Time is running out for schools in Bonner to access funding for new computers, sporting equipment or refurbishments with applications for the Coalition Government’s Local School Community Fund closing soon.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said there was less than one month to go for schools to apply for funding through the $30.2 million Local School Community Fund.

“My electorate of Bonner has been allocated $200,000 in grant funding for projects at local schools,” Mr Vasta said.

“Local schools can apply for grants between $1000 and $20,000 for school projects.

“These projects can be anything that benefit the school community, from installing solar panels, kits for robotics, hydration stations, outdoor play equipment, wellbeing programs or composting and colour coded waste bins as an example.”

Mr Vasta said schools should think about the best way the funding could help their students and school and submit an application before it closed.

Applications to the Local Schools Community Fund are open to eligible government, Catholic and independent schools until 5pm, September 30 2019.

Each proposed project will be independently evaluated by a committee appointed by the Member for Bonner.

Schools can apply through SchoolsHUB – www.schools.education.gov.au/

The Morrison Government is investing more than $22 million in a new program to support local environmental projects, giving communities in Bonner new opportunities to protect and care for our natural environment.

Under the government’s Communities Environment Program, each electorate will be provided with up to $150,000 to fund up to 20 local projects, with grants ranging from $2500 to $20,000 per project.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Communities Environment Program would empower local community groups to deliver practical improvements to the local environment.

“Community groups in Bonner are already delivering fantastic projects, whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up local waterways, reducing litter or protecting native species,” Mr Vasta said.

“This investment of more than $22 million will help these groups to make our local region cleaner and greener for future generations.”

A broad range of organisations are eligible for nomination, including community clubs, not-for-profit organisations, landcare groups and schools.

More information is available at www.business.gov.au/cep.

‘Destination Moon’ is the theme of this year’s National Science Week and the students at Wynnum West State School were getting into the spirit with their creative moonscape maze.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP visited the school on Monday where year five students were using iPads to drive sphero robots around a moonscape maze.

“The sphero robots were purchased thanks to a federal government science grant and is an important part of the school’s STEM program,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm for science with students using robotic technology and learning how to code.”

Mr Vasta said National Science Week was a great opportunity to celebrate the social and economic impact of science on our nation.

“We can’t underestimate the importance of science, research and innovation, which are key drivers of the Morrison Government’s plan for a stronger economy,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s particularly important that we inspire kids to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and I’m pleased our government is helping schools achieve this.

“Many of the jobs of the future will require STEM skills and it’s crucial we have students embracing these subjects through primary and secondary schooling.”

For more information visit www.scienceweek.net.au

Round Two of Australian Aid Friendship Grants are now open for charities, local government groups and organisations.

Since starting last year, this three-year program has allocated $10 million to strengthen our relationships between our not-for-profit organisations and our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region.

Eligible non-profit organisations can apply for a one-off grant from $30,000 right up to $60,000 to assist these countries that face various needs and challenges.

Last year, World Hope International from Mackenzie was successful in receiving a Friendship Grant to further their work in Cambodia to build all-year-round climate-controlled mushroom grow houses.

Over 200 applications were received for the Friendship Grants Program that was awarded to 46 organisations through their merit-based selection process.

Round two of the Australia Aid Friendship closes 1 pm AEST 10 September 2019

To know more on how to apply for the Friendship Grant, visit the DFAT website

www.dfat.gov.au/friendshipgrants.

The $185 million Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care 10 year mission funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) has been well invested according to Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta during a recent to visit the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland.

Announced by the Liberal-National Government last year, The Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research at the Queensland Brain Institute was the first recipient of the mission with $10 million for dementia research.

Invited by the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR) to see the research first hand, Mr Vasta stated that this package is an advancement to the health economy of Australia.

“It is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history,” Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said

“The Morrison Government’s commitment to further research into dementia and ageing is a responsibility not taken lightly and the research work done by the team at UQ is taking phenomenal strides to reduce the impact of this disease.”

Mr Vasta invited local dementia advocates from Bonner to join him on the tour and presentation at the QBI world-class research facility. The tour examined the different technologies and new methods researchers are using to reduce the risk of this neurological disease to ensure all Australians have a better quality of life.

Director of the Queensland Brain Institute Professor Pankaj Sah recognises the financial need behind the research to prevent the risk of over one million Australians to be diagnosed by the disease by 2056.

“Ross [Vasta] has been a fantastic supporter and got us in touch with the Federal Government and out of that has come the current round of funding,” Mr Sah said.

“We couldn’t really do any of the stuff we do without their support.”

Our Government is able to provide unprecedented levels of support to health and medical research because of our strong economic management, Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta will continue to work with the team at QBI and local dementia groups.

The Liberal National Government will expand free access to glucose monitoring devices for pregnant women, children and more adults with type 1 diabetes, saving people in Bonner up to $7,000 a year.

Mr Vasta welcomed the $100 million announcement and said the investment guarantees certainty.

“This additional funding over the next four years will ensure that free glucose monitoring devices will be available to over 37,000 eligible people with type 1 diabetes across Australia,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m proud to be part of this Government that recognises the need to support people with type 1 diabetes and their families. I personally know many families in my electorate affected by type 1 diabetes who will stand to benefit from this support.”

From March 1 2019, eligibility for fully subsidised continuous glucose monitoring devices will be expanded under the National Diabetes Services Scheme to include:

• Women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant, breastfeeding or actively planning pregnancy

• People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have concessional status, and who have a high clinical need such as experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycaemic events

• Children and young people with conditions similar to type 1 diabetes who require insulin. This includes a range of conditions such as cystic fibrosis related diabetes or neonatal diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks a person’s ability to produce insulin. People with this condition must be able to monitor their glucose levels day and night.

Continuous glucose monitoring devices continually monitor a person’s glucose levels and provides alerts if glucose levels drop too low.

It involves a sensor, usually attached to the stomach, that monitors the glucose levels and has an alarm that can alert people or their carer if the levels drop to low.

Our Government also plans to add the new the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to the scheme for these people with type 1 diabetes. This will provide patients with more choice in how they manage their diabetes through this important program.

The FreeStyle Libre device involves a sensor on the arm that monitors glucose levels and sends readings to a user’s mobile phone or diabetes management device. When a patient passes their phone or device past the sensor it provides a reading of their glucose levels.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Government will work with Diabetes Australia and key diabetes experts to implement the expanded scheme and finalise the clinical criteria.

“Expanding access to these glucose monitoring devices helps reduce stress and anxiety as well as emergency visits to the hospital,” Minster Hunt said.

“These devices will bring peace of mind to Australians with type 1 diabetes and improve their quality of life now and into the future.”

In line with a commitment made during the 2016 federal election, the Coalition Government has already made access to glucose monitoring products available to eligible children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes – nearly 9,500 young Australians – through the National Diabetes Services Scheme have already taken up the free devices.

The Morrison Government’s strong economic management means we can make sure more patients have access to more life-saving and life-improving medicines and treatments.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has welcomed the opening of a new memorial at Citipointe Christian College commemorating the Centenary of the First World War Armistice.

“It is an honour to attend their Centenary Memorial Ceremony and Opening today and see the school and the community mark Armistice Day,” Mr Vasta said.

“I was pleased to help secure $18,182 under the Armistice Centenary Grants Program to support this project.”

The project, named “The Centenary Memorial”, is modelled on the Australian national monument in Villers-Bretonneux. The new area will allow Citipointe to host community commemoration events and will also be used for its annual ANZAC assembly.

Principal of Citipointe Christian College Pastor Brian Mulheran thanked Mr Vasta for making the school aware of the Armistice Centenary Grants Program and his help securing the grant.

Mr Vasta encouraged locals to attend a Remembrance Day service this Sunday, November 11 and to observe a minute’s silence at 11am to remember the Australian men and women who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

For more information on the Armistice Centenary Grants Program visit http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/contribute/anzac-centenary-commemorative-grants.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has welcomed the opening of the new community hub space at the Silky Oaks Children’s Haven in Manly West.

Mr Vasta said Silky Oaks had converted the space into a multi-purpose care facility that would offer locals in need temporary accommodation, shower facilities, food hampers and more.

“I was pleased to deliver $9,745 in Stronger Communities funding to help make the Community Hub possible,” Mr Vasta said.

“Silky Oaks has provided care and support for children and families on the bayside for 75 years and I’m proud to support their work.

“I would encourage locals to donate food and other non-perishable goods to Silky Oaks as part of their Christmas appeal this year.”

Silky Oaks Chief Executive Officer Darren Frame thanked Mr Vasta for securing the Stronger Communities grant.

More information on the Stronger Communities Programme can be found at https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme.

Bonner schools and community organisations that encourage practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking can apply for a grant between $2,000 and $20,000 from the Coalition Government.

Applications for the Coalition Government’s Maker Projects grants will open on Thursday 8 November.

“The Coalition is providing $1 million in grants through the Maker Projects program, supporting the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills among Australia’s youth,” Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said.

“Mathematics and science skills are essential for our economic prosperity and the jobs of the future, and the Coalition is working to encourage more Bonner students, particularly girls and young women, to study these subjects.”

“We know that 75 per cent of future jobs will require these skills, and this program introduces young people to STEM, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers.”

Mr Vasta said that the highly sought after grants provide an opportunity for students to apply their STEM knowledge and develop entrepreneurial skills.

“The Maker Projects program introduces young people to STEM in innovative and enjoyable ways, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers in the jobs of the future,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s grants and programs like this that foster creativity and learning in Bonner schools and communities and that’s why I strongly encourage local schools and organisations to put themselves forward.”

Grants are offered through two streams. Stream A is for primary and secondary schools, where they can access grants of between $2,000 to $5,000 to establish maker spaces. Stream B is for organisations partnering with industry to run STEM-related events and education activities for Australians under 18. Eligible organisations can apply for funding of between $5,000 and $20,000.

Funding for the program comes from the $29.8 million Inspiring Australia science engagement program through the Coalition’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, aimed at harnessing science, research and innovation as long-term drivers of Australia’s economic prosperity, jobs and growth.
Maker Projects grants are highly competitive and applications will be assessed in the order they are received. The round will close once the annual allocation of funding is exhausted.

Applications can be submitted online from Thursday 8 November 2018 at midday (AEDT). For more information about the streams and to apply, go to: Stream A: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/inspiring-australia-science-engagement/maker-projects and Stream B: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/inspiring-australia-science-engagement/maker-projects-stream-b

The Liberal and Nationals’ Government will invest $60 million to trial a wage subsidy as an incentive for employers in regional and rural communities to engage more apprentices.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator Michaelia Cash said the trial would see up to 1,630 new Australian Apprentices in areas of skills needs.

“There are 3.3 million Australian small businesses which contribute around $395 billion annually to our economy. Small business plays a vital role in our community, from giving young Australians their first real job to supporting our local charities and sporting organisations,” Minister Cash said.

“Through this incentive we are securing the skills our regional and rural businesses need to remain competitive and give local students new opportunities at home.”

From 1 January 2019, the new subsidy under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP), will support eligible new Australian Apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the incentive will provide a much-needed boost to communities throughout regional and rural Australia.

“It’s an incentive that I’m confident will encourage businesses and employers to engage a new apprentice and turbo-charge someone’s future career,” Mr McCormack said.

“This investment from the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is just another practical step to help create jobs and opportunities for small businesses and young people in the regions.

“A VET qualification is every bit as important to the economy as a university degree.

“That’s why our investment in the Skilling Australians Fund – alongside New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT – is vital to create thousands of additional pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships.”

Mr Vasta said under the subsidy, eligible employers within Bonner will be able to receive payments based on the apprentice’s relevant award wage rates.

“Subsidies will be provided at 75 per cent of the apprentice’s award wage in the first year, followed with 50 per cent in the second year and 25 per cent in the third year,” Mr Vasta said.

“The investment is part of our Government’s commitment to maintain a strong vocational education and training (VET) sector that delivers the quality skilled workforce our community needs.”

The new wage subsidy will complement other incentives currently available through the AAIP and support the engagement of eligible new full-time apprentices at the Certificate III and IV levels in occupations on the National Skills Needs List in regional and rural communities.