Men’s Shed Life Week to combat loneliness

Men’s Shed is celebrating Shed Life Week at four locations across the Bonner electorate to encourage men from all walks of life to build and create together.

With over a thousand locations across Australia, Men Shed aims to be a creative space to combat isolation and loneliness as well as reduce preventable mental health issues.

“Bonner is home to four Men Sheds that do amazing work to foster a sense of community for men of all ages to build and create with the latest shed tools,” Mr Vasta said.

“They’re also a place men can come together to openly talk about import issues relating to their physical and mental health shoulder-to-shoulder.

“Originating in Toowoomba, Men’s Shed has gained momentum world wide breaking the stigma around masculinity and to semi-retired to retired men on the same page about their issues.”

Shed Life Week encourages members to showcase their craftsmanship from around the world, open their doors to new members and promote talking about issues that matter to men’s health.

To find out how you can get involved with your local Men’s Shed visit:

mensshed.org/celebrating-shed-life-this-mens-shed-week/

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New Army combat vehicles boost for Queensland economy

The first of the fleet of new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Defence Force has been unveiled.

The 211 new Boxer 8×8 CRVs will be delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia under the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the new vehicles with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility, will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army.

“These new vehicles are part of the Morrison Government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability over the next decade to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Boxer project will create around 330 jobs here in Queensland – a welcome boost for Defence capability and the local economy.”

Twelve small businesses across Australia have contributed to the production of this first Boxer, ensuring the delivery of these vehicles is a national enterprise.

Over the 30-year life of the vehicles, Australian industry will secure $10.2 billion of the total investment in acquiring and maintaining the fleet.

The vehicles will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved safety to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world.

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AUSTRALIA’S 2020 CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY: BONNER HAVE YOUR SAY

Consultation on Australia’s 2020 Cyber Security Strategy is underway, with the Morrison Government seeking views from across the country to improve the cyber security of Australian citizens, community groups and businesses.

The Department of Home Affairs is hosting a public forum in Brisbane on October 17th for all Australians to discuss the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy with the local community and industry.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the forum presented an opportunity for Australian families and businesses to talk to the Australian Government about how best to protect them online.

“Cyber security is no longer something for technical specialists and large corporations because every day Australians are increasingly affected by malicious online activity and have stories to share,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are asking all Australians to participate in the conversation and contribute their thoughts and ideas through these public forums.”

In 2018 alone, around one in three Australian adults were affected by cybercrime, hundreds of businesses, families and individuals have fallen victim to scams, ransomware, sophisticated fraud or the theft of their intellectual property.

The Australian Government has also released a public discussion paper to start the conversation. Those unable to attend the public forum are invited to contribute their views by submitting a response online.

For more information and to register for Brisbane’s public forum, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2020-cyber-security-strategy-open-forum-brisbane-registration-71026611507

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