We have many highly regarded schools in Bonner, filled with hard-working dedicated teachers and the Government is backing them, so they can focus on giving their students the best education.

“Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Citipointe Christian College in Carindale, who will benefit from this funding.  This school is reknowned for its facilities, passionate teachers and vibrant school community.

“It was fantastic to catch up with college Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran to hear of the opportunities that are being presented to students to aid their development and how this funding will assist.”

Citipointe Christian College Principal Pastor Brian Mulheran said, “As a member of Associated Christian Schools, the College welcomes the Government’s funding to strengthen education.”

“The funding by the Government continues to support the democratic nature of our society to grant parental choice for educating their children,” Pastor Mulheran said.

“Increased funding is required by schools as needs increase. Needs such as student well-being which is vital to improve educational outcomes.”

Minister for Education and Youth Hon Alan Tudge MP said, “Locking in record funding means states, territories and schools can now focus on lifting standards.”

The National Curriculum is also under review, with the independent body ACARA currently seeking public feedback on draft proposed changes.

 

Read More

National Reconciliation Week – More than a word

National Reconciliation Week is a time where we acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and re-commit ourselves to progress reconciliation.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said that reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

This year, 2021, marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of the Australian formal reconciliation process.

“The week commences 27 May marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and concludes with the anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision on 3 June – both significant milestones in our nation’s history,” Mr Vasta said.

“This year’s theme, More than a word, Reconciliation takes action, calls on all Australians to think about the meaningful ways to affect change.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said that for reconciliation to be effective, it must actively address issues of inequality, racism and instances where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced.

“Our goal in reconciliation is a nation where all children have the same life chances and choices, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.”

“Through our actions, we can build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Australian community.”

The Morrison Government continues its commitment to reconciliation by reforming the way we work with Indigenous Australians – in partnership – to achieve better outcomes.

”I encourage all residents in Bonner to get involved in National Reconciliation Week and share your events and messages using the hashtags #MoreThanAWord and #NRW2021.”, Mr Vasta said.

For posters and other resources to help you host events and mark the occasion, visit https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/

Read More

Supporting Bonner Small and Family Businesses to help drive our economic recovery

To secure Australia’s recovery, the Morrison Government will continue to support tens of thousands of Bonner’s small and family businesses—the backbone of our community.

As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government will back small businesses by continuing tax incentives which will allow around 20,400 businesses in Bonner to write off the full value of eligible asset they purchase.

Additionally, around 8,200 businesses in Bonner will be able to use the extended loss carry back measure to support cashflow confidence. This has helped businesses invest more in the local economy and create local jobs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said supporting local small and family businesses will help to stimulate more economic activity and create more jobs.

“Bonner is home to incredible small and family owned businesses. Backing these businesses, means we are making sure they are able to thrive and keep Australian’s in jobs, which is more important than ever,” said Mr Vasta.

“The support delivered by the Morrison Government is impacting businesses like Chocolate Elements which has just opened in Wynnum. Last week I had the pleasure of dropping in on store owners Phil and Dawn, a couple who have put their heart and soul into starting this delicious business.

“Being a new business, Phil and Dawn are really pleased with the support our Morrison Government is delivering, making sure not only their business, but all existing and future small businesses can feel supported as we recover from COVID-19.”

In more good news, around 1,000 small brewers and distillers across the country will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the Budget, including Wynnum’s Hudson Brewery.

The Morrison Government is committed to assisting local businesses to grow, create jobs and support Australia’s economic recovery.

Read More