Category: Media Releases

Bonner electorate businesses and charities encouraged to nominate for the 2017 Telstra Business Awards

Federal MP Ross Vasta has called on the Bonner community to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and charities by nominating them for the 2017 Telstra Business Awards.

Now in its 25th years, the Telstra Business Awards are renowned for showcasing and celebrating the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s most brilliant small and medium businesses (SMBs) and charities.

Mr Vasta said that SMBs and charities are the engine room of the Australian economy and deserve to be recognised.

“Local business owners and leaders drive growth and deliver jobs for many Australians by pouring their hearts and souls into their businesses every single day,” he said.

“It was inspiring to see the Glitter and Dance Fabric Specialists from Mansfield win the Queensland Micro-Business Award category in 2014 and be recognised for the amazing work they do supplying premium fabric for dance, stage and sport costuming.”

“We have so many great SMBs and charities in the Bonner region, it is important that they are recognised for their contributions to the economy and the community just as the Glitter and Dance Fabric Specialists were.”

Anyone can make a nomination for any of the following five Award categories:

·         New Business Award – operating for one to three years with up to 200 employees

·         Micro Business Award – with five or fewer employees

·         Small Business Award – with more than five up to 20 employees

·         Medium Business Award – with more than 20 and up to 200 employees

·         Charity Award – ACNC registered with DGR status, between one and 200 employees and an annual income of $250,000 and $10,000,000

To nominate, please visit: www.telstrabusinessawards.com/nominate or call 1800 AWARDS. Entries will open 30 January 2017 and will close March 16 2017.

State and Territory winners of the 2017 Telstra Business Awards will be announced at gala events later this year, with the Queensland Awards taking place on Thursday the 14th July.

 

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Local Veteran Honoured For Service in World War II

93-year-old Gregory Graham Perkins was today celebrated in honour of his commitment to Australia during World War II.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta awarded Mr Perkins the Salute Their Service award at a special event held at Gregory’s home this morning.

Mr Vasta said it was an honour to be able to personally recognise Mr Graham for his dedication to this country.

“Many Australians have given so much serving our great country, often even their lives, which is why it is so important to recognise their personal contributions.

“Veterans have always held a special place in my heart and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to congratulate Mr Graham for his service during World War II in front of his nearest and dearest today,” he said.

Enlisting in 1942 Mr Graham served in the Australian Army as a Private in the 2/104 General Transport Company. Among other things he drove vehicles to transport and re-supply Australian Troops with rations, ammunition and stores supplies.

Nominated by his daughter, Mr Graham was very thankful and humbled to receive the Salute Their Service certificate.

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SEEKING COMMUNITY VIEWS ON FLAG RETIREMENT OPTIONS

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta is asking the community for feedback on the best and most appropriate way for Australians to retire used, damaged and worn out Australian National Flags.

Mr Vasta said that the Australian National Flag Protocols currently did not provide detailed guidance on how to retire flags that are damaged, faded or dilapidated.

“There is often confusion from residents and community organisations in my electorate about how to retire Australian National Flags with dignity and respect,” Mr Vasta said.

“Through this process I hope we are able to gather some useful suggestions and feedback on an appropriate flag retirement protocol for the future.”

Mr Vasta said the Australian National Flag was a symbol of great importance to residents in the Bonner electorate.

“The Australian National Flag is proudly displayed by many community organisations, RSLs, schools, clubs and individuals in my electorate, reflecting the great pride and respect Australians have for our flag,” Mr Vasta said.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. James McGrath said a Flag Retirement Protocol Consultation Paper has been made available to help start this important discussion.

“In particular, the Government is interested in community views on changes to the Flag Protocols to include guidance on conducting a retirement ceremony for worn Australian National Flags,” Senator McGrath said.

“We believe this may be a good option for schools, clubs, organisations and others looking for a sense of formality around flag retirement.”

For a copy of the Australian Government’s Flag Retirement Protocol Consultation Paper or to provide feedback on flag retirement options, please visit www.dpmc.gov.au/flag.

Submissions are due by Friday, 3 February 2017.

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BONNER PRESCHOOLERS TO LEARN A LANGUAGE IN 2017

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has called on local preschools and child care centres to sign up to the Turnbull Government’s popular early learning languages program before applications close on 26 February 2017.

Tens of thousands of preschoolers across the country are set to try their hand at languages this year as part of the Turnbull Government’s Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program, which is open nationally for the first time.

Mr Vasta said children could learn Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese or Spanish as part of the program in 2017.

“We want to ensure children in Bonner aren’t left behind the 30,000 young Australians we expect will take part in the ELLA program this year, so I’d encourage our local preschools and child care centres to head to www.ella.edu.au and sign up,” Mr Vasta said.

“We’ve seen how the ELLA languages program can have a positive impact on our children and so parents and families should get in touch with their preschool or child care service and ask them to sign up. We have a range of tools in place to help services roll out the ELLA program but they need to register by 26 February 2017.

“Learning a foreign language doesn’t just give children the gift of the gab, it can boost other vital skills like problem solving and their literacy in English that ultimately carry through to their performance at school.

“Even where young students may not continue into school with the language they learned in preschool, research indicates that they will enjoy real cognitive and developmental benefits from learning another language in their earliest years.

“ELLA is a play-based way for children to learn another language and open their mind. Following the program’s successful trials last year the Turnbull Government committed an additional $5.9 million to roll it out to any eligible preschool or child care centre that wants to take part.”  

For more information visit https://www.education.gov.au/early-learning-languages-australia.

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CONSTRUCTION OF NEW DRESSING ROOM FACILITIES FOR LOCAL SPORTS GROUPS UNDERWAY

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed news that work is progressing on the construction of new dressing room facilities at the Wynnum Manly Seagulls Clubhouse.

“The Coalition pledged $400,000 in funding for local sports groups to go toward new dressing rooms at the Wynnum Manly Seagulls Clubhouse. Today I’m pleased to announce that this funding has come through and that the project is ahead of schedule,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is a great investment that will be put to good use by a number of local football and sporting groups of all ages.

“That includes women’s sports groups thanks to the addition of female changing stalls and facilities.”

CEO for the Club, Hanan Laban said the project would not have been possible without funding from the Federal Government.

“I want to thank Ross for representing us and getting this funding through to us,” Mr Laban said.

“We are very happy with how the project is progressing and we expect the project to be completed sometime this March.”

Mr Laban also thanked local construction company Tierney Constructions for their work on the project.

“I’m proud to have delivered funding for this worthy project. The Coalition Government will continue to invest in local projects like these that provide a great benefit to the wider community,” Mr Vasta said.

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2017 Age Pension Guide

For more information about the Age Pension changes please click here for the Bonner Age Pension Guide:  16×645-VastaR_Age-Pension-Guide-2017.pdf 

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MAKE A LIST AND SAVE THIS CHRISTMAS

It seems that Santa might have been onto something when he made a list and checked it twice.

With Australians spending over $1,079 at Christmas in recent years, some forward planning for meals and presents can lead to big savings.

On average, Australian households throw out 14% of weekly groceries worth about $1,100 each year, and this is most pervasive at Christmas. Collectively that’s more than $10 billion of food every year, representing almost half of all municipal waste that goes to landfill. 

“Planning meals ahead of time and shopping accordingly, opening food as you need it and resisting the urge to over-cater will reduce this waste and the cost of festive celebrations,” Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said.
  
Planet Ark’s The 12 DOs of Christmas awareness campaign includes tips for reducing food waste and excess packaging, more environmentally friendly choices when buying gifts and recycling items like wrapping paper, foil, cartons, drink containers, plastic and cards as well as electronics and batteries.

“At Christmas we spend more, eat more and party more than any other time of the year, so it’s no wonder that councils report dramatic waste spikes over the festive season and everyone’s credit card bills skyrocket,” explains Ryan Collins, Recycling Programs Manager at Planet Ark.

“It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and buy too much. When you throw food in the bin it’s pretty much like throwing money away. It also represents a waste of the water, fuel and resources it took to get the food from the paddock to your plate.

“Meal planning, sticking to a list and buying presents in plenty of time avoids those last-minute panic buys, saving you money and lessening the environmental impact of Christmas.”

This year we’re tipped to spend an average of $539 on presents, up 28% on last year, many of which are unwanted. Taking someone shopping for their present, giving experiences, gift vouchers or donations are great ways of reducing the likelihood of a present sitting in a cupboard unused.

Electronic waste is also a big theme at Christmas as people receive new electronic items like mobiles, tablets and computers or and toys as gifts, which are often battery-heavy. As electronics include non-renewable and toxic materials, it’s important to make sure that old ones are re-homed or responsibly recycled. 

“Christmas is a great time of the year but it’s true that getting everyone together can result in an argument or two. Checking RecyclingNearYou or downloading the free recycling app is the best way to avoid arguments over what goes in the recycling!” says Collins.

The interactive app draws data from the RecyclingNearYou site and allows residents to easily search for information about how to recycle over 170 household items.

The RecycleSmart App and The 12 DOs of Christmas tips are available on recyclingnearyou.com.au, a comprehensive online household recycling directory on which the app is based. For more information call the Recycling Hotline on 1300 733 712.

The recyclingnearyou.com.au website and hotline are supported by sponsors Bingo Bins, MobileMuster, TechCollect, Tetra Pak and ‘Cartridges 4 Planet Ark’.

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LOCAL STUDENTS AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS NEW COLOMBO PLAN SCHOLARSHIPS

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today announced two undergraduate students from the electorate have been awarded Australian Government scholarships to live, study and intern in the Indo-Pacific.

“These local students have won two of only 105 prestigious New Colombo Plan scholarships to support our nation’s best and brightest to engage with our region,” Mr Vasta said.

Shaun Milligan, a Holland Park West local and Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business student from Griffith University, will undertake legal studies in dispute resolution at the University of Hong Kong for one semester.

“I believe the NCP experience will foster relationships, both personal and professional, that will last long into my career. These relationships will grant me exposure to intercultural perspectives and dialogue, and the capacity to increase my proficiency in regards to Indo-Pacific work practices,” Mr Milligan said.

Wynnum local Michael Lucas, a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Arts student from the University of Queensland, will be undertaking full-time Indonesian language immersion at Universitas Gadjah Mada for one semester.

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and intern in the region.

“New Colombo Plan scholarships recognise students’ exceptional academic performance, community engagement and commitment to deepening relationships with our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Vasta said.

“While overseas, New Colombo Plan scholars act as ambassadors for their communities, universities and indeed Australia. We can all be proud of our scholars’ achievements and look forward to their contribution to Australia’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific in the years ahead.”

New Colombo Plan 2017 scholars were announced this week by Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, and Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham.

“New Colombo Plan scholars will study in 17 Indo-Pacific locations in 2017, including Pakistan and Papua New Guinea for the first time,” Minister Bishop said.

“This reflects the continued strong demand for diverse study opportunities in our region.”

The NCP scholars will join more than 7,400 New Colombo Plan mobility grant recipients in 2017, taking the total number of students supported by the NCP in its first four years to 17,500.

“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the commitment of the Government, our universities and business champions to invest in our young people and demonstrate our genuine commitment to long-term engagement with our region,” Minister Bishop said.

For more information on the New Colombo Plan visit www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan.

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GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN BONNER

Community organisations in Bonner are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $5000 to assist the work of their volunteers.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the funding is being provided under a $10 million Volunteer Grant funding round, announced by the Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter.

“This funding is a key part of the Australian Government’s support for volunteers who give their time and energy to help build stronger, more cohesive communities,” Mr Vasta said. 

“This is a great opportunity for community organisations in Bonner to apply for a grant of between $1000 and $5000 to support the important work of their volunteers.

“Last year 12 organisations in Bonner received a Volunteer Grant, out of 5282 groups that benefitted nationally.

“These grants can be used by organisations for anything that helps with costs incurred by their volunteers, such as first aid training, background security checks or transport for volunteers who may have a disability, as well as the purchase of much-needed equipment.”

Wynnum Arts Council Inc. used their 2015 grant to purchase equipment, including a first aid kit for first responders, a computer system and colour printer, a data projector and screen, an exhibition banner and more.

“These items will enable our volunteers to effectively deliver our programme of workshops and events for our community. Our volunteers also work with other local community groups to assist with the delivery of their programmes by supplementing their resources. The collaborations with our neighbours at the Wynnum Community Centre enables each organisation to enhance the activities specific to their requirements,” said Wynnum Manly Arts Council Treasurer, Coralie Peterson.

“Volunteer grants are very much appreciated and the Government’s support must be acknowledged.”

The St Agnes Catholic Primary School Parents and Friends Association used their 2015 grant to purchase replacement chairs for their school hall and a much-needed mobile public announcement system, while the St Agnes Netball Club used their grant to provide its volunteers with the opportunity to gain the latest netball training techniques.

“The St Agnes Parents and Friends Association appreciates the volunteer grant funds, which have been of enormous help to the school. These funds have helped cover the cost of new equipment and the training costs of our St Agnes Netball Club volunteers,” said Frances Fernandez of the St Agnes P&F Association.

In opening the Volunteer Grants 2016, Minister Porter said this funding is part of the Commonwealth Government’s $28 million Strengthening Communities programme that supports the capacity of communities to address local issues. 

“Funding priority will be given to organisations working in disadvantaged communities or those affected by natural disasters,” Minister Porter said.

“I particularly encourage regional and Indigenous organisations to apply.”

Applications for Volunteer Grants close 20 December 2016. For further information go to dss.gov.au/grants.

Alternatively, contact the Volunteer Grants 2016 Hotline on free call 1800 020 283 or email grants@dss.gov.au.

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SHOP SMALL IN BONNER THIS CHRISTMAS

As Australians prepare to spend around $50 billion in the lead-up to Christmas Day, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has urged locals to shop small in our community.

“The coming month is when many local businesses take risks, make investments and employ more locals in the hope that the upswing in Christmas retail trade makes it possible,” Mr Vasta said.

“From the many local stores which have unique gifts and must-haves for family, friends and loved ones, to small businesses which sell the groceries necessary for the festive season, there is nothing we need this Christmas which Bonner small businesses don’t sell.”

Mr Vasta said many of Bonner’s small businesses employ more young people and those looking for casual work during the Christmas season.

“Christmas is a vital injection of cash and confidence into our community and a chance to help our small businesses employ more local – particularly young people – and keep that money flowing around our local economy.

Mr Vasta also backed Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack’s challenge to Australians this Christmas – think local and shop small. 

“Through your support and the hard work of millions of Aussies and their small businesses, this can be a merry Christmas for local jobs and for our communities,” Mr McCormack said.

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