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.

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.

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

It was great to see the Minister for Sport launch the Move It Australia—Better Ageing Grant Program last month. With our ageing population, it’s more important than ever to get older Australians up and moving. The Better Ageing Grant Program has grants of up to $2 million available to help deliver sporting programs to Australians over 65. I want to encourage local sporting, local community, local non-government and local government organisations in my electorate to apply.

There are some fantastic sporting initiatives in Bonner for seniors. Walking football is one of them, and it’s taking off in the electorate. Bayside United Football Club and Wynnum 60 and Better Program have organised walking only soccer matches for older locals. I played one of their matches recently. Players told me that it was great to be able to participate in a team sport that wasn’t too hard on their bodies but kept them active, fit and social. I have to thank Bayside United president Greg Pascal for championing the sport and helping it grow in the electorate.

Bayside United plans to run two walking football competitions in the near future. One will be for 50- to 59-year-olds; the other will be for over-60s. I actually turned 52 last week, so you could say I have a shot at a soccer championship one day! Actually, seeing how the players walked rings around me on the field the other day, I’d have really no chance! Well done to Bayside United and Wynnum 60 and Better. I can’t wait to see things kick off soon.

I move:

That this House:

(1) recognises the fantastic contribution that volunteers make to the community of Bonner, and to Australia in general;

(2) notes there are 8 million volunteers around Australia in organisations like sports clubs, charities and schools;

(3) congratulates the Government for allocating $20 million in funding to support volunteering; and

(4) notes that volunteering efforts make an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.

I’m thrilled this Government is continuing its strong support of our volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our local community organisations and groups. They make a real difference. I’m proud to recognise outstanding volunteers in my electorate every year with the Bonner Volunteer Awards. And I’m proud to be part of a Government that is supporting their efforts with $20 million for the 2018 Volunteer Grants round.

There are more than 8.7 million volunteers across Australia who make an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion. Volunteers help people into jobs. They reduce social marginalisation. They help increase community participation. By helping people come together and work alongside each other, they help build a stronger and safer community.

I’ve gotten to know so many fantastic volunteers in my electorate. I’ve spoken here before about the men and women who’ve been nominated for my Volunteer Awards. They come from all walks of life, from many different backgrounds, but deep down they’re the same. Hard-working. Selfless. Giving up their free time to help others. And never ever asking for recognition or reward.

There are many amazing volunteers I want to talk about today. But in the interest of time I want to single out Mrs Irene Edwards OAM from Manly West.

Irene epitomises the very best qualities of a volunteer. She’s done so much for the community over many years. She’s been a volunteer, team leader, management committee member, and historical officer at Wynnum Manly Meals on Wheels for over thirty years. In that time, she’s helped countless elderly locals. She’s provided them good meals and, better yet, the love and support of a good friend.

You couldn’t find a more skilled or passionate fundraiser. I’ve been working with the Meals on Wheels to get their new kitchen and community centre up and running in Wakerley. Irene was a major driving force in raising over $1.5 million toward the new centre. She’s also helped local veterans, fundraising for the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, Brisbane East Branch for over a decade.

Irene has touched the lives of so many in the Wynnum Manly community. Her work has not gone unnoticed. She’s received the Medal of Merit from the Lions Club of Moreton Bay, as well as a Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly, for her volunteer work.

And in June, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, presented her with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the community. Unfortunately she was too ill to attend Government House for the general presentation. So in a very touching, rare display, the Governor General paid her a home visit for a private investiture ceremony. Her husband Ken tells me it was a wonderful experience for them, their children, and their grandchildren who attended.

Irene was deeply humbled and proud to accept this high honour. Ken tells me she still can’t believe it—well I and many others in the community can, and we thank you for everything you’ve done for us.

I am so thankful for all our local volunteers; Bonner wouldn’t be the same without you. You all deserve the highest praise for the incredible work you do in our area. I encourage local groups in my electorate to apply for the Volunteer Grants 2018 round to support our amazing volunteers.