Community groups in Bonner can apply for new NAIDOC local grants to help showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said NAIDOC Week 2020 would be held between November 8 – 15 and there was $1.4 million available to support local communities to host events and other activities during the week.

“All Australians are excited to start planning and attending in-person and virtual events in a COVID safe way and NAIDOC Week will be an opportunity to celebrate our resilience,” Mr Vasta said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play a vital role in the story of our nation and through these grants, events will be held to celebrate our proud history and shared culture, and also recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of Indigenous Australians.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s theme was Always Was, Always Will Be.

“I look forward to our local community groups engaging with Indigenous culture, gaining a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrating the unique place Indigenous peoples have in our society,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage everyone to plan how they will get involved with NAIDOC Week and look forward to unique events and other activities to showcase the best of Indigenous Australia in a safe way.”

Information on the 2020 NAIDOC local grants round is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc

Applications close 17 August 2020 and all applicants from the previous round in March will be contacted by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and provided guidance on how to re-apply.

Events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 will be posted to www.naidoc.org.au

Tingalpa manufacturing company Crystalaid has received a $100,000 Morrison Government grant through the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) to help them adopt new technology to make their processes more efficient.

The MMF grant will be used to purchase an automated Printed Circuit Board Cleaner as well as some minor building extensions to house the new technology.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Morrison Government’s MMF grants came at an important time for the local manufacturing sector.

“The Morrison Government is committed to Australian manufacturing and supporting small businesses like Crystalaid in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“This investment will not only strengthen this business and create jobs, it will provide a much needed confidence boost as we face this unprecedented pandemic.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said 200 projects were supported through the MMF program and were expected to create around 2,600 Australian jobs.

“We established the MMF before the coronavirus pandemic to help small and medium sized manufacturers invest in capital equipment and new technologies to transform and upgrade their manufacturing operations,” Minister Andrews said.

“Now as we face the coronavirus pandemic and look to come out the other side stronger, this investment will be more critical than ever as we prepare Australian manufacturing beyond COVID-19 and the challenges of today.”

For more information on the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund visit www.business.gov.au/MMF

The Australian Academy of Martial Arts (AAMA) officially opened their new training facility doors to showcase the new and improved dojo.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was so pleased to be able to support this much deserved upgrade with $185,000 Morrison Government grant to enhance the club’s training facility.

“Through the Community Development grant we were able to contribute $185,000 to the enhancement of AMMA and help them continue the 47 year legacy they’ve established in the community,” Mr Vasta said.

AAMA President Lyndon Kurth said the welcome upgrade ensured their sporting club would continue its impactful future on young people in the region.

“This new Dojo will ensure the sustainable future of our volunteer operated club whilst also offering affordable karate tuition fees for families,” Mr Kurth said.

“Our classes are more than self-defense but rather about enhancing the mind, body and spirit through excellence in karate.

“It’s also a great inclusive sport for women and children.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s investment in community infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the Mt Gravatt region.

“This investment will contribute to people feeling more socially connected and building self-esteem, particularly among vulnerable youth and provide positive health benefits,” Mr McCormack said.

The Morrison Government has invested $20 million as part of round 8 of the Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-Ps) to help businesses reduce their plastic waste, boost recycling initiatives and build a sustainable environment through job creating projects.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said these projects are driving Australia’s waste-recycling industry forward.

“There are nine projects in this round which will see Australia reduce its plastic waste and boost plastic recycling,” Mr Vasta said.

“By working with the waste and recycling industries, we believe the CRC-P grants will help foster innovative ideas that will help boost and strengthen our environment and economy.

“We have seen $289 million committed to CRC-Ps since 2016 as part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to strengthening Australian industry and create 1.25 million jobs in the next five years.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews MP said the projects showed the great economic opportunities in waste recycling.

“Not only are these new projects ensuring Australia’s environmentally sustainable future, they are also creating further opportunities for new jobs,” Minister Andrews said.

“This funding will support Australian businesses and researches as they forge new markets to limit the use of plastics and create recycled products.”

Applications for Round 9 of the CRC-P grants open February 13. For more information visit www.business.gov.au/crc-p

Volunteers are the lifeblood of local communities and to further support the work they do local community groups can apply now for a Morrison Government Volunteer Grant.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said $66,000 in funding was available for his electorate and he encouraged eligible community groups to apply.

“Volunteering adds social and economic benefits to our region such as increased confidence and skill development, which is why I am pleased to offer these grants to further support Bonner’s volunteers,” Mr Vasta said.

“The grants form part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting organisations whose volunteers assist in our communities and encourage the inclusion of vulnerable people in our society.

“My office will liaise with community leaders and relevant committees to identify priority volunteer support for our local area.

Mr Vasta said the grants could be used to buy small equipment for volunteers or for the reimbursement of volunteer fuel, transport or training costs. “Community groups can apply for grants between $1000 and $5000,” Mr Vasta said.

Each Federal Member of Parliament is able to nominate organisations to apply for funding in their electorate between now and 28 January 2020.

The Department of Social Services will then send an application form to nominated organisations to apply for funding in February 2020.

Successful applicants will be announced in May 2020.

For more information about the grants, please go to the Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au

A greenhouse, LED lighting and a library refurbishment are among some of the exciting new projects for schools in Bonner who received funding under the Morrison Government’s Local School Community Fund program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said students would be the big winners in this funding program, which supports small but vital projects in local schools.

“These are the small projects that make a big difference to providing better learning outcomes and learning experiences for students in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“School communities nominated the projects they most wanted and the Morrison Government stepped up with funding support through our $30.2 million Local School Community Fund.

“This is an additional investment on top of our record funding of $310 billion for schools.”

Schools in Bonner to recieve funding include:

• Belmont State School $20,000 to refurbish their multi-purpose centre
• Holland Park State High School $19,995 to install energy efficient LED lighting
• Mount Gravatt State School $8058 to construct a Greenhouse
• Mount Gravatt State High School $12,500 for the installation of musical instrument bag racks
• Rochedale State High School $19,909 for Library refurbishment and upgrades
• St Peter’s Primary School at Rochedale $20,000 for a nature based interactive learning project
• Mackenzie State Special School $4944 to expand their Thrift Shop
• Guardian Angels’ Primary School $20,000 for the installation of synthetic grass for the P2 playground
• Murarrie State School $20,000 to install air-conditioning
• Tingalpa State School $20,000 to install ceiling fans in the Assembly Hall
• Darling Point Special School $20,000 to upgrade playground equipment
• Wynnum State School $14,594 to upgrade senior laptop and robotics devices

Mr Vasta said these projects would go a long way to supporting students when completed in 2020.

Local road maintenance in the Bonner electorate will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the program would help deliver a much-needed upgrade to Player Street in Upper Mount Gravatt.

“This project will extend Player Street to provide a connection with Kessels Road, with the Morrison Government committing $3.8 million to the project,” Mr Vasta said.

“Work will involve constructing the new road link from the existing intersection of Kessels Road and MacGregor Street through to Player Street.

“The work will also include removing the existing traffic signals at the Kessels Road and Cremin Street intersection, and providing left-in only access to Cremin Street.”

Mr Vasta said in total the Australian Government would deliver over $139.6 million to 310 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better-maintained roads.

“The Roads to Recovery funding will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads,” Mr Vasta said.

MacGregor Ward Councillor Steven Huang said this jointly funded Australian Government and Brisbane City Council project would improve local roads and reduce congestion for residents.

“It’s great to see a joint approach to this road project which will improve safety, reduce queue lengths and delays and provide better access to and from the residential catchment north of Kessels Road,” Cr Huang said.

“Every day Council works with local residents and other levels of government to deliver the infrastructure our growing city needs, and the Player Street upgrade is a great example of this.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack MP said the Australian Government had committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget.

“From 2013–14 to 2023–24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr McCormack said.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew Gee MP said the Australian Government was committed to getting Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they lived.

“Our Roads to Recovery investments will deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the country,” Mr Gee said.

The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through Financial Assistance Grants, and the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity and Roads to Recovery programs.

More information on these programs is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

Multicultural groups and not-for-profit organisations in Bonner are encouraged to apply for the Fostering Integration Grant Program, with applications now open.

The Morrison Government is providing $2.3 million for community organisations to support the integration of migrants into Australian social, economic and civil life.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrants Services and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman MP said this round of grants would fund activities that celebrate and recognise Australia’s multicultural communities, increase cultural awareness and help build more socially cohesive communities.

“The program has been refined to optimise opportunities for smaller, grassroots organisations,” Mr Coleman said.

“There is also a focus on key cultural events, which raise awareness of Australia’s multicultural diversity and promote a sense of belonging by bringing people together.

“Activities funded may include cultural events or festivals, programs that help migrants undertake valuable work experience in order to succeed in the workforce, or opportunities to practice English in their local community.”

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the grants would enhance the important work they do at the local level, recognising that safe communities are built on strong communities.

“Local community organisations have an important role to play in in helping migrants, particularly young people, women and those in regional areas access the workforce and participate more in the community,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Fostering Integration Grants program is about supporting organisations that work at the grassroots level in their community and have a strong understanding of the challenges facing migrants.”

Not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $60,000 for activities lasting up to 12 months.

Applications for the Fostering Integration Grants close November 5, 2019.

For more information and to apply for the Fostering Integration Grant Program, visit the Community Grants Hub website at www.communitygrants.gov.au

Schools in Bonner have one week left to apply for funding through the Coalition Government’s Local School Community Fund to support small-scale projects.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said schools could apply for grants of up to $20,000 for school projects that benefit their students’ learning experience.

“Projects could be anything from upgrading playground and sporting equipment, to library resources, new computers and mental health and counselling services,” Mr Vasta said.

“My electorate has been allocated $200,000 in grant funding for projects and I urge all schools across Bonner to submit an application for funding though the Local School Community Fund.

“I want to see applications from every school across Bonner seeking funding for projects that will help their students and the local school community.”

The Local Schools Community Fund is open to eligible state, Catholic and Independent schools.

Schools may submit one application for up to $20,000 funding for each of their campuses.

Applications close at 5pm AEST on September 30, 2019 and projects must be completed by the end of 2020.

Schools can apply for the Coalition Government program through SchoolsHUB – https://schools.education.gov.au/.

Local Sporting Champions continues to support more aspiring young sportspeople than ever before, with Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta encouraging families to apply for the next round of the popular grants program by 30 September 2019.

The Morrison Government’s Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to aspiring young athletes, coaches and officials between the ages of 12-18 attending eligible state, national or international sporting championships.

Mr Vasta said Local Sporting Champions, managed by Sport Australia, was an important initiative for talented young sportspeople and their families.

“Local Sporting Champions provides an opportunity for aspiring young athletes from the Bonner Electorate to take part in high level competition,” Mr Vasta said.

“This program helps support families meet the costs associated with attending sporting competitions such as competition entry fees, travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment.

Local Sporting Champions continues to grow, with the Morrison Government announcing a funding boost in 2018-19 of $11.8million over four years. Funding starts at $500 per grant, with additional provisions for longer distance travel.

Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said assisting families to engage in high level sporting competition would help meet the Morrison Government’s Sport 2030 plan to help more Australians be more active more often.

“Local Sporting Champions has already delivered more than $30 million in grants to more than 52,000 young Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Sport and physical activity is a valuable part of any child’s development, so this program is a great investment in the health of our nation.”

Applications for the Local Sporting Champions program are open throughout the entire year, with four assessment periods. To be considered for the next assessment period, applications must be in by 30 September, 2019.

For more information on Local Sporting Champions grants, including the eligibility criteria and to apply, visit www.sportaus.gov.au/lsc