The Morrison Government today congratulates the Australian athletes who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games including those from Bonner.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Team Australia had blown away the nation and broken records across the board, with local stars from across Bonner also making their mark.

“Bonner locals have been inspired by the Olympic athletes that call the area home, including Gymnasts Georgie Godwin, Lidiia Iakovleva, Alexandra Aristoteli, Emily Ellison Abbot along with Footballer Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne,” Mr Vasta said.

“It is proof to any aspiring athlete in Bonner that competing for our nation is an achievable goal and the journey can begin right in their neighbourhood.

“With Australia having recently secured the 2032 Games in South East Queensland, it is a game changer for our young people who can aspire to compete at a home Games.”

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said, “On behalf of all Australians, I would like to congratulate our Olympians for their outstanding success and achievements.

“You have allowed us to cheer from the sidelines and had us on the edge of our seats, uniting us as a nation at a time when we have never need it more.”

Australian athletes were responsible for an equal all-time gold medal haul of 17, with seven silver and 22 bronze.

Mr Colbeck said the Australian team provided plenty of highlights.

This included the astonishing performance of swimmer Emma McKeon whose seven medals in the pool – four gold and three bronze – equalled the most by any woman across all sports at any Olympics.

“It doesn’t happen without hard work, long hours training and sacrifice – but Emma’s Olympic feat is now etched in the pages of Australian sporting history,” Minister Colbeck said.

Other incredible Olympic stories included Jess Fox’s gold in the canoe slalom, Ariarne Titmus edging out Katie Ledecky in the 400 metre freestyle, Andrew Hoy becoming the country’s oldest medallist with silver and bronze in equestrian and 800m runner Peter Bol delivering a stirring performance on the track.

Keegan Palmer will also go down in history for winning the first men’s park skateboarding gold, while Cedric Dubler’s extraordinary act of sportsmanship in the men’s decathlon – running beside team mate Ash Moloney, urging him to a bronze medal – is one of the moments of the Games.

Then on the second-last day of the Games, an inspirational Patty Mills led the way with the Boomers to secure a bronze – the first Olympic medal in Australia’s men’s basketball history.

Mr Vasta said he was incredibly proud of the Australian Olympians, along with the tremendous efforts of their coaches, support staff, family and friends who assisted them in getting to Tokyo.

“To see our home-ground athletes compete at the highest level is an integral part of Australia’s sporting history and is invaluable in inspiring participation for generations to come,”

“We now set our sights to the Tokyo Paralympic Games which will begin on Tuesday 24^th August. I am certainly looking forward to cheering on our world class Australian Paralympic team!”

A full list of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games local competitors can be found here.

Wynnum’s Waterloo Bay Hotel has been awarded $25,000 in funding from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP to contribute to a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly business.

Prior to the current lockdown, Mr Vasta met with the Waterloo Bay Hotel’s Group Director Justin Ham and Operations Manager Ailish Harding to congratulate them on this funding thanks to the Morrison Government’s $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program which supports small and medium hotels improve energy productivity and reduce their carbon footprint.

“This amount of funding is truly game changing for our local small and medium businesses like the Waterloo Bay Hotel, providing lasting energy savings, reducing operating costs and bettering our environment,” said Mr Vasta.

“The hotel has put the funding towards replacing all of the aircon units in their motel rooms, opting for more energy efficient options which will help lower their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint significantly. These savings will support the creation of new jobs which is essential to securing our national recovery.

“Tourism and hospitality sectors are amongst the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with funding awarded by the Morrison Government being vital to helping our local operators get back on their feet.”

Waterloo Bay Hotel Operations Manager Ailish Harding said, “What this will do for our hotel is reduce our energy and electricity costs significantly. We are so thankful for being awarded this funding which will help our business greatly.”

“Switching to a clean energy future is about establishing simple and small changes which make a big difference. The changes introduced by the Waterloo Bay Hotel demonstrate conscious decision making to help protect our environment,” said Mr Vasta.

The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Hotels, motels and serviced apartments with up to 99 rooms were eligible to receive funding under the program.

Bonner residents whose hours of work have been impacted by the current lockdown will be able to claim COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government is committed to standing with Australians as we make our way through the global pandemic.

“Eligible people will receive $750 per week if they have lost 20 or more hours of work, and $450 per week if they have lost between 8 and less than 20 hours of work, or a full day of work,” Mr Vasta said.

“The payment will be available to eligible people who live or work in the hotspot areas in Queensland, or who have visited a Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspot.

“Eligible people will be back-paid to the start of the lockdown.”

People who currently receive an income support payment can also claim to receive a payment of $200 if they have lost more than 8 hours of work and meet the other eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment. This payment is additional to their regular income support payment.

The fastest and easiest way to claim is through a myGov account.

More information about financial support available to Queenslanders and how to claim will be available on the Services Australia website at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19disasterpayment

In celebration of Early Learning Matters Week falling between 26 to 30 July, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP visited Green Eggs Early Childhood Centre in Mansfield and Mother Duck Manly Child Care Centre to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning.

Visiting both centres kindergarten classes, Mr Vasta donated the ‘If I Was Prime Minister’ book written by Beck Feiner and Rob Feiner and read it to the children.

“I have so many wonderful childcare centres in Bonner and I always feel welcome by the staff and the children. These centres are building the foundation for children’s wellbeing and achievement throughout their lives,” said Mr Vasta.

“As a father, we want to make sure our children are in the best hands and reaching their full potential. This Early Learning Matters Week, I want to thank our early childhood educators in Bonner for the high-quality early education and care they provide.”

“It was heart-warming to see the children at Green Eggs Early Childhood Centre and Mother Duck Manly Child Care thrive in a space that is inclusive and supports them to be confident and enthusiastic learners.

“This year, the Morrison Government invested a further $1.7 billion in childcare to increaseits affordability and give more parents the choice to take on extra work.

Mother Duck Child Care and Preschool Nominated Supervisor, Kate Crossan said, “Early Learning Matters Week matters to me and my work in the sector as we are playing a part in nurturing the futures of the children in our community and equipping them with the skills they need.

“Children need strong role models, both at home and in their daily environments. It is vital as educators we are guiding them on the value of early education right from the very start.”

Mr Vasta said childhood educators continue to make a real difference to the lives of our children and their families.

“I encourage parents, families and communities across Bonner to thank their childhood educators this week.”

Today, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP convened a Bayside Mental Health Roundtable, which saw mental health experts including service providers, GP’s, first responders, schools and more, come together to start a conversation around mental health services on the Bayside.

It follows the recent Bayside Mental Health Survey that Mr Vasta put out, with over 500 responses and 97% of respondents confirming there was a great need in our community.

Reflecting on today’s event, Mr Vasta said it was a privilege to bring together a breadth of mental health and community providers to partake in positive and constructive conversations to workshop solutions for the Bayside.

“To make a difference in our community, it starts with a simple conversation. This was the aim of today’s Roundtable; bringing together experts in the mental health sector who are united by their shared passion for this space.”

“These individuals work across all parts of the community including (but not limited to) with children, men, women, young people, adults, older people, First Nations and LGBTQI+ meaning they have a deep understanding of what is happening and what needs to be done in our area specifically.”

“We had three levels of government in the room, from both sides, which clearly demonstrates the overwhelming need in our area. It also reiterates the mental health of our community is far greater than politics.”

Stride National Manager – Business Development and Bayside local, Ellen Heathwood, facilitated the Bayside Mental Health Roundtable.

“Today’s event provided a space for local providers, funders and other community representatives to have real and honest conversations around the mental health needs of this community with some great proposed solutions. With so many providers in the room, not to mention a representative from each levels of government, we were able to really challenge each other when it came to devising solutions to bridging gaps,” said Ms Heathwood.

“As a local, I regularly hear from the community that there is a need for more support for mental health services on the Bayside and today was a great way to sense check this. I was proud to be involved in this Roundtable.”

Mr Vasta extended his sincere thanks to those working in the Bayside’s Mental Health Sector.

“Listening to and learning about the life changing work they do in our community, it was clear that their dedication and passion is vital to supporting the livelihoods of our locals,” said Mr Vasta.

“I look forward to pursuing the outcomes of the Bayside Mental Health Roundtable and delivering for our community.”

Supporting mental health is a key priority of the Morrison Government, who made a $2.3 billion commitment to the sector as part of the recent 2021-22 Federal Budget. The Bayside Mental Health Roundtable forms part of Mr Vasta’s plan to ensure the funding included as part of the Budget will benefit the Bayside.

Do not hesitate to reach out for mental health support. Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).

In the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, happening up until 8 August, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has been catching up with Australian Olympians and Paralympians in the electorate.

There are a five Olympians competing in the 2020 Olympics who reside in Bonner, including Gymnasts Georgie Godwin, Lidiia Iakovleva, Alexandra Aristoteli, Emily Ellison Abbot along with Footballer Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne.

Sleeman Sport Complex in Chandler is home to some of the Australian athletes and teams from across the country competing this year.

Visiting the complex last week, Mr Vasta said he was thrilled to meet with diver Cassiel Rousseau as well as four weightlifters training at its Cougars Weightlifting Club including Brandon Wakeling, Erika Yamasaki, Matthew Lydeme, Charisma Amoe-Tarrant; all of whom are making their Olympic debut at Tokyo.

“How incredible it is to have our Australian Olympians training and reaching their personal best right here in Bonner, with teams including Track Cycling, BMX Cycling, Artistic Swimming, Olympic and Paralympic Swimming, Water polo, Diving and Pentathlon,” said Mr Vasta.

“Facilities like Sleeman’s Sport Complex are setting our athletes up for success. In fact, four out of five of the Olympic Weightlifters representing Australia come from Cougars Weightlifting Club.

Following the Tokyo Olympics will be the Tokyo Paralympics happening between 24 August and 5 September.

Ahead of these games, Mr Vasta met with Paralympic Swimmer and Bonner local Rachael Wilson OAM who won gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the 50m freestyle event.

Ms Watson said, “After training incredibly hard over the last five years, I am thrilled the games are going ahead this year. I can’t wait for the opportunity to be with the team in Tokyo and for all my hard work to pay off.”

“It is a privilege to personally congratulate the athletes who are representing our country in Tokyo and when meeting with Rachael, I was even able to present her with an Australian flag to take on her travels,” said Mr Vasta.

Mr Vasta said many of these athletes shared how they were inspired by the achievements of previous Australian Olympians.

In time for tonight’s opening ceremony, Mr Vasta met with Australian long-distance freestyle swimmer Julie McDonald OAM on the Bayside.

“Julie grew up in the electorate in Rochedale. It was fantastic to hear her story and what eventually led her to competing in freestyle events at the Barcelona 1992 and Seoul 1988 Olympics and being the only Australian woman to win a swimming medal in Seoul!” said Mr Vasta.

“She is a true inspiration to young athletes in the electorate, proving that if you have the passion and drive, you can too begin your Olympic journey in your own neighbourhood.”

Passing on a message to this year’s Olympians Mrs McDonald said, “Enjoy the experience, absorb it all, take it all in and keep a journal of all your experiences!”

“Bonner is clearly becoming the place to be for our current and upcoming athletes, and it couldn’t be more exciting to see Brisbane awarded the 2032 Olympics this week,” said Mr Vasta.

“This is a game changer for our young Aussie athletes who get to see where they could be in 10 years’ time.”

You can watch the Olympics live and free in Australia on Channel 7, 7mate, 7two and 7plus, with coverage beginning from 5.30am AEST on weekdays and 6am AEST on weekends.

Preliminary planning for the Lindum Crossing upgrade has been completed, with work set to start on vital short-term safety upgrades as well as the development of a preliminary business case to investigate a long-term grade separation of the crossing.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is getting on with improving congestion and safety for commuters, with $10 million of his $85 million commitment to the crossing being put towards these immediate upgrades.

Mr Vasta said this project has been long awaited but we must get it right and that takes time.

“I share the community’s frustration in the speed of the upgrade. Keeping our community safe is my main priority and we have all three levels of Government working behind the scenes on this project.

“I am happy to share the safety upgrades to Lindum Crossing are finally getting underway, with $10 million of my $85 million commitment to this project going towards short term safety upgrades to be undertaken by the Brisbane City Council.

“We recognise the urgency of improving the safety and congestion of commuters and that is why we have pushed for these immediate upgrades.”

Doboy Ward Councillor Lisa Atwood said, “It’s great to be working with Ross Vasta on this project and delivering the outcomes we have been fighting hard for our community.

“We know the community is calling for these safety outcomes and we are delivering them as soon as we possibly can, with the immediate short-term upgrade being the first stage of this plan.

“To keep pushing this project, conversations between all levels of Government will be had over the coming weeks. We will continue to address the essential safety, efficiency, and accessibility issues to put in place long-term safety solutions for commuters.”

The Federal funding for the Lindum Crossing upgrade has been delivered as part of the Coalition’s $4.8 billion Urban Congestion Fund.

Bonner residents are being encouraged to Arm Yourself, in a major new advertising campaign to promote the COVID-19 vaccinations.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way Australians can protect themselves, their loved ones, the people they care about and the wider community.

This new campaign features a variety of people with a band aid on their arm, representing being vaccinated.  In this way, they providing the best defence against hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.

The new advertisements are a step change from the previous campaign and reflect the step up in the vaccination rollout.

“The advertising strategy has always been designed to evolve in line with the vaccination program,” Mr Vasta said. “This is now happening with increased supply of vaccines, particularly the Pfizer vaccine.”

More than 900 general practices around the nation are now administering the Pfizer vaccine today, with a total of more than 5,000 GPs offering Astra Zeneca.

The number of practices giving the Pfizer vaccine will be further increased to 1,300 by the end of July, along with up to 135 Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics and approximately 90 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS).

All up, there are more than 5,000 GPs administering vaccines, including the Astrazeneca vaccine.

“I encourage those not yet vaccinated to make a booking and they can do that through the eligibility checker and finder service at australia.gov.au,” Mr Vasta said.

“More than 9.3 million vaccinations have now been administered.  Importantly those most at risk are increasingly being protected with three quarters of those over the age of 70 having received a vaccine”.

“Bonner residents who have armed themselves with the vaccine know they are protecting themselves and our community and we thank them for that and we encourage others to now do make their vaccination booking,” Mr Vasta said.

The overwhelming generosity of the community has seen the 2021 Bonner Winter Appeal be the most successful year thus far, with donations of blankets, warm clothing and canned goods for Bonner’s community organisations in need.

With the appeal taking place over six weeks, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP’s office was visited multiple times a day by members of the community and local businesses with goods to help spread the love this winter, even in the days after it had wrapped up.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who donated to this year’s Bonner Winter Appeal. Winter is an extremely hard time for some of our locals and this year’s appeal gave us the special opportunity to make a difference,” said Mr Vasta.

“I was humbled to provide these donations to our various community groups including, Wynnum Community Place, Mt Gravatt Community Centre, Beyond DV, St Peters and Rosies. In fact, we had over 70 blankets donated to Mt Gravatt Community Centre alone!

“These organisations couldn’t be more grateful for what it will mean for locals needing some of the simple food and clothing items most of us take for granted.”

Mt Gravatt Community Centre CEO Deb Crompton said, “We’re very grateful for the donations. This means so much to our most vulnerable in the community who can keep warm this winter.”

“There’s always more we can do as a community to help our vulnerable, but even the smallest acts of generosity can make a priceless difference to someone’s life,” said Mr Vasta.

Manufacturers, research institutions and organisations in Bonner are being encouraged to work together on job-creating projects as part of the $800 million Collaboration stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI).

The Government has recently launched the Collaboration stream which will support business-to-business and business-to-research collaboration across the six National Manufacturing Priorities under the MMI, the centrepiece of the Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

The launch of the Collaboration stream of the MMI follows the opening of the Translation and Integration streams of the MMI earlier this year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has called on Bonner’s businesses and research organisations to consider opportunities to collaborate on job-creating projects.

“We already have a strong collaborative spirit in Bonner and this stream under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative is about seizing on that,” Mr Vasta said.

“When organisations are brought together to draw on each other’s strengths that’s when we realise enormous economic and jobs potential.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said grants of between $20 million and $200 million will be available on a co-investment basis for large-scale collaboration projects.

“Collaboration is crucial if we are to build scale in Australian manufacturing and create the jobs we need now in the COVID-19 recovery and for generations to come,” Minister Porter said.

“We want to support transformative collaborations that will spur private sector investment, encouraging our manufacturers to work together, and work with our world class research sector to innovate and become more competitive.

“The Collaboration stream is the largest under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, designed to turbo-charge Australia’s manufacturing sector while opening up new export markets and creating new skilled jobs.”

The six National Manufacturing Priorities are Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing, Food and Beverage, Medical Products, Recycling and Clean Energy, Defence, and Space.

The design of the Collaboration stream will be a single stage process. This approach will get money into the hands of successful applicants sooner, providing the boost the manufacturing sector needs to make important new investments, particularly as we continue our path to recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Guidelines have today been released at: www.business.gov.au/mmic

Businesses can now prepare their applications, which can then be lodged from 11 August, 2021. The program closes on 9 September 2021.

Grants will cover up to 33 per cent of eligible project expenditure.