Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged local community and ex-service organisations to apply for grants for projects that deliver sustainable services for younger veterans.

Mr Vasta said the Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) grants program recognises the importance of the transition phase for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel as they leave the military.

“$1 million is available in this second round for projects that build community support and service the unique needs of younger veterans transitioning to civilian life,” Mr Vasta said.

He invited applications for a range of initiatives including mentoring, team building, self-improvement, and creative activities that promote social inclusion and peer-to-peer support for younger veterans. 

“There was a great response to the first round of SYV grants and 11 projects were funded. These ranged from art, writing and higher education programs to research and support for emergency accommodation,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the SYV grants program will provide $4.25 million over five years and delivers another election commitment to support the needs of younger veterans as they leave the ADF. 

“We understand that younger servicemen and women face unique transition challenges as they leave the ADF and integrate back into civilian life. These grants will assist in raising awareness of the important issues facing younger veterans,” Mr Tehan said.

Applications for this round of SYV grants will close on 1 September 2017, with successful applicants announced later in the year.

More information about the SYV grants program, including how to submit an application, can be found online at www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants or by contacting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today invited community groups, organisations and individuals to start their own tree planting projects by applying for grants under Round Three of the 20 Million Trees Program.

“Up to $6 million is now available for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for tree planting projects that will put back threatened bushland and support threatened species,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is a great opportunity for people in our community who are committed to looking after our local environment and improving our green spaces. These green spaces connect communities to the environment and improve the liveability of our towns and cities.”

“I encourage interested parties to apply for projects that will provide valuable benefits to the environment and our local community.”

The 20 Million Trees Grant Guidelines: Round Three are now available and applications close on 15 August 2017.

The Coalition Government’s 20 Million Trees Program will see 20 million trees planted across Australia by 2020. Under previous 20 Million Trees funding rounds, Landcare groups and community projects across Australia have planted three million trees. With 13.4 million trees already contracted for planting, today’s announcement will ensure that the 20 million trees election commitment target is met.

The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

More information is available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.

Volunteers in Bonner are among nearly 100,000 volunteers across Australia benefiting from $10 million in Australian Government grants to support community organisations.

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, announced that almost 2,700 community organisations would benefit from a grant to support the work of volunteers.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the Turnbull Government’s investment in our communities is delivering vital support to the electorate’s small community organisations, which help many of our most vulnerable citizens.

“The Volunteer Grants will assist a range of local groups including Make it Home Safely and the South Western Metro Basketball Inc.

“Five groups in the Bonner electorate have been awarded this funding and will each receive a grant of up to $5,000 allowing them to better support their volunteers by purchasing much-needed equipment, training and transport,” Mr Vasta said.

“This week is National Volunteer Week and it’s only fitting that we acknowledge the important work of our volunteers and their organisations in building stronger communities.
 
“The energy, expertise and time our volunteers give to our community helps support those most in need and represents what Australian communities are all about – giving a helping hand. 

“I’m glad to see that our local organisations in Bonner will have this support to continue their valuable work.”

For a full list of successful recipients and information about Volunteer Grants, go to:
www.dss.gov.au/volunteer-grants.

Community organisations in Bonner are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $5000 to assist the work of their volunteers.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the funding is being provided under a $10 million Volunteer Grant funding round, announced by the Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter.

“This funding is a key part of the Australian Government’s support for volunteers who give their time and energy to help build stronger, more cohesive communities,” Mr Vasta said. 

“This is a great opportunity for community organisations in Bonner to apply for a grant of between $1000 and $5000 to support the important work of their volunteers.

“Last year 12 organisations in Bonner received a Volunteer Grant, out of 5282 groups that benefitted nationally.

“These grants can be used by organisations for anything that helps with costs incurred by their volunteers, such as first aid training, background security checks or transport for volunteers who may have a disability, as well as the purchase of much-needed equipment.”

Wynnum Arts Council Inc. used their 2015 grant to purchase equipment, including a first aid kit for first responders, a computer system and colour printer, a data projector and screen, an exhibition banner and more.

“These items will enable our volunteers to effectively deliver our programme of workshops and events for our community. Our volunteers also work with other local community groups to assist with the delivery of their programmes by supplementing their resources. The collaborations with our neighbours at the Wynnum Community Centre enables each organisation to enhance the activities specific to their requirements,” said Wynnum Manly Arts Council Treasurer, Coralie Peterson.

“Volunteer grants are very much appreciated and the Government’s support must be acknowledged.”

The St Agnes Catholic Primary School Parents and Friends Association used their 2015 grant to purchase replacement chairs for their school hall and a much-needed mobile public announcement system, while the St Agnes Netball Club used their grant to provide its volunteers with the opportunity to gain the latest netball training techniques.

“The St Agnes Parents and Friends Association appreciates the volunteer grant funds, which have been of enormous help to the school. These funds have helped cover the cost of new equipment and the training costs of our St Agnes Netball Club volunteers,” said Frances Fernandez of the St Agnes P&F Association.

In opening the Volunteer Grants 2016, Minister Porter said this funding is part of the Commonwealth Government’s $28 million Strengthening Communities programme that supports the capacity of communities to address local issues. 

“Funding priority will be given to organisations working in disadvantaged communities or those affected by natural disasters,” Minister Porter said.

“I particularly encourage regional and Indigenous organisations to apply.”

Applications for Volunteer Grants close 20 December 2016. For further information go to dss.gov.au/grants.

Alternatively, contact the Volunteer Grants 2016 Hotline on free call 1800 020 283 or email grants@dss.gov.au.