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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Ross Vasta MP supports Mt Gravatt Vultures sustainability by funding solar panels

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has funded the installation of brand-new solar panels at Mt Gravatt Vultures AFC through $12,000 thanks to the Morrison Government’s Powering Communities Grant.

The new solar panels will enable the Mt Gravatt Vultures to lower their energy bills so they can reinvest the savings into their sporting community, whilst also supporting the club’s goal to become more environmentally sustainable.

Visiting the Mt Gravatt Vultures, Mr Vasta said the club is already seeing major benefits.

“It’s great to see that the Mt Gravatt Vultures are already enjoying the advantages from the Powering Communities Grant through new solar panels, especially considering energy bills often being one of the biggest overheads for not-for-profit organisations,” said Mr Vasta.

“These savings can be used by the club to expand their growing football program and provide more opportunities for players, spectators and volunteers alike. It will also go towards purchasing equipment like balls and training bibs.

“The Mt Gravatt Vultures are an important part of our sporting community in Bonner, and I am proud to have supported the club over the years with funding for upgrades to their facilities at Dittmer Park.”

The President of the Mt Gravatt Vultures Daryl Guilford, has expressed the club’s sincere appreciation for the funding which enables them to further invest in its growing football program with over 600 male and female players.

Mr Vasta has a strong history of supporting Mt Gravatt Vultures with funding for several projects over the years to upgrade their facilities at Dittmer Park, including night lighting, field irrigation systems, constructions of coaching boxes and spectator facilities.

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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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Murarrie’s Cyborg Dynamics Engineering awarded $3.3 million boost in pursuit of Aussie first

The Morrison Government has awarded a $3.3 million contract to Murarrie based robotics and AI company Cyborg Dynamics Engineering to develop an unmanned combat vehicle; the likes of which have never been made in Australia.

The contract is the company’s first with the Defence Innovation Hub and will secure 20 local jobs.

Visiting the Cyborg Dynamics HQ, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was proud to award them this significant investment to develop their semi-autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV).

“Queensland is once again proving how it is at the forefront of strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities and what’s more is that ground-breaking work is happening right here in Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“Cyborg Dynamics are developing first-of-its kind innovations, integrating an array of supporting Australian technologies into a modular, robotic platform, which if successful, could enhance the load carriage, fire support capabilities and protection of dismounted soldiers.

“This is a major win for Bonner and one which demonstrates how investing in our defence industry is a key priority of the Morrison Government to keep Australians safe, whilst also enabling more local jobs and supporting businesses right across the supply chain.”

Cyborg Dynamics’ innovation will also explore on-board AI target recognition and advanced driving technologies that could allow for single person operation.

This would enable the all-terrain platform to improve in-field soldier capabilities and lethality, ultimately reducing operator risk by providing a robotic-assisted force.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said, “The Morrison Government invests in Australian businesses like Cyborg Dynamics because we understand that truly cutting-edge innovation could provide leading capabilities and better protection for the Australian Defence Force,” Minister Price said.

“The Government’s investment in innovation through the Defence Innovation Hub is critical to ensuring Defence maintains a capability advantage as Australia’s strategic environment continues to rapidly evolve,” Minister Price said.

Industry and research organisations can submit innovation proposals through the Defence Innovation Portal at: www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au.

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Morrison Government expands support for apprentices in Bonner to secure Australia’s future workforce

The Morrison Government will continue to secure Australia’s economic recovery by expanding support to help apprentices finish their training, protecting the skills pipeline delivered under the government’s successful Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program.

The $3.9 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program will extend support into the second and third year of an eligible Australian Apprenticeship through the $716 million Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program.

Under the new changes from October 2021, eligible employers will receive a 10 per cent wage subsidy in the second year of an eligible apprenticeship, and five per cent in the third year. The Morrison Government’s investment is expected to continue to support the 270,000 anticipated commencements under the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program from October 2020 to March 2022.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government was protecting the pipeline of apprentices today so they can become the skilled workforce of tomorrow through the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program.

‘With 1,455 apprentices in Bonner this will give employers the confidence to retain an apprentice in their second and third years of training right through to completion,’ Mr Vasta said.

‘Securing the skilled workforce of tomorrow through the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program is in addition to a record $6.4 billion investment in skills this financial year, including a $500 million expansion of the JobTrainer Fund, which recently hit more than 230,000 course enrolments.’

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the new Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program will help maintain a pipeline of skilled workers right across the economy with 348,200 Australians training as at June 2021, 30 per cent more than the previous 12 months.

‘The Morrison Government has supported a generation of Australian apprentices in the face of the biggest shock to our economy since World War Two,’ Minister Robert said.

‘While other countries shed their apprentice workforces, our highly successful Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement program saw new apprenticeships increase 141.5 per cent year on year.

For further information on how to apply for the program, including information on eligibility, visit www.dese.gov.au/boosting-apprenticeship-commencements or contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.

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Moon to Mars grants provide supply chain boost to Australian companies

The Morrison Government is awarding complex electronics manufacturer, Crystalaid $461,118 in funding to improve their technical capabilities so Australia’s growing space sector can play a key role in NASA’s Moon to Mars project.

The second round of Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants follows the allocation of more than $1 million in the first round of grants in March.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this grant will be a game-changer for Tingalpa based manufacturer, Crystalaid in developing their work and growing their skills and capabilities in the Australian space industry.

“Crystalaid is doing revolutionary work in the space industry, with this funding contributing towards replacing and modernising their vacuum oven technology. This upgrade will enhance their ability to supply electronics components to the international space industry, such as being used in satellite electronics systems.

“It will help Crystalaid meet new supply chain opportunities, create more jobs and deliver opportunities for skilled workers; all of which are essential for strengthening Australia’s space manufacturing.

“I am very proud to see the ongoing successes of Crystalaid, whose work contributes to better positioning Australian companies to be part of NASA’s plan to return to the moon and prepare for missions to Mars.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the grants were designed to get more local companies involved in international supply chains and create new Australian jobs as part
of the government’s $150 million Moon to Mars initiative.

“This funding complements our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy which is supporting the space sector as one of the government’s six priority areas.”

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo congratulated the companies and said they demonstrated the high quality of work being produced in Australia.

“These grants encourage the best in our local companies, helping them develop cutting-edge technologies, create partnerships and link into national and international supply chains,” Mr
Palermo said.

“This strengthens Australian space manufacturing industry and helps build a high tech workforce that can make a significant contribution to the national economy.

“Support from the Moon to Mars initiative and other government programs, combined with the talent and innovation of local space manufacturers, is strengthening Australia’s national space
capability and enhancing Australia’s ability to compete in the international space economy.”

The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of over $700 million being invested by the government into the Australian civil space sector towards the goal of tripling the sector’s size to $12
billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 jobs by 2030.

The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million, with applications open until 30 June 2023.

To apply for a grant and for more information, visit https://www.business.gov.au/M2MSupplyChain

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Volunteer grants available for community organisations

The Australian Government is backing volunteers, with up to $20 million available to support volunteers across the nation.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said up to $132,450 was available in Bonner as part of the 2021 Volunteer Grants round.

Mr Vasta said he eligible, not-for-profit community organisations were invited to submit their expression of interest before 14 April.

“I am liaising with community leaders and relevant committees to identify priority volunteer support for our local area,” Mr Vasta said.

“Volunteers across Bonner freely give their time to support local organisations in a variety of ways, and make an extraordinary contribution to our community.”

Volunteer Grants of between $1000 and $5000 will help volunteers and volunteer groups to buy small equipment for volunteers, by reimbursing volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, or support promotional activities.

Organisations must have been nominated by their Federal Member of Parliament and meet the eligibility criteria which can be checked here.

Each Member can nominate organisations to apply for funding in their electorate up until 29 April 2021. The Department of Social Services will then send an application form to nominated organisations to apply for funding in May 2021.

Successful applicants will be announced in November 2021.

More information is available by emailing ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au or by visiting the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au

 

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Grants open for ex-service organisations

EX-SERVICE organisations (ESOs) who help veterans and their families are invited to apply for the 2021 Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program which is now open.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said ESOs across the country delivered extensive services to veterans and their families including leisure activities, transition support, assisting with claims, rehabilitation and wellbeing programs and hosting many commemorative events and activities.

“I encourage ESOs in Bonner to apply as the services they provide are highly valued by the ex-service community,” Mr Vasta said.

“BEST grants help ESOs provide vital advocacy services for current and former serving men and women, helping with their compensation claims and ensuring they get access to their entitlements and services.

“The services provided by ESOs can help veterans and their families access local support and resources, empowering them to improve their health and wellbeing, stay well, age well and engage in a full life.”

Applications for the grants are now open online, with advocacy service providers encouraged to submit their application before the closing date of 14 April 2021.

“A BEST grant can help contribute towards paying the salary costs of administrative assistants and advocates, and any equipment they might need to deliver their services,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage all ESOs that provide advocacy services to apply for a BEST grant.”

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers a range of grant programs to assist with providing support to veterans and their families.

To apply for a grant or for further information on BEST grants visit the Community Grants Hub website https://www.communitygrants.gov.au

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Commemorative grants open

A new year means the opening of the 2021-22 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, with applications now welcome from organisations in Bonner.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the program was entering its 25th year and had already supported thousands of projects nationally, including in Bonner.

“It gives me great pleasure to let the community know that applications for the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program are now open, as I have seen first-hand the amazing work that results from this grant funding,” Mr Vasta said.

“My electorate of Bonner has a rich military history and each year this community does what it can to ensure we remember those who served and their efforts in defending our nation and its allies.

“This grant has supported some great local projects including the installation of the Armistice Centenary War Memorial at Belmont Shooting Complex, which now allows them to host ANZAC services.

“Commemoration is at the heart of our community, something we see on display each Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and I encourage organisations to apply for funding through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.”

Mr Vasta said 2020 had an unexpected impact on our community due to the coronavirus.

“So, as we enter into the 2021–22 grant funding year, let’s make sure that we use the support provided by the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program to carry on the commemorations legacy.”

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines have also been revised for 2021–22, which includes more information around coronavirus support and new opening and closing dates.

For more information, including access to the lasted guidelines and information on how to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub.

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Call for new Local Drug Action Teams in Bonner

Community Organisations in Bonner are invited to form a partnership to tackle drugs and alcohol, with funding from the Morrison Government.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said applications were open for registration of new Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) to prevent and minimize harm from ice, alcohol and other drugs.

“Alcohol and other drugs, including ice or crystal methamphetamine, are issues for communities, not just for individuals,” Mr Vasta said.

“Community action is effective because many of the factors influencing drug-related harm can only be targeted at the community level, like social connections, education and a sense of belonging.”

This recruitment round aims to approve 40 new LDATs, with $10,000 in initial funding to support prevention and health promotion activities.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the program was an important prevention initiative, targeting a broad range of alcohol and drug related issues.

“There are currently 238 local teams doing great work in all states and territories, who in partnership with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation are developing Community Action Plans to target their local needs.

“The LDAT program has received more than $29 million since it began in 2016 and our Government has already committed more than $800 million over four years to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on individuals, families and communities.”

As part of this investment, the government has also provided $6 million to implement a range of activities, including additional enhanced online and telephone drug and alcohol information and treatment support services to assist the Australian community during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for new LDATs are available on the LDAT Community Hub and close Friday, March 5. The hub contains extensive information about the program and how to apply and prepare a strong application.

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