With Christmas holidays just around the corner, residents are being warned to secure their homes and valuables to deter break -in’s and theft.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Christmas was prime time for homes to be broken into if left unsecured.

“Christmas is a time of gift giving for family and friends so make sure you don’t invite unwanted guests by leaving your home unlocked,” Mr Vasta said.

Holland Park Police Station Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Kylie Doyle said residents should keep their doors locked, even if you are home.

“The message this Christmas is to keep your doors locked, especially if you’re out the back,” Snr Sgt Doyle said.

“It’s easy to leave the doors open especially if it’s hot but be sure to lock the front door to prevent thieves that see it as an opportunity to take your gifts.”

Families spending Christmas holidays away from home are advised to make sure their property is left in good hands.

“If you are going away for the holidays, let your neighbours know so they can check up on your property to give the illusion that you are home,” Snr Sgt Doyle said.

“Don’t leave your keys in obvious hiding spots like under a door mat or in a pot plant but give them to a trusted neighbour or relative to collect your mail and keep a general eye on your home.”

Changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Provider Registration Rules to simplify registration have been welcomed by small businesses wanting to deliver NDIS services

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said is the changes were a major win for small businesses, without compromising the safety of NDIS users.

“Red tape has been slashed for small businesses wanting to work with the NDIS to make the process a whole lot easier, however the Morrison Government has not compromised on safeguarding NDIS participants,” Mr Vasta said

“These changes will address the excessive regulations on some NDIS providers, particularly small businesses delivering low risk supports such as therapies, home modifications and specialist equipment.”

From January 1 2020 there will no longer be a need for all incorporated providers to undertake a certification audit based solely on the fact on whether or not they are incorporated.

Instead, audit requirements will be based solely on the level of risk associated with the supports provided to participants.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Stuart Robert said the changes came about as a result of direct feedback from small businesses in the NDIS sector.

“As we deliver the final 20 per cent of the NDIS, we will continue to listen to participants, industry and advocates and prudently make changes to ensure the NDIS is functioning as it should,” Mr Robert said.

“I know this is a welcome change which will ensure more businesses can continue to provide much needed support for NDIS participants right across the country.”

For more information visit www.ndiscommission.gov.au.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Australian Government National Awards for Local Government which celebrates the best of the best of innovative local councils.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the awards recognised the hard work local councils put into finding resourceful and innovative ways to improve services.

“These awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate innovative projects being undertaken by local governments in regional and capital cities,” Mr Vasta said.

“When people want action and projects implemented in their communities, local councils are often the first door people knock on.”

Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government Mark Coulton said local councils would continue to be recognised for their contribution of governing communities through a new category – Award for Progressive Leadership.

“This new category reflects the central role of community leadership in helping communities prosper,” Minister Coulton said.

Winners will be announced in March 2020 and the national winner will be announced at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly dinner on June 15, 2020.

Award nominations close Friday, February 7 2020. Visit here for more information.

Bayside boaters are encouraged to be water smart this festive season as warmer weather approaches.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it was important to remember water safety takes place before you step on to the deck.

“To ensure everyone has a good time, make sure you freshen up on the boating rules before you sail off with friends and family,” Mr Vasta said.

“We want everyone to have a memorable Christmas, so make sure you obey authorities, make sure all your safety equipment is up to date, stay under the legal limit of 0.05 and check you have enough life jackets for everyone on board.

“It’s a great time of year to enjoy our beautiful Moreton Bay, just make sure you also enjoy sensible and responsible boating.”

Brisbane Coast Guard flotilla commander Craig Bowen said it was fishing season so boaters must be aware of their surroundings.

“It is a popular time for fishing this time of year so it is important to be vigilant of vessel traffic,” Mr Bowen said.

“Some of the best ways to stay safe on the water is to maintain a proper lookout and keep an eye on your nautical speed.”

Mr Vasta said water safety on and off the boat were also important so if you want to go for a swim, plan ahead before you make a splash.

“Make sure you can see a lifeguard nearby before entering the water and if you’re not that strong of a swimmer, go out in pairs or have a flotation device,” Mr Vasta said.

“Protect yourself from the heat with water, shade, a hat and lots of SPF 50 sunscreen.”

More information on water safety can be found here https://www.australia.com/en-my/facts-and-planning/useful-tips/water-safety-in-australia.html

Thanks to the generosity of the Bonner community, more than $5000 was raised through the Ross Vasta Christmas Appeal for Stanthorpe to help bring some Christmas cheer to the drought and bushfire affected region.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Team Vasta and representatives from GIVIT online charity visited the region on Tuesday to distribute the donations, and the community response was both overwhelming and humbling.

“We joined GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant to help buy goods and vouchers for people in need, and the response from the community was just outstanding,” Mr Vasta said.

“Stanthorpe’s St Vincent de Paul Society branch identified a number of families needing support, so we went to work purchasing good and vouchers from IGA, some toys to ensure these kids would be visited by Santa, as well as vouchers to buy school uniforms.

“Thank you to everyone who donated to this appeal. You have helped bring so much joy and relief to those who really need it.”

GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant said all funds received were spent at local businesses to further support the regional community.

“We purchased hair dressing vouchers from Stanthorpe salons, and gift cards from a local family-operated service station to provide some relief to drought-affected farmers,” Ms Tennant said.

“Hampers of household essentials, children’s toys, gift vouchers and festive mince pies we also donated to lighten the financial pressures on families celebrating what’s been an extremely testing year.

“As well as visiting St Vincent de Paul, we gave festive items for Christmas care packages to Granite Belt Drought Assist’s facility where people across the region can access vital donations of water.”

Ms Tennant said they had barely driven out of the city when Lee Stroud from St Vincent de Paul – Stanthorpe called to say she had already given some donations to a local family in need.

“The mum was so overwhelmed. She was nearly speechless and so grateful,” Ms Tennant said.

“We were so happy to partner with Ross Vasta to help bring some Christmas cheer to the Stanthorpe community during such a tough time.

“GIVIT is here for the long-term for the Southern Darling Downs region, as well as all communities in need across Queensland.”

Mr Vasta said he was pleased they had already received some heart-warming responses from the community.

“Sally Orreal from Stanthorpe Sport and Camping said she had goosebumps and was holding back tears when we came in to shop up a storm for toys for local kids,” Mr Vasta said.

“She thanked Team Vasta and GIVIT with a big hug for buying locally.”

Items donated are listed below:

Lee Stroud, St Vincent de Paul – Stanthorpe

4 x $50 Stanthorpe Quality Meats butcher
2x $40 haircut vouchers
4 x $50 Howard & Son’s Mitre 10
$400 worth of Spano’s IGA Stanthorpe $20 vouchers
20 Toys purchased from local sports shop
100 groceries including cleaning products and hygiene products
12 Chrisco hampers
Pack of bonds singlets baby
1 baby skirt
5 x $80 fuel from Stanthorpe Fuel & Services
19 Christmas cards/decorations

Glenda Riles – Granite Belt Drought Assist

4 x $100 Gleesons Mercery, school uniform vouchers
2 x $40 hair cut vouchers
4 x $50 Howard & Son’s Mitre 10
4 x $50 Stanthorpe Quality Meats butcher
4 x $80 fuel from Stanthorpe Fuel & Services
$620 worth of Spano’s IGA Stanthorpe $20 vouchers
25 toys
Large Box of hanes underwear
10 Chrisco hampers

Sandra Head – Southern Downs Emergency Relief

10x $50 BP Fuel vouchers
10x $50 Spano’s IGA Warwick
10x $50 Woolworths wish cards – donated from Queensland Rail

It’s time to get snapping and test out your photography skills with the Bonner Summer Photo Competition.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the Christmas break and school holidays, summer was the best time of year to get out and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that makes our region such a great part of the world.

“People love Queensland and particularly our nature reserves and beautiful Moreton Bay,” Mr Vasta said.

“To encourage residents to get outdoors and explore everything Bonner has to offer, we’re running the Bonner Summer Photo Competition.”

Mr Vasta said residents can take a snap that best displays what summer in Bonner means to them.

“Is it fishing off the pier, swimming at Wynnum Wading Pool, barbecuing with friends at Carindale Recreation Reserve, or picnicking with family at Mt Gravatt Lookout?

“Take your best summer snaps and upload it to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #BonnerSummerSnap.”

Entries open Friday, December 20 and close 5pm Thursday January 23, 2020.  For more information visit www.rossvasta.com.au

A greenhouse, LED lighting and a library refurbishment are among some of the exciting new projects for schools in Bonner who received funding under the Morrison Government’s Local School Community Fund program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said students would be the big winners in this funding program, which supports small but vital projects in local schools.

“These are the small projects that make a big difference to providing better learning outcomes and learning experiences for students in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“School communities nominated the projects they most wanted and the Morrison Government stepped up with funding support through our $30.2 million Local School Community Fund.

“This is an additional investment on top of our record funding of $310 billion for schools.”

Schools in Bonner to recieve funding include:

• Belmont State School $20,000 to refurbish their multi-purpose centre
• Holland Park State High School $19,995 to install energy efficient LED lighting
• Mount Gravatt State School $8058 to construct a Greenhouse
• Mount Gravatt State High School $12,500 for the installation of musical instrument bag racks
• Rochedale State High School $19,909 for Library refurbishment and upgrades
• St Peter’s Primary School at Rochedale $20,000 for a nature based interactive learning project
• Mackenzie State Special School $4944 to expand their Thrift Shop
• Guardian Angels’ Primary School $20,000 for the installation of synthetic grass for the P2 playground
• Murarrie State School $20,000 to install air-conditioning
• Tingalpa State School $20,000 to install ceiling fans in the Assembly Hall
• Darling Point Special School $20,000 to upgrade playground equipment
• Wynnum State School $14,594 to upgrade senior laptop and robotics devices

Mr Vasta said these projects would go a long way to supporting students when completed in 2020.

Local road maintenance in the Bonner electorate will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the program would help deliver a much-needed upgrade to Player Street in Upper Mount Gravatt.

“This project will extend Player Street to provide a connection with Kessels Road, with the Morrison Government committing $3.8 million to the project,” Mr Vasta said.

“Work will involve constructing the new road link from the existing intersection of Kessels Road and MacGregor Street through to Player Street.

“The work will also include removing the existing traffic signals at the Kessels Road and Cremin Street intersection, and providing left-in only access to Cremin Street.”

Mr Vasta said in total the Australian Government would deliver over $139.6 million to 310 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better-maintained roads.

“The Roads to Recovery funding will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads,” Mr Vasta said.

MacGregor Ward Councillor Steven Huang said this jointly funded Australian Government and Brisbane City Council project would improve local roads and reduce congestion for residents.

“It’s great to see a joint approach to this road project which will improve safety, reduce queue lengths and delays and provide better access to and from the residential catchment north of Kessels Road,” Cr Huang said.

“Every day Council works with local residents and other levels of government to deliver the infrastructure our growing city needs, and the Player Street upgrade is a great example of this.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack MP said the Australian Government had committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget.

“From 2013–14 to 2023–24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr McCormack said.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew Gee MP said the Australian Government was committed to getting Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they lived.

“Our Roads to Recovery investments will deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the country,” Mr Gee said.

The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through Financial Assistance Grants, and the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity and Roads to Recovery programs.

More information on these programs is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

Families with children attending child care during the school holidays will find it easier to re-enrol for the following year after the Morrison Government passed legislation to amend the Child Care Package.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the updated legislation meant families and providers would generally not have to re-enrol children unless they are away from care for more than 14 weeks at a time.

“This means children stay enrolled for the duration of the school term, avoiding additional paperwork when the holidays start and families need to access child care again,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Government’s Child Care Package was assisting more than 900,000 families to access child care.

“We have cut red tape for families using child care during the school holidays,” Mr Tehan said.

“Our Government is making life easier for parents who are working, looking for work, studying or volunteering.

“We have also removed the 50 per cent limit on the number of children that a child care provider can self-certify to receive the Additional Child Care Subsidy (child wellbeing) due to the risk of serious abuse or neglect.

“This will further reduce barriers to vulnerable children and disadvantaged families accessing quality early learning and child care.”

Mr Vasta said the amendments passed by the Senate were a result of the Government listening to parents and child care providers and acting on their feedback.

“We are delivering the reforms the economy needs to support jobs and growth,” Mr Vasta said.

Australia’s 135 Men’s Sheds will share in $500,000 funding under the Morrison Government National Shed Development Programme.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the grant would support Men’s Sheds to buy tools and equipment, maintain their infrastructure, coordinate training events and host community activities about men’s health issues.

“Grant rounds are held twice a year and eligible Men’s Sheds, including the five in my electorate of Bonner, are able to apply for grants of up to $10,000, with priority given to sheds in disadvantaged areas,” Mr Vasta said.

“Men’s Sheds are places where men can find social support and camaraderie while engaged in meaningful projects. “Since 2013, the government has provided $4.92 million to support Men’s Sheds through this programme.”

In this year’s budget the Morrison Government announced continued and expanded funding to support the Men’s Shed movement. Funding includes:

• Funding to Men’s Sheds through the National Shed Development Programme will be continued, and increased to $1 million per year for four years ·
• $1.5 million to fund regional coordinators at the grassroots level in each state and territory which aims to provide direct assistance in Men’s Shed;·
• $3.6 million to the Australian Men’s Shed Association to support Men’s Shed at a national level;