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.”

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.

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. 

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.

For the first time in two years, communities across Australia and overseas will be able to come together to commemorate ANZAC Day.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said whilst the past two years had been difficult for the veteran community on days of commemoration, the way Australian’s had embraced alternative ways to pay their respects showed the ANZAC spirit remained.

“From social distancing alongside their neighbours and lighting a candle at dawn, to local musicians playing The Last Post for their neighbours, the ANZAC spirit that shone through generations on from the first ANZACs was a humbling reminder that we will never forget,” Mr Vasta said.

“ANZAC Day has been one of the most important dates on Australia’s calendar since 1916, and I look forward to catching up with Bonner’s veteran community to commemorate this important day.”

ANZAC Day services in Bonner will be hosted at:

Bayside National Servicemen’s Association

6.10am Sunrise service, Darling Point, Manly

Manly-Lota RSL

4.15am Dawn Service, Richard Russell Park, Manly

5am Gunfire Breakfast, Manly-Lota RSL

8am Parade March-Off, Ernest St, Manly

8.15am After Parade Service, Richard Russell Park, Manly

Wynnum RSL

5am Dawn Service, Wynnum RSL Club carpark

9am March begins cnr of Bay Tce and Clara St, Wynnum

9.30am Wreath laying, Wynnum RSL

Holland Park/Mt Gravatt RSL

6.50am March commences from Cnr Logan Rd and Barter Ave, Holland Park to Memorial Hall – 58 Arnold St.

7.15am Service commences

Queensland Rifle Association, Belmont Shooting Complex

10.15am March to War Memorial from QRA administration building

10.30am Service, Armistice Centenary War Memorial

St John’s Wishart

9am – Laying of wreaths

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has delivered a $927,221 grant to support at-risk youth through a new community youth space for early intervention programs at the Bayside Adolescent Boarding Inc (BABI).

Mr Vasta said the grant was delivered through the Morrison Government’s Safer Communities Program which aimed at supporting projects to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

“BABI is one of Wynnum’s leading youth and family service providers and have provided support to young people at risk of homelessness since the 1980s,” Mr Vasta said.

“I was so pleased to visit BABI to share this fantastic news and see how this grant will help them deliver a proactive solution for crime prevention and youth support in Bonner.

“This $927,221 grant will help BABI expand their services and provide much needed support for up to 80 at risk youth on a weekly basis.

“We want to see young Australians at risk of homelessness, have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and given the chance to have a bright future.”

General Manager for BABI, Emina Ajanovic said the funding would go directly towards changing the lives of at risk-youth and help prevent them falling into a cycle of crime.

“This $927,221 from the Federal Government will go directly into a youth space to provide opportunities and resources for young people to participate in active, healthy lifestyles which will allow them to contribute to building a stronger community,” Ms Ajanovic said.

“We are so thankful for Ross’s support and advocacy on behalf of BABI to receive this Federal funding.”

BABI provides options to homeless youths, programs to increase engagement in training and employment, access to mental health services, as well as referrals for other health and specialised needs.

Participants are sourced through referrals from the Police, Youth Justice workers, local schools and services as well as concerned families.

The Safer Communities Fund targets organisations which demonstrated experience in providing early intervention actives to youth at high risk to prevent them from engaging in criminal activity or anti-social behaviour.

The objectives of the Safer Communities Program is:

• to provide community safety for all Australians through funding local crime prevention actives that address anti-social behaviour by youth at high risk of offending
• help marginalised youth aged 12-24 at high risk to develop life skills, including through educational and vocational skills to prevent them from becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system and to promote inclusion and build community resilience

For more information on the Safe Communities Fund, click here.

The Morrison Government is providing $4 million to the Wynnum Wolves Football Club (FC) to assist in their rebuild and expansion at Carmichael Park following the recent devastation from the Queensland floods.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said he was extremely pleased to secure this funding to give hope back to the community.

“I worked alongside Wynnum Wolves club members and the community to clean up the devastation caused by the floods. This funding will go directly into rebuilding our local community and will also provide a significant investment towards the Wynnum Wolves FC Master Plan,” Mr Vasta said.

“Not only will there be state of the art football and cricket facilities, a family club house, and an array of dining options, but there will also be a new canoeing adventure precinct along Bulimba Creek which backs onto the Wynnum Wolves FC grounds.

The project will also provide exciting opportunities for local sport lovers and create employment opportunities through construction and operation of the project.

“Everytime I visit Wynnum Wolves I see the players, volunteers and members who pour their heart and soul into this club. This investment is about giving back to our local communities such as the Wynnum Wolves FC.”

Wynnum Wolves FC president, Rabieh Krayem said the Morrison Government funding would establish a legacy for Bonner families for generations to come, creating a cultural and community hub for locals to enjoy.

“I can’t thank Ross enough for his support. During the floods, Ross and his team were out helping remove sporting equipment, constantly calling me to check in, and then were massive helps in the clean-up and recovery efforts.”

Mr Krayem said the funding would change the lives for thousands of local families.

“After the tragedy of the recent floods, our Wynnum Wolves families were heartbroken, so Ross delivering this funding has given us all hope and we are excited for the future, Mr Krayem said.

“Our immediate plans on a club level are to get our lights back up and running, so our 900 players can train and have night games.

“We will also build new change rooms for our female players and female referees, as our membership and player base is expanding rapidly.

“We will then go onto to executing our masterplan for Carmichael Park, creating a venue for all the community to enjoy, whether you are a sports fan or just want a nice place to go and spend time with your family.”

The Wynnum Wolves FC is turning 101 years old this year. To aid in re-build of their masterplan, they have established a new committee named in honour of their proud history, Recovery 101.

The members of Recovery 101 are as follows:

• Chairman: Current Queensland Tourism Industry Council Deputy Chair, Cameron Costello – who is also a Wynnum Wolves FC parent
• Director of Muro Accountants, Canio Muscillo,
• Communications and Government Relations specialist, Dolan Hayes
• KPMG Sports Advisory Director, Chad Gardiner – who is also a Wynnum Wolves parent

Current Wynnum Wolves FC committee members:

• President Rabieh Krayem
• Vice-President Norman Schroeder
• Committee Member Kellie Mikkola

The Community Sports Mentoring & Coaching Ltd has been awarded $789,500 by Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP through the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Program. This funding will help provide early intervention and rehabilitation programs for up to 200 youth at high risk of criminal and anti-social behaviour.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP recently visited Hibiscus Sports Complex in Upper Mount Gravatt to deliver the news to former Brisbane Bullets Basketball coach Brian Kerle, who will be overseeing the project. Mr Vasta said his government remains committed to providing support to local communities who provide solutions to address crime in youth, noting that each area has different demographics and different needs when addressing early prevention and rehabilitation.

“The Federal Government is committed to keeping local communities safe and the Safer Communities Program is just one of many tools we are using to ensure our communities are safe and secure,” Mr Vasta said.

“This rehabilitation and early intervention program established by Brian and his team, will provide skills, knowledge and real connections to help youths create a better life for themselves,

“When youths get caught in the cycle of crime, a high percentage of the time it is environmental factors that lead them down this path, that is why not for profits like Community Sports Mentoring and Coaching are so important as they provide the supports, guidance and mentoring these youth need to help break that cycle.”

Brian Kerle said this funding will go towards changing the lives of up to 200 youths at high risk of crime and anti-social behaviour, providing with opportunities and supports to help them break the cycle of a life of crime.

“This $789, 5000 from the Federal Government will go directly into providing opportunities for at risk-youths and helping them change their lives for the better, and we are so thankful for Ross’s support with this project,” Mr Kerle said.

“The youths we will be helping through this funding come from partner networks including corrective services, local police, cultural and community organisations and charities,

“The programs we will be implementing include positive mentoring, literacy and numeracy programs, cultural connections, sports and recreation, job readiness and employment, as well as training for certification,

“I strongly believe that when you are helping youths at high-risk of crime and anti-social behaviour, you have to provide supports for a multi-pronged approach as there are often multiple factors contributing to this behaviour, and this funding enables us to do exactly that.”

The Safer Communities Fund targets organisations which demonstrated experience in providing early intervention actives to youth at high risk to prevent them from engaging in criminal activity or anti-social behaviour. The objectives of the Safer Communities Program is:

• to provide community safety for all Australians through funding local crime prevention actives that address anti-social behaviour by youth at high risk of offending
• help marginalised youth aged 12-24 at high risk to develop life skills, including through educational and vocational skills to prevent them from becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system and to promote inclusion and build community resilience.

For more information on the Safe Communities Fund, click here: https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/award-funding-under-the-safer-communities-fund

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has worked with the Wishart State School P&C to deliver Federal funding for the Wishart Sharks Swim Club to purchase new heat pumps for their pool. This funding was made available through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

Recently, Mr Vasta attended the Wishart Sharks Swim Club end of season breakup party to see how the funding will benefit club members and the students at Wishart State School.

“It has been great working with Wishart State School P&C to support the Wishart Sharks Swim Club and Wishart State School students,” Mr Vasta said.

“The funding will be used to purchase new heat pumps for the pool, which will greatly benefit the students and swim club members, especially the littlest of swimming enthusiasts to keep active and learn how to swim all year round.”

Mr Vasta has a strong relationship with Wishart State School and has delivered for the school on numerous occasions. This includes $350,000 of Federal funding for an all-abilities senior playground for students in years 4 to 6.

The extension of the Coalition’s popular Sporting Schools program will see more children across Bonner participate in free sport activities.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Sporting Schools program is the Government’s largest individual investment to help Australian kids stay physically active.

The $79.6 million extension to the end of 2024 was announced as part of the Government’s $155 million 2022-23 Federal Budget package for sport.

In 2021, more than 500,000 students participated in the program each term, with more than 2 million students taking part in Sporting Schools across the year.

“Since 2015, more than $400 million has been invested into the Sporting Schools program and this two-year extension will take the program through until at least the end of 2024,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is a decade-long commitment from the Government to ensure children in our local communities across the electorate get the opportunity to be involved in sport, free of charge.

“Sport provides a range of physical, mental and social benefits to Australians and we are committed to ensuring children can live active and healthy lives.

“The program also provides opportunities for students to connect with their local sporting clubs and continue playing sport for years to come.”

The program, which is delivered in partnership with 37 national sporting organisations, helps schools deliver a range of high-quality, inclusive, and diverse sporting activities to primary school students along with Years 7 and 8 students.

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the extension of the Sporting Schools program will inspire the next generation of kids to play a variety of different sports they may not otherwise consider.

“Sport Australia’s national AusPlay survey shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decrease in children’s participation in organised sport,” Minister Colbeck said.

“This renewed investment will help us bring more schools and sports together to get Aussie children active and build skills in a sport they enjoy.”

To learn more about Sporting Schools, click here.