Clairvaux Football Club scores a goal with federal funding

Clairvaux Football Club (FC) has been successful in receiving funding from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP through the Volunteer Grants program. The funding will be used to purchase new equipment for the club’s volunteers.

On Saturday Mr Vasta attended Clairvaux FC, at Clairvaux Mackillop College, to catch-up with members and find out how the new equipment will help the club.

“It’s been great to work with Clairvaux FC and deliver federal funding which will be used to purchase new fridges for their canteen,” Mr Vasta said.

“Canteens sales at sporting events are a vital source of income and allow the club to reinvest into their players and the community.”

Clairvaux FC Coach and Treasurer Robbie McLean said the funding allows the club to regain an important income stream.

“We are very thankful for the funding that Ross has secured for us, and it will make a massive difference to the club,” Mr McLean said.

“Without fridges to keep food and drinks cold and fresh, we lose the ability to raise money through canteen sales, which means we have less money to reinvest into the club,

“Purchasing new fridges will also mean we can have cold drinks ready for players after games.”

Mr Vasta is proud to support the Clairvaux FC, which last year had 400 players, and provide this Federal funding to benefit the Clairvaux FC sporting community.

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Funding boost for frontline family, domestic and sexual violence services in Queensland

The $260 million National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence has been rolled out, with Queensland receiving their first payment of $13.255 million to help address increased demand for frontline services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding will help keep the residents of Bonner safe and shows the commitment the Morrison Government has towards ending domestic violence.

“When a woman is escaping domestic violence, she is faced with great uncertainty, limited resources and is isolated,” Mr Vasta said.

“I have no tolerance for domestic violence and abuse and I have worked closely with domestic and sexual violence services within Bonner including Beyond DV, to help ensure women and children are safe and secure.

“This funding adds to the $130 million the Morrison Government provided to states and territories in 2020, which funded 450 family and domestic violence frontline organisations and delivered more than 545 activities and services.

“Under the $130 million National Partnership the Queensland government received $25.638 million which supported 130 frontline family domestic and sexual violence services.

“Among the projects funded there was also a focus on offering services to give women the skills and confidence to leave a violent relationship and live independently such as financial counselling programs and support navigating the legal and courts system which can often be daunting or too expensive.

“This additional support for frontline services also works alongside our Escaping Violence Payment which provides women and children leaving a violence relationship up to $5000 to establish a safe home regardless of their income or assets.”

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the Morrison Government was absolutely committed to working collaboratively and cooperatively with our state and territory counterparts to ensure women and children have access to support they need to live free of violence.

“We are providing $65 million in support to states and territories through the first payment under the National Partnership Agreement giving each jurisdiction flexibility to determine where the money is needed most,” Minister Ruston said.

“It is being used to bolster frontline worker numbers, expand crisis accommodation, sexual violence support, counselling and crisis case management, legal support, perpetrator interventions and men’s behaviour change programs.

“Funding is also being directed to help women and children who may have additional barriers to accessing support such as migrants, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ communities and women and children living in rural and remote communities.”

The National Partnership Agreement is being funded under the Morrison Government’s record $1.1 billion investment into women’s safety and coincides with the next National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022 to 2032.

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Funding boost for Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch to support local veterans

Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch in Bonner have been awarded $23,609 from the Morrison Government to support local veterans and their families.

They are among 127 ex-service organisations (ESOs) sharing in $4.35 million through the 2021 round of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said that ESOs in Bonner play a crucial role for local veterans and their families, ensuring they are well supported.

“I would like to thank all ESOs that provide advocacy services in Bonner who continue to provide vital services to our local veteran community,” Mr Vasta said.

“Manly Lota RSL Sub-Branch has been providing a respectful, supportive and inclusive space for our veterans for decades. They are dedicated to keeping the memory of Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and Remembrance Day alive for generations to come.

“Currently, they are managing over 250 veterans’ cases, meaning a key focus of their work is staying up to date with matters of interest to veterans and the broader community.

“This funding is critical to supporting this; equipping the branch with the technology to research cases, ensuring software is up to date as well as the contacting of veterans and ongoing administration.

“It will also extend into making sure the branch can continue to host meaningful community events like morning teas, Remembrance Day ceremonies and various occasions where they can reach out to veterans.

“It will not only make an invaluable difference to the branch, but also to its members and our community.”

Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch Advocate Mark Gallagher said, “Thank you to the Morrison Government for their significant contribution to our branch.”

“It will make possible our day-to-day work to deliver veterans the support they need and deserve to get on with their lives.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the BEST Program assists ESOs across the country to deliver the highest quality services.

“This additional funding will help these groups provide veterans even greater transition support, assistance with claims and entitlements, and access to services such as rehabilitation and wellbeing programs,” Minister Gee said.

“It will make a real difference to those on the ground, providing critical support and resources for veterans in Bonner.

“This year has been tough for many and this funding boost is a clear commitment of the Australian Government’s ongoing support for our ESOs and the local veteran community.”

To apply for future rounds of the BEST Program or for further information, including a full list of successful recipients, visit the Community Grants Hub website https://www.communitygrants.gov.au

 

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Funding transforms Bayside PCYC

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has visited Bayside Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Lota to see the benefits of a previous election commitment representing $558,000 in funding for upgrades of their facilities and equipment which currently service the local community.

With a growing membership base, the clubs’ facilities were in urgent need of repair and this funding has enabled the upgrade of its gym kitchen, electrical, front entrance, fans and roofing to deliver the best possible experience.

Being taken on a tour of the clubs’ new facilities, Mr Vasta said it was fantastic to see how the club has utilised the funding to completely transform the space so it can continue to meet the needs of the community for years to come.

“Bayside PCYC has been helping both young people and seniors in the Bayside area for 49 years. They make an invaluable difference to our community and it has been a privilege to work with them from the very start of their vision for these upgrades,” said Mr Vasta.

“The upgrades will not only benefit Bayside PCYC’s membership base but cater to external community groups as well as the many locals and their families who use the space by ensuring they have access to quality equipment and resources.”

PCYC Queensland Chief Financial Officer Phillip Jessup said, “The facility itself looks fantastic, but it’s also about the extra members that we get coming through now, including over 300 children taking part in gymnastics.”

“The funding has made a huge difference,” said Mr Jessup.

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Further financial support for Bonner’s tourism and hospitality industry

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have reached an agreement to further target $70m from the State and Federal Governments $600m support package to boost support for Queensland’s major tourism and hospitality businesses who continue to face significant hardship.

This new package will support Bonner businesses to stay open, retain their strength and keep locals employed.

The jointly-funded $70 million package includes:

  • Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program – $40 million to provide a second round of grants to small, medium, and large employing tourism and hospitality businesses that received an initial grant from round one of the program.
  • Iconic Tourism Grants – $30 million for grants of up to $4m to ensure that major tourism enterprises remain viable and are ready to scale up as visitation returns.

 Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this funding agreement delivers positive outcomes for local businesses during a time when Queensland is closed off internationally and domestically from New South Wales and Victorian markets.

“Bonner is home to some of the sunshine state’s most breathtaking tourism gems including Moreton Island which is home to Tangalooma Island Resort,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are in an incredibly fortunate position here in Queensland to have the freedom to travel across the state and support our local tourism and hospitality businesses who have been working tirelessly during this time so we can continue making special memories with our friends, families and loved ones.

“Queensland is currently open to South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. In the lead up to the summer months, we look forward to welcoming more Australians to the state and encourage them to explore Bonner’s unrivalled natural marine playgrounds.

“To secure our recovery, the Morrison Government remains committed to seeing the tourism and hospitality industry expand on a local level; bettering the economy and livelihoods.”

The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this package comes on top of the Morrison Government’s more than $30.2 billion in direct economic support to Queensland households and businesses since the start of the pandemic.

“The Morrison Government understands the significant impact lockdowns and border closures have had on business, but especially on those in the tourism sector in Queensland,” Treasurer Frydenberg said.

“This key funding is a part of our joint $600 million commitment with the Queensland Government, for small and medium sized businesses.

“A successful, growing and vibrant Queensland tourism industry depends on all Australians doing the right thing and getting vaccinated.  Governments must also hold up their end of the bargain and stick to the plan agreed at National Cabinet that will see restrictions ease and our borders open up as we reach our vaccination targets of 70 to 80 per cent.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said, “The best thing we can do for our tourism businesses is to get tourists back spending money.”

“The Morrison Government’s investment will provide financial support to these iconic Queensland tourism businesses to help ensure the industry is ready to rebound as our nation eases restrictions as our vaccination rates hit key milestones.”

For more information on the program go to Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program | Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (dtis.qld.gov.au)

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South West Metro Basketball awarded funding to better community integration through sport

South West Metro Basketball and home of the Pirates have been awarded $43,305 in Federal funding to support the integration of migrants and multicultural communities.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP emphasised the instrumental role South West Metro Basketball plays in providing a space which brings locals together and supports Australia’s diverse social fabric.

“Thanks to the Morrison Governments Fostering Integration Grants program, South West Metro Basketball will be supporting youth participation through sport. This facility in Mt Gravatt is surrounded by schools, a TAFE and a University, making it a hub for people of different cultures and backgrounds to come together through their shared love of sport,” said Mr Vasta.

“The funding will be put towards a weekly sports program rolled out in various local schools and community organisations. Participants will be mentored and upskilled to become peer leaders and engage with at-risk migrant youth.

“Funding will also see the establishment of a series of basketball carnivals with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) youth where they will learn how to build the skills and confidence to participate in the community and enter the workforce.

“I was very pleased to congratulate the team at South West Metro Basketball who have established themselves as being a safe and welcoming space for everyone in our community. I look forward to seeing how the funding will contribute to stronger community participation of multicultural communities in Bonner.”

South West Metro Basketball General Manager Rob Tankey said, “We really appreciate the opportunity with this grant. It will enable us to get more participants into our structured sport programs and get kids off the streets.

“It’s healthy for them and it will teach them what it means to be a part of a team. We’re really looking forward to getting this out into the community and getting them involved.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, said that programs such as this are crucial to building connections and supporting migrants to better participate in Australian social, economic and civil life.

“The Fostering Integration Grant Program is about supporting organisations that work alongside the community and enabling them to better understand and overcome the barriers faced by our multicultural communities.

“Projects that are being funded aim to encourage participation in social, sporting and employment activities that both celebrate our multicultural communities and help migrants to gain valuable skills to be utilised within the community and in the workforce,” said Minister Hawke.

Since 2018, the Government has awarded $11.3 million through the Fostering Integration Grants program to help local community organisations support the integration and social cohesion of migrants and multicultural communities.

Further information on the program, including the successful grants, is available on GrantConnect, the Government’s grant information system: www.grants.gov.au.

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It’s go time! Construction to start on new senior playground at Wishart State School

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP was recently updated on the construction progress of a new senior playground at Wishart State School thanks to $350,000 in funding by the Morrison Government.

Visiting Wishart State School, Mr Vasta said he was pleased the construction of the school’s very first senior playground was about to get underway for students in years 4,5 and 6.

“Wishart State School has seen enrolment numbers increase by hundreds over the past few years and this new playground will support students experience as the school continues to grow.”

“The playground has been part of the school’s vision for over 20 years, so it is incredibly special to know what it will mean for both the school and local community.”

“What is particularly wonderful about the plan for the playground, is that everyone has been able to have a say, including the students and the parents. In fact, some of the designs prepared by the year 6 students have been incorporated.”

“The Morrison Government is backing our local schools and enabling real improvements just like those to Wishart State School; with a playground that will cater to all abilities for the senior students as well as specialty equipment for the students with special needs.”

Wishart State School Principal Yolanda Tognini said, “Our school is very grateful for this funding and to see the senior playground come to life in the imminent future. We look forward to welcoming Mr Vasta back as the progress unfolds.”

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Bonner receives agricultural show and field day COVID-recovery boost

  • Australian Government support continues for agricultural shows and field days forced to cancel because of COVID-19
  • 110 events nationally—including the Mt Gravatt Show in Bonner—to share in $710,818 Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days supplementary payments

The Mt Gravatt agricultural show in Bonner is receiving an Australian Government cash boost to help it bounce back bigger and better from COVID-19.

Agricultural shows in Bonner are being boosted with more Australian Government support to help them bounce back from COVID-19 cancellations.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the event has been awarded supplementary expense funding under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.

A total of 110 events across the country will share in the $710,818 cash boost.

“Almost $34 million has already gone out to the 378 shows and field days approved for funding for costs paid from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Our agricultural shows and field days are bouncing back from the pandemic because of the hard work of their volunteers and support from their communities.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said these events were at the heart of local communities and help farmers stay competitive by sharing innovation and new ways of doing business.

“I’m very pleased the Mt Gravatt Show will receive this boost. This is great news for the volunteers and Bonner communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring agricultural shows and field days are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond.”

For more information on the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows.

Fast Facts:

  • The supplementary funding will be delivered to grantees in April-June 2021.
  • The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program reimburses eligible costs for shows and field days which had to cancel because of COVID-19.
  • There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide, that contribute $1 billion to the economy, attract six million visitors and are serviced by 50,000 volunteers.

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More support for travel agents in Bonner

Travel agents in Bonner will benefit from a share in additional funding support of $130 million from the Coalition Government.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said local travel agents could apply for funding support in Round 2 of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program which opens this month.

“The Coalition Government has committed $258 million to support our travel agents through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, with $128 million provided in Round 1 to support some 3000 travel agents,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are now providing additional support via Round 2 and I encourage local travel agents to check their eligibility and apply for funding.

“Our support for travel agents complements the $1.2 billion aviation and tourism support package which was designed to get domestic tourists spending and follows the successful JobKeeper program.

“We can all support our local travel agents in Bonner by using their services when booking a holiday this year.”

Eligible travel agents and tour operators who have received a payment under Round One may be entitled to a second payment, ranging between $7500 and $100,000. To be eligible the business must:

  • Have been operating a travel agent, inbound tour operator or tour wholesaler business prior to the announcement of the closure of international borders, and are continuing to operate that business;
  • Have a turnover of between $50,000 and $20 million (or between $500,000 and $200 million Total Transaction Value – TTV) for the 2019 calendar year; and
  • Have been in receipt of the JobKeeper extension (28 September 2020 to 28 March 2021).

For more information, visit the Austrade website here.

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Lowering energy costs for community groups in Bonner

Community groups across Bonner will be supported by a new Morrison Government program to lower energy costs, support local jobs and help reduce global emissions.

The Powering Communities Program will fund up to 12 projects worth a total of $67,700 in Bonner, with grants of between $5000 and $12,000 available to eligible community organisations, with no co-contribution required.

The grant will assist groups to lower their energy bills by installing solar panels or a battery, upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or a refrigerator with more efficient models, replacing lighting with LEDs or conducting an energy audit.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said when not-for-profit groups invested in their community, it helped local economies to grow and support local jobs.

“Energy bills are often one of the biggest overheads for not-for-profit organisations,” Mr Vasta said.

“Whether it’s a sports club, a senior citizens club or a charity group, by helping to reduce power bills, the grants will ease the financial pressure these organisations face so they can better focus on meeting the needs of our local community.

“Our community groups have done it tough during COVID-19 and I know this program will help them to do what they do best, which is serve and support the community.”

Mr Vasta said Bonner community groups interested in applying, can submit an expression of interest to his office by April 22, 2021.

The Powering Communities Program will help community groups across Bonner get control of their energy use, while helping to play a part in reducing global emissions and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Further information on the program, including eligibility guidelines, is available at business.gov.au or by phoning 13 28 46.

Download an EOI form here:

Powering Communities Program_2021_Qld_Bonner_VastaR

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