Construction has officially begun on the brand new federally funded Australian Academy Martial Arts Do-Jo building in Mount Gravatt.

After years of hard work, this week ten concrete trucks arrived at the site in Carsen Lane to pour the 26m by 12m slab on which the Do-jo will be built.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta visited the site and said he was pleased to have been able to secure $185,000 worth of Federal Funding so that the project could go ahead.

“I’ve been working with Glenn and Lyndon from AAMA for years and I can’t wait to see the finished product. It’s going to be great for the growing academy here in Mt Gravatt.”

“This state of the art facility will attract more competitions and events to Bonner which is great for local clubs and participants, the sport and tourism.”

AAMA president Lyndon Kurth said the project is expected to be completed in just 12 weeks, and could be open as soon as September.

“Work has already begun on the refurbishment of the adjacent facilities building and now that the concrete slab has been poured, it will be cut in preparation for trenching and setting the plumbing.”

“AAMA would never have been able to have achieved this on our own, the only reason that this building is able to go ahead is because of the consistent support and encouragement from Ross Vasta MP over the last five years,” Mr Kurth said.

At the end of every Federal election there are always metres and metres of plastic wrap leftover, instead of putting them into landfill Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has found a very important use for the material in Africa.

Mr Vasta said following the 2013 election he spoke to David Forde at Wynnum Christian Community Church about what they could do with the plastic wrap.

“I was glad to have been able to donate the materials over the last 3 elections to David and the team to use in conjunction with their living hope program in Zambia.”

“Last week I met with David and donated more than 60 rolls of plastic wrap which will be transported to Chingola, Zambia and used as weed matting for agriculture crops and waterproofing in village buildings and roofs.”

David from Wynnum Christian community church said the donation is very much appreciated and will be put to good use at the Fipuya Training farm.

“The wrap will be used as part of the farmer training program in the rural parts of Chingola teaching locals and school students about farming and producing crops.”

The local church has two containers filled with books, clothes, furniture, bedding, tools and of course election wrap which will be sent to Chingola in September.

Each container costs the church almost $15,000 to put together and send and this is achieved through donations and the good will of the local community.

To make a donation or to find out more about how you can help please call David Forde on 3396 7444.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has thanked Mansfield resident Owen Doherty for his service to Australia during World War II and wished him a happy 96th birthday on behalf of the commonwealth government.

At the age of 18 years and five months Owen Doherty was enlisted to the Royal Australian Air Force and served as a Warrant Officer before being taken as a Prisoner of War.

After being discharged in 1945 Mr Doherty went on to work in the manufacturing of tapware and fittings and later moved into a management role at the firm. He was very active in the bowling community giving many years of service as an accredited bowls coach at the Moorooka Bowls Club.

Mr Vasta said it is such an honour to be able to congratulate and celebrate a real life local hero who has given so much to this great nation of ours.

“It’s hard to put into words just how much Mr Doherty has given for our freedom today, he is a humble man who has achieved many things in his life and even at 96 years of age he is still as sharp as a tack.”

Mr Doherty’s daughter Diane said he was surprised and very appreciative that Ross had taken time out of his busy day to pay him a visit and present him with a congratulatory birthday card which is proudly displayed in his room.

“It will be good to be able to relive those memories with Dad on our subsequent visit.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has this week undergone a grueling interview with 14 year-old aspiring political analyst Ryan Hixson who is currently living in Wishart on exchange at Villanova from Chicago, Illinois USA.

Ryan chose Mr Vasta and the topic of Australian politics as his subject to report back to his school St Rita’s in Chicago when he returns next week.

Mr Vasta said it was great to have been able to provide such in depth answers for Ryan to take back to educate his classmates about Australian politics.

“He asked me a number of questions about the Australian constitution, Australian gun regulations, international relations and the Westminster system.”

“Ryan’s knowledge of politics in both Australian and the US is incredible and I have no doubt he’s going to give his classmates an in depth analysis of the political climate here in Australia and the comparisons between the two countries.”

“It’s important that young people understand politics in Australia, and I’m pleased to see how interested Ryan and his host classmate Alex were to learn about what I do as a Federal Member.”

“One of the most important things I get to do as a member of parliament is host mock parliament sessions in Bonner schools,” said Mr Vasta.

“Seeing the kids’ faces when they take part is invaluable and it’s a great way add to what they’ve learned in class in a practical and fun way.”

• Applications for round four of the Safer Communities Fund are now open
• The program delivers on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure
• The Coalition Government has committed up to $55 million under round four of the program

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has called on local councils and community organisations in Bonner to apply for a share of up to $1.5 million in funding through round four of the Safer Communities Fund which opens June 5 2019.

The Safer Communities Fund is an Australian Government commitment to keep Australians safe and secure by enhancing the efforts of local councils and community organisations to address crime and antisocial behaviour.

Local councils and community organisations are invited to apply through the fourth round of funding for security enhancement projects, including for initiatives such as CCTV, bollards, lighting and crime prevention through environmental design initiatives.

This latest funding announcement from the Coalition brings the total amount available under the Safer Communities Fund to $119.9 million between 2016-17 and 2020-21. To date around 340 grants have been made.

Mr Vasta said this funding provides a robust example of the Government’s commitment to the safety and security of local communities like Bonner.

“By empowering local organisations and councils to improve their security infrastructure, addressing crime and anti-social behaviour, we’re able to increase perceptions of safety and cohesion, fostering viable and vibrant communities into the future,” Mr Vasta said.

Applications for Safer Communities open today, June 5 2019. Information on how to apply for funding is available on the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund – Round Four webpage: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/safer-communities-fund-round-4

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has affectionately named 2019 the year of the Volunteer in his South-east Brisbane electorate.

This week marks the 30^th National Volunteer Week but the celebrations began early in Bonner when the Coalition Government announced more than $90,000 for local community groups in February to help support their volunteers.

Organisations in Bonner receiving grants include;

• Carina/Carindale and District Basketball Club inc. – $5,000
• Transformative Training Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club – $1,678
• Belmont Lions Club – $3,000
• Wynnum Manly Community Gardens Group – $3,972
• St Vincent De Paul St Peter’s Rochedale – $2,500
• Queensland Cyclists Assoc. Chandler – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Tourism and Visitor Info Centre – $1,224.98
• St Vincent De Paul Manly – $3,600
• Bayside United Sports Club – $5,000
• Community Sports Mentoring and Coaching – $5,000
• ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Assoc. Upper Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Bulimba Creek Catchment B4C – $1,000
• Mt Gravatt Community Centre – $3,600
• Genealogical Society of Queensland Wishart – $4,942
• Mt Gravatt East Primary P&C – $4,390
• Marshall Road Primary P&C – $2,035
• Girls Brigade Mansfield – $5,000
• RSL National Servicemen Mt Gravatt – $2,806
• Boys’ Brigade Queensland Holland Park – $4,750
• South Western Metro Basketball – $3,592
• Australian Academy of Martial Arts – $1,800
• Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Manly – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Employment and Training – $4,800
• Gateway Life Centre Carindale – $5,000

 In addition to this Mr Vasta also celebrated local volunteers with his own Volunteer awards in March recognising local sporting, environmental, youth and older volunteers for their tireless work in the community.

Winners of the 2019 Bonner Volunteer Awards include from each category Adult: Brenden Hodgkins (Hemmant); Senior: Roma Barton (Murarrie); Youth: Kate Fainton (Manly West); and Group: Mackenzie 4156 Neighbourhood Watch.

Volunteering Australia has announced this year’s theme for National Volunteer Week 2019 “Making a world of difference” and Mr Vasta said it’s the little things that volunteers do that make so much difference in the community of Bonner.

“Volunteering greatly benefits our local community, the people and the organisations – both socially and economically.”

“Australia has more than 8.7 million volunteers, and it’s estimated that the value of their time per year amounts to more than $290 billion per year.”

“Whether it’s helping meals on wheels during the week or volunteering at the local homeless shelter these generous locals are the backbone of our strong community,” Mr Vasta said.

“Volunteers embody the best of our community with thousands of people regularly volunteering their skills, services and time to make life in Bonner better for those around them.”

The Liberal-National Government’s strong economic management is why we can afford to provide the essential services Australians rely on and support and encourage the good work of our local volunteers.

Millions of Australians flocked to polling places on Saturday 18th May to get their rightfully deserved democracy sausage and place their votes in today’s federal election.

In Bonner, the two party preferred choice was between incumbent and local resident, Ross Vasta for the LNP and Bill Shorten’s Labor candidate Jo Briskey.

In the end the result found Bonner voters choosing to place their trust in incumbent LNP member Ross Vasta who has a track record of delivering millions worth of funding for vital local infrastructure projects, record funding into local schools and community projects.

Mr Vasta said he was humbled to have been returned as the Federal Member for Bonner and wanted to thank locals for their ongoing support.

“It’s been a long tough campaign, but I’ve always remained focused on delivering for the people of Bonner and I’m glad that they have placed their trust in me to continue to represent them and fight for them in Canberra.”

Mr Vasta said he’s very proud to have fought for and delivered:

• $85 million to fix Lindum crossing in Wynnum West;
• $12 million to fix Newnham Wecker intersection in Mt Gravatt;
• $14 million to fix the Rochedale Priestdale Rd roundabout in Rochedale; and
• $6 million to fix Chelsea Rickertt Rd intersection in Ransome

“I pledge a promise to the people of Bonner, that I will continue fighting the good fight to ensure that we have the funding and infrastructure that we need locally.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has today announced that a re-elected Morrison Government will provide $350,000 to provide an all-inclusive playground for years 4,5, and 6 at Wishart State School.

Mr Vasta said the rapidly growing school is in need of another playground on site and this funding will enable them to build its very first senior playground.

“In the past few years the enrolment numbers have increased by more than 200 students and this playground is desperately needed to cope with the additional intake and the growing senior years.”

“The playground will encapsulate the natural beauty of the school and it will be an all abilities playground for all senior students to use with specialty equipment for the students with special needs.”

“The playground will feature bushfood, trees, climbing and balancing equipment and it will incorporate the natural landscape and build on the already established playground.”

Andy and Ruth Boyle from Wishart said that this playground will be great for the students and the community.

“We’re thrilled to hear about Ross Vasta’s commitment to build a new playground for the Wishart State School seniors. Both of our children attend this school and we know that this facility will be a welcome improvement to an already great school.”

Mr Vasta said delivering this playground for the school and its community is a key priority for the LNP because of the significant benefits that it will provide to the school community and local community and sporting groups.

Mr Vasta said that this was important infrastructure that can only be delivered to the local community becomes of the Liberal National Government’s economic management.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Mr Vasta said.

“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as Wishart State School.

The LNP government is providing record funding for all 28 government schools in Bonner, including Wishart State School, and funding will continue to increase by around 50% per student over the next decade to 2029.

Mr Vasta said this was all at risk under Labor.

“This is all at risk under Labor and Bill Shorten who pose the greatest risk to Australia’s economy in a generation with plans for $387 billion in new taxes on small and family businesses, retirees, housing, income, investments, electricity and cars.

“Labor would put at risk Australia’s 27 years of consecutive economic growth.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s Federal Budget delivered Australia’s first surplus in more than a decade.

“The surplus guarantees funding for the essential services that you and your family need and rely on,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes record funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.”

Women across Bonner are set for a boost with a $75 million commitment from the Morrison Government for new mid-career checks to help them pick up the work they want or to work more.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said many Australians in their thirties and forties were part of the ‘sandwich generation’ that had taken time out of their careers to start families, care for children and were often worrying about their ageing parents.

“We respect the choices families make when taking on caring responsibilities. For those who wish to return to work after a period of caring for others, we want to support their choice because boosting women’s workforce participation is good for them, their families and the economy,” Mr Vasta said.

The Mid-Career Checkpoint initiative will be targeted at up to 40,000 Australians, primarily women, aged 30 to 45 who have taken two or more years of leave to care for family members.

“Our new Mid-Career Checkpoint program is about backing the women and men who have taken family time and want to work or work more.

“Many women in particular take a career break to start a family or care for older family members and are looking for that bit of extra help to get them back into the workforce.

“The skills and experience gained in unpaid family roles is often not properly acknowledged, and women in these caring roles can sometimes lose confidence, as others have gone ahead at work and technology has changed roles,” Mr Vasta said.

The new initiative would start with a ‘checkpoint session’ to help people step back in to or step up their careers:

• Stepping back in: women returning to the workforce will be able to have an initial discussion with a professional who can help assess their needs and steer them in the right direction (for example, they might need assistance with interview skills, polishing up computer skills, professional development or advice on where and how to undertake specific longer-term skills training)
• Stepping up: eligible women who have returned to the workforce for up to 18 months and are now at a point where they are ready to step up their career, but need a little extra advice to do so.

“Nothing gives someone more confidence, choices, independence and economic security than a job they love and thrive in.

“We’ve already overseen 1.3 million new jobs but backing women who have left their careers to take up the job of looking after their family, and who want to return to work, is key to achieving our ambitious target of creating an extra 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years,” Mr Vasta said.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta welcomed the Coalition Government’s investment of $30 million in a network of six new Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres to bring together the key services for our veterans and their families.

This investment is part of a $63.2 million suite of initiatives to create Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres across the country, deliver job opportunities and secure health and housing services for the future.

Mr Vasta said the Coalition had a strong track record delivering services and support to our veterans and their families, including for those living in Bonner.

“The Coalition recognises that for veterans living in Bonner ex-service organisations play an important role providing support after their service has concluded.

“These new Centres will integrate government and non-government support for Australians who have served in our Defence Forces with local health services community organisations, advocacy and wellbeing support.”

The Coalition will also invest $16.2 million to support organisations including Soldier On, Team Rubicon and State Branches of the RSL. Along with other ex-service organisations, these groups will also be able to use the new Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres to deliver their services.

We will deliver an extra $17 million to exempt Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) veterans from the new ‘Treatment Cycle’ requirements that were due to commence on 1 July 2019, allowing them to continue to access  allied health services under existing arrangements.

A re-elected Morrison Government will also make it easier for Bonner veterans to access the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, and extend eligibility to the Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme.

These measures build on the Coalition’s strong record delivering for our veterans and recognising their important service to our nation.

“The Coalition also launched the Australian Veterans’ Card and Lapel Pin because we understand it is important veterans in Bonner are appropriately recognised by the community and businesses, even when they’re not wearing their medals and uniforms,” Said Mr Vasta.

The Coalition’s plan to put our veterans and their families first builds on an extensive record of support for veterans:

• The record $11 billion we deliver to support 280,000 veterans and their families each year
• Extending access to the DVA Gold Card for civilian medical teams in the Vietnam War
• $500 million we’ve committed to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs to better meet the needs of veterans and their families
• $100 million we invested in the Sir John Monash Centre in France
• $498 million committed over the next nine years to redevelop the Australian War Memorial and allow the Memorial to display more of their collection and proudly tell the stories from recent years in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and East Timor.
• Delivering our $1.4 billion in fairer indexation for military superannuants
• Supporting Kookaburra Kids to help the children of veterans affected by mental illness.

Only the Coalition can be trusted to deliver for veterans and their families in Bonner.