The Liberal-National Government has announced up to $315,000 in grant funding to make conferences more accessible for people with disability.

The National Disability Conference Initiative grants assist eligible conference organisers to include people with disability at nationally-focused, disability-related conferences in Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the grant funding will help to assist people with disability, their families and carers to attend conferences.

“Grants of up to $10,000 are available to organisations to help people with disability participate in disability-related conferences from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

The grants are designed to assist people with disability with the costs of attending the conference—assisting them with conference fees, accommodation and travel costs.

They can also be used for accessibility purposes such as funding AUSLAN interpreters, assistive computer devices or software, aids or appliances or other costs relating to venue accessibility.

“I encourage organisations in Bonner planning to hold a disability-related conference during this period to apply for a National Disability Conference Initiative grant,” Mr Vasta said.

The Government anticipates the funding will enable over 30 conferences across the country to be more inclusive of people with disability, their families and carers to attend conferences about issues that affect them.

Applications open on 9 January 2019 and close at 2pm (AEDT) on 20 February 2019. To apply for a grant or for more information on the National Disability Conference Initiative grant round, go to Australian Government Community Grants Hub at communitygrants.gov.au or Grant Connect at grants.gov.au.

The Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta is calling on all local sport and physical activity providers to apply for funding for a national $28.9million program aimed at encouraging Australians to get more active.

The Liberal Nationals Sport Participation Grants program was launched today by Federal Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie, enabling sporting organisations, sporting organisations for people with a disability, non-government and local government organisations, to apply for grants that will genuinely impact the level of activity of Australians.

Mr Vasta urged sporting groups and local government organisations to create or enhance programs that would help attract people across a wide range of age, ability and location to participate in physical activity and sport.

“We know how important sport and physical activity is to help both children and adults lead a happy, healthy life. Our goal is to get more Australians more active more often, Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage eligible organisations to consider impactful ways to innovate with new programs, or enhance existing physical activity initiatives that will improve the lives of all Aussies across my electorate. We need help get adults to “Find their 30” minutes of exercise a day, and children to reach the 60 minutes per day recommended by the Dept of Health.

The Sports Participation Grants follow the recent announcements of the Better Ageing grants and the Community Sport Infrastructure Grants.

Applications will open on Monday January 7th 2019 and close on 18^th of February 2019 for more info visit: www.sportaus.gov.au/participationgrants