Category: Media Releases

Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed gets upgraded thanks to Morrison Government funding boost

Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed recently completed upgrades to their facilities thanks to funding from the Morrison Government’s Community Development Grants Program.

This Men’s Shed secured $200,000 in funding to improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities.

Men’s Shed is community-based, non-commercial organisation that is open to all men. They do wonderful work to address social isolation and boost men’s mental health by enabling them to feel safe, make friends and share in meaningful activities.

Earlier this week, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP visited the Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed to see the upgrades that had been made.

“The Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed is accessible to all men in our community, providing a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on a variety of projects from manual crafts to gardening,” Mr Vasta said.

“These projects are often donated back into our communities, whether it be model trains for childcare centres, supporting local businesses with handmade décor like table numbers for the Wynnum Leagues Club or providing carpentry support to those in need.

“I was thrilled to see the incredible upgrades to the Men’s Shed, as it will continue to aid their work in our community, with the best possible facilities and tools to do so. The Shed and its members are very deserving of this funding boost.”

The funding was able to upgrade the Wynnum-Manly and District Men’s Shed’s office facilities, shed tools and equipment including a laser cutter and dust extraction system as well as the installation of solar panels and more.

“Programs like the Community Development Grants Program are invaluable as it enables us to give back to communities and recognise those who go above and beyond to make a difference. Nurturing this is essential to fostering a supportive community, just what we have in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said it was vitally important that Shed Members felt valued and remained connected to their community during a period that was difficult for many Australians.

“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,” Minister Hunt said.

Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said there are more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds across the nation.

“Men’s Sheds play a vital role in preventing social isolation and mental ill health. They offer thousands of men of all ages a safe and friendly environment where they can work on meaningful projects while building strong social connections,” Minister Coulton said.

Including this announcement, the Morrison Government has provided $6.4 million in grant funding to support Men’s Sheds since 2013.

Men’s Sheds are an integral part of their local communities. This Government will continue to support Men’s Sheds as part of our comprehensive approach to improving the health of Australian men and boys.

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Funding to boost kindergarten attendance in Bonner

Every child in Bonner who is about to start school will benefit from $1340 as part of the Morrison Government’s $2 billion commitment to ensure every Australian child can attend kindergarten.

The Commonwealth is offering new four-year agreements to states and territories, including $352 million for Queensland school years 2022-2025.

  • The $1340 per child will need to be passed on for every child, regardless of whether they attend ‘kinder’, ‘preschool’ or a kindergarten program at a centre-based day care.
  • From 2024, states and territories will need to set and meet attendance targets agreed to by all jurisdictions.
  • The Commonwealth will work with states and territories to develop and implement a kindergarten outcomes measure.

The funding would provide greater certainty for the kindergarten sector and benefit around 62,000 children attending kindergarten in Queensland next year.

The current Universal Access National Partnership (UANP) gives children access to 15 hours of kindergarten per week (600 hours per year), but only 72 per cent of children make full use of the available hours.

Attendance rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (60 per cent) and disadvantaged children (66 per cent) are even lower.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the funding, saying the reforms would benefit all local children attending kindergarten.

“Bonner is a fantastic place to raise a family and its essential we are supporting our young families by providing access to quality kindergartens,” Mr Vasta said.

“This week I had the pleasure of visiting Lead Childcare in Tingalpa where I caught up with the centre manager Krissy who was very pleased with this announcement. It was great to hear positive feedback from someone with extensive experience in this sector as well as a passion for fostering an environment where wonderful levels of learning and care for our children takes place.

“Children who fully engage in kindergarten and early education are generally better prepared to start school, and enjoy better educational outcomes.

“The Australian Government’s partnership with Queensland has seen continuous improvements to kindergarten enrolments, but enrolments alone do not produce outcomes – participation does.”

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said it was the first time a federal government had committed to ongoing funding for kindergarten.

“This is a significant reform that will mean children in Bonner are better prepared for school, can get the most out of their early years of learning, and ultimately achieve more in the long-term,” Minister Tudge said.

“Regardless of where a child gets their kindergarten education, they will benefit from the Federal Government’s $1340.

“These reforms will boost the quality and impact of kindergarten education in Australia.

The new agreements would be linked to reforms that lift kindergarten attendance and school readiness.

The funding brings the Morrison Government’s total investment in early childhood education and care to $3.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget, including $1.7 billion to improve affordability of child care for families with multiple children aged five and under.

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Lytton locks in Australia’s fuel security

The Morrison Government is taking strong action to further boost Australia’s long-term fuel security by locking in the future of our refining sector at the Ampol refinery in Lytton.

The Government’s fuel security package will help secure Australia’s recovery from the COVID crisis and it will help secure our sovereign fuel stocks, locking in jobs and protecting families and businesses from higher fuel prices.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he welcomes this action as it builds on securing our economic resilience by keeping Lytton open.

“Having our fuel security on shore and localised to areas which can best deliver, means we are protecting 550 local jobs in Bonner, giving certainty to key industries, and bolstering our national security,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is great news, as it means we are keeping our skilled workers in a job as well as ensuring we have the sovereign capability needed to prepare for any event, protect our families and local businesses from higher prices at the bowser.

“Locking in Australia’s fuel security will deliver benefits for all Australians and keep the country moving as we secure our recovery from COVID-19.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was delivering on its commitment to maintain a self-sufficient refining capability in Australia with the Ampol refinery in Lytton being one of two refineries across the country supporting the operation.

“Major industries like agriculture, transport and mining, as well as mum and dad motorists, will have more certainty and can look forward to vehicle maintenance savings and greater choice of new vehicle models.

“This next stage in our plan for Australia’s recovery will create jobs and make our country more self-sufficient and secure.”

This package implements the Morrison Government’s commitment to the refining sector, announced as part of the 2020-21 Budget, and complements other measures including increased onshore diesel storage and taking advantage of record low prices to store oil in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

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Congratulations to the 2021 Bonner Volunteer Award winners

Just in time for National Volunteer Week, falling on the 17th to 23rd May, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has celebrated Bonner volunteers at his annual Bonner Volunteer Awards, which recognises outstanding local volunteers and volunteer groups in the Bonner electorate.

Mr Vasta held a dedicated ceremony on Wednesday 5th May to congratulate the 16 local nominees as well as announcing the overall winners and presenting them with their awards.

“At the heart of Bonner, are the individuals of all ages and groups which make up our fantastic community. Having the opportunity to recognise those who are often the unsung heroes in making a difference is a privilege.”

“These awards give thanks to the individuals and groups that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer qualities. They form part of the backbone of our community and make significant and lasting contributions.”

Category winners for the 2021 Bonner Volunteer Awards include:

SENIOR: Janette Taylor (Carina Heights)- Janette has been a member of Quota Carindale since 1995 and during this time has served as Board Member and a President.

Whenever Janette hears of anything in the local community where she believes Quota Carindale could assist, she goes above and beyond to put a solution in place.

After the devastating 2011 to 2012 floods and as part of her work with Quota Carindale, Janette visited and provided support to the small town of Condamine which had been evacuated.

For many years Janette has also been a home-stay parent for international students both at university and high school.

ADULT : Steven and Toni-Noon Heymer (Belmont)- Steven and Toni the founders of the annual Belmont Santa Studio.

For the last 11 years they have done incredible work in spreading the Christmas spirit all over Brisbane by arranging Santa photos for families with special needs.

Many of these children are unable to visit shopping centres or other public venues and this is where Steve and Toni saw a need.

Belmont Santa Studio Co-Founder Steven Heymer said, “It is nice to get an award like this, but it isn’t what we do it for. For us, our focus is on the kids, the families and being able to give back.”

“We started this because our 12-year-old daughter is on the autism spectrum and we wondered how many other families are going through what we’re going through,” said Mr Heymer.

“We have watched these families grow up over the last 11 years, coming back every year. Now some are bringing back kids of their own. It’s quite touching to see them growing up.”

YOUNG ADULT: Caitlyn Robinson (Mansfield)- Caitlyn is an amazing 19-year-old who is committed to making a difference to young women both in her community as well as the rest of the world through Girls Brigade.

Through her passion for advocacy and social justice, Caitlyn was selected to represent Girls Brigade’s Pacific Fellowship and present at the UNs Commission on the Status of Women in New York last year.

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, she was unable to attend in person. However, in March this year Caitlyn was able to present to a global audience through an online platform.

She is bringing her experience on shore by organising speaking tours with the UNs Australian Youth Representative.

Caitlyn is doing all this while studying a dual degree in Nursing and Psychology, serving in her local Girls’ Brigade Company, and running her own charity shop – Cait’s Charity Cards.

STUDENT: Anisha Verma (Mansfield)- Anisha graduated from Mansfield State High School last year where she completed an incredible 3000 minutes of volunteering.

At 17 years of age and currently also balancing University studies, her passion for volunteering is unwavering.

ENVIRONMENT: Queensland Koala Society (Carina Heights): Angela Christodoulou founded the society in 2018 as a not for profit volunteer group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Koalas and other native wildlife in the Southeast Brisbane area.

The Queensland Koala Society would like to become the first organisation in the Brisbane area that can provide all the needs for koalas, including other native wildlife that includes rescue, rehabilitation, development and release within their local environment.

GROUP/ORGANISATION: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s Boatshed Crew (Manly)- The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s Boatshed Crew are group of volunteers who work tirelessly around the club to maintain the volunteer vessels and facilities.

This dedicated group of volunteers meet twice per week to make sure the volunteer racing fleet of 14 support boats are maintained to the highest of standards.

During the racing season, these members are also seen at the Yacht Squadron on the weekend, either assisting with race management, mentoring new volunteers, or turning their hands to the next maintenance project.

They do great work in caring for one of Queensland’s oldest and most prestigious recreational sailing and cruising clubs.

“I was truly overwhelmed by the stories of every person and group who was nominated or won this year. All should be proud of this achievement and I would like to personally extend my thanks for the positive difference they’re making in our local community and inspiring others to volunteer,” Mr Vasta said.

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Morrison Government gets behind Wynnum Fringe Festival for its second year

Wynnum’s Fringe Festival is back and better than ever this year after being awarded funding as part of the Morrison Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, which supports the creative and cultural sector reactivate following disruption caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

The Festival’s success during its first year was a key driver in it securing this funding of $236,000, which will now see it’s return as an annual event.

With the Wynnum Fringe Festival being an idea born out of Wynnum based actor, singer and creative producer Tom Oliver during Covid last year, this arts experience enabled valuable community opportunities by means of creating jobs whilst also supporting the creative sector.

The Morrison Government has committed almost $15 million from the $200 million RISE Fund to deliver the creative and cultural sector the support it needs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said funding of these arts projects will mean more jobs, arts, cultural activities and events to ensure this sector can get back on its feet.

“I am very pleased Wynnum Fringe Festival will be receiving a funding boost, returning for an even bigger and more show stopping year taking place between 16 to 21 November. I recently had the privilege of congratulating Wynnum Fringe Festival Founder and Artistic Director Tom Oliver personally,” Mr Vasta said.

“The cultural sector has proven its resilience over this challenging period. This is certainly fantastic news for our Bonner community as the funding will also help sustain local businesses and tourism, hospitality and transport and will provide confidence to the sector to plan for the future.”

Wynnum Fringe Festival Founder and Artistic Director Tom Oliver said he is thrilled to see the event receive this funding, especially after experiencing the remarkable outcomes within the arts sector and local economy following last year’s event.

“I moved back to Wynnum last year after an Australian tour I was performing in was cut short. I saw how hard hit our creative industry was in Brisbane. With so much local talent thrown into unemployment, I knew I needed to play a part in rebuilding the arts sector and Wynnum Fringe was the answer,” Mr Oliver said.

“With this cash boost thanks to the Morrison Government, I couldn’t be more excited for this year’s festival in November, not only to see our much-loved local artists get back on the stage, but for the community to experience the arts in a way they haven’t before.”

The $15 million allocation of the RISE funding will support 61 arts projects across Australia- including Wynnum Fringe Festival- bolstering the cultural and creative sector that is a vital part of the economic and social life of the nation.

Small to medium organisations accounted for eighty-five per cent of successful recipients in this batch, approximately forty percent of the funding will go to organisations in the not-for-profit sector and sixty percent to the commercial sector.

For more information on how the RISE fund is supporting the arts and entertainment sector to reactivate, please click here:  https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/rise-fund

Speaking in the Federation Chamber on Wynnum Fringe Festival

 

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Tax relief for small brewers and distillers to support more jobs

Tax relief for small brewers and distillers to support more jobs

Small brewers and distillers will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the 2021-22 Budget.

Under our plan to support jobs in this growing sector, small brewers and distillers will benefit from a tripling of the excise refund cap for small brewers and distillers from $100,000 to $350,000 per year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the hospitality industry being hard hit during COVID-19, this decision will make a key difference in these businesses being able to stay open.

“The only thing better than beer brewed in Australia, is when it’s been brewed in your own neighbourhood. This tax relief will help us support Bonner’s hospitality sector by providing opportunities to invest in and expand these businesses and hire more locals,” Mr Vasta said.

“More broadly, this is great news for Australia as it leverages our global positioning as being home to world class beer, gin, whiskey and rum.”

From 1 July 2021 eligible brewers and distillers will be able to receive a full remission of any excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $350,000. Currently, eligible brewers and distillers are entitled to a refund of 60 per cent of the excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $100,000.

This will align the benefit available under the Excise Refund Scheme for brewers and distillers with the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) Producer Rebate.

Co-owner of Hudson Brewing in Wynnum, Sarah Hudson said, “Bonner is home to some fantastic breweries, and we welcome the Federal Government’s initiative.”

“We opened Hudson Brewing in December 2020, so as a new business this is fantastic news as it not only contributes to ensuring its longevity but means we can continue to play a part in supporting this growing sector of the economy,” Mrs Hudson said.

There are around 600 brewers and 400 distillers across Australia, with around two thirds operating in rural and regional areas. The announced changes will allow these brewers and distillers to keep more of what they earn, helping them to invest, grow and support around 15,000 Australians that are currently employed in the sector.

Additional support to brewers and distillers across the country will also serve as much-needed relief for those businesses severely impacted by COVID-19.

Today’s announcement builds on the Morrison Government’s track record of supporting small brewers and distillers including by enabling them to automatically receive excise duty remissions when they lodge excise returns; providing them with record investment incentives; and fast tracking the reduction in the small company tax rate to 25 per cent by 1 July 2021.

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

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Stronger safeguards against exotic pests and diseases

  • New biosecurity package strengthens Australia’s ability to keep out exotic pests and diseases, together with its preparedness, response and recovery capability in the event of an outbreak
  • Investment part of Australian Government’s ongoing commitment in support of agriculture industry’s goal of $100 billion in farmgate output by 2030

Safeguards to protect Australia’s farming communities from exotic pests and diseases are being boosted with a new $371 million investment to strengthen biosecurity.

The package complements significant reforms the Australian Government has committed to across the biosecurity system to ensure it is modern, efficient and keeps Australia safe from risks such as African swine fever, khapra beetle or foot and mouth disease.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Australia’s biosecurity system protects $53 billion in agricultural exports and 1.6 million Australian jobs across the supply chain.

“Biosecurity plays a critical role in reducing risk and shaping our nation to become one of the few countries in the world to remain free from the world’s most severe pests and diseases,” Mr Vasta said.

“It provides critical protection for our agricultural industries, expected to be worth $71.2 billion this year, and the health of our communities, environment and the national economy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said protecting our disease free status delivers access to premium global markets and generates real, significant benefits for agriculture.

“We are protecting industry as well as rural and regional communities like those in Bonner that depend on it, and ensuring agriculture continues playing a leading role in Australia’s national economic recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.

The package comes immediately after a record $888 million Australian Government investment in biosecurity and export services in 2020-21 and includes:

  • $84 million towards critical frontline resources and people to better manage the risk of pests and diseases coming to Australia, including more on the ground resources to target known and emerging threats, like African swine fever.
  • $80.9 million to build a modern, effective biosecurity system underpinned by the right technology and analytical capabilities.
  • $205.9 million to strengthen partnerships with importers, companies, producers, state and territory governments and the community to improve our ability to detect and manage threats offshore, while increasing capacity to respond to incursions. Proof of concept trials will explore options for faster, safe, clearance of low-risk goods.

Fast facts

  • Recent University of Melbourne Centre for Excellence in Biosecurity Risk Analysis modelling puts the net present value of the biosecurity system at $314 billion over 50 years.
  • This means a $30 return on investment for every dollar we spend on biosecurity over the next 50 years.
  • The national biosecurity system is a key contributor to our farming systems, the wider economy, our environment and biodiversity, our human health and the social fabric of our country.
  • Last year there were over 2.5 million container arrivals into Australia, 19,000 commercial vessel arrivals and 60 million mail items.

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World-class Olympic winter training facility opens in Bonner

The Morrison Government has welcomed the opening of a world-class Olympic winter training facility at the Sleeman Sport Complex in Chandler.

The Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre is the Souther Hemisphere’s only all-year outdoor water ski ramp-elevating the aspirations of athletes for generations to come.

The Commonwealth Government contributed $5.3 million towards construction of the $6.5 million facility, a collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was thrilled to see the opening of the centre, with Bonner becoming home to these athletes ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

“To compete on a world stage, our Australian athletes need to be at the top of their game. With this new centre, athletes now have access to the facilities they need, that previously never existed in this part of the world,” Mr Vasta said.

“The idea for this facility has been more than a decade in the making. All levels of Government have worked together to deliver on Geoff Henke’s incredible vision for this centre and ensure the ongoing support of our athletes.”

“This will well and truly be a game-changer for the future of Australian winter sport and the generations of elite athletes to come.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said “The Morrison Government is right behind the bid to bring the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to Brisbane, but right now we’re delivering a world-class facility to our Aussie Winter Olympians.”

“Australia has long enjoyed success in aerial ski disciplines, from Alisa Camplin’s historic Olympic gold medal in 2002, through to the success this year of aerial ski world champion Laura Peel and Crystal Globe winner Matt Graham, in the moguls,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility boasts varying levels of difficulty making it a fitting training venue for athletes eager to hone their skills and one day represent Australia on the world stage.

Athletes can reach speeds of more than 70km/h and launch up to 17m above the water from the top of the 37m ramp.

It allows trainees to test and perfect manoeuvres safely before transitioning to snow.

“We expect the 37m-high water jump will also become a beacon for international athletes who seek to come to Australia, hire these facilities and push our athletes to become the very best they can be,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility is named in honour of the life-long contribution Geoff Henke AO has made to Australian Winter Olympic sport.

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Universal Telehealth extended through 2021

Over the last 12 months, Telehealth services have been life changing for many in need of support, which is why as part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government is investing more than $114 million to extend Telehealth until the end of the year.

Telehealth items were rapidly implemented in March 2020 to ensure our primary care sector could continue to function and that Australians could continue to access important health services.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the Government’s commitment to Australian patients.

“Over the last 12 months, Telehealth services have been life changing for many in need of support,” Mr Vasta said.

“The extension will ensure that Australians can continue to see their GP, renew scripts and seek mental health support from the safety of their own home. This allows vulnerable Australians, such as the 14,262 pensioners in Bonner, to feel protected and supported during these unprecedented times.”

From 13 March 2020 to 21 April 2021, over 54 million COVID-19 MBS telehealth services have been delivered to 13.6 million patients, with $2.9 billion in Medicare benefits paid. More than 83,540 providers have used telehealth services.

The extension of Telehealth includes services for general practitioners, medical practitioners, specialists, consultant physicians, nurse practitioners, participating midwives, allied health providers and dental practitioners.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Telehealth has played an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic.

“We recognise that Telehealth continues to play an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic,” Minister Hunt said. “Which is why as part of the 2021-22 Budget, we are extending Telehealth services to 31 December 2021.”

“It is critical that Australians continue to look after their health and stay engaged with your primary care providers.”

The Government continues to work with peak bodies to co-design permanent post pandemic Telehealth as part of broader primary care reforms to modernise Medicare and provide flexibility of access to primary and allied healthcare services.

Media contact – Kaylah Bulow – 0402 845 576

 

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Reminder to book your flu vaccine

Vaccination against influenza (flu) remains important this year. Vulnerable Australians are being urged to get their free vaccination against seasonal influenza under the National Immunisation Program.

The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over. It is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications.

Receiving the vaccine from April allows protection from the flu to develop well ahead of peak transmission period, which usually falls around July and August.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the flu being highly contagious, all Australian’s should be vaccinated each year as circulating virus strains change.

“On average, flu cases estimate 3,500 deaths in Australia each year. With 14,262 vulnerable aged pensioners in Bonner, the best protection is to be vaccinated against it,” Mr Vasta said.

“I recently received my vaccine from Michael at Healthyworld Pharmacy in Garden City and will continue to take these necessary precautions annually.”

“Although it doesn’t protect from Covid-19, every one of us has a responsibility to help slow its spread as well as stopping the spread of influenza by practicing good hygiene, social distancing, understanding when to self-isolate and following the Government’s directions on guidelines in public places and workplaces.”

The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to those most at risk, including:

  • Pregnant women
  • All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People aged six months and older
  • People aged 65 years and older
  • People aged six months and older with certain medical risk factors and;
  • All children aged between six months and five years.

More information on the flu is available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/influenza-flu-immunisation-service

The latest official coronavirus news, updates and advice from the Australian Government is available at: https://www.australia.gov.au/

Media contact – Kaylah Bulow – 0402 845 576

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