MEN’S HEALTH WEEK LAUNCHED AT MT GRAVATT MEN’S SHED

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today hosted a men’s health information session for members of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, as part of Men’s Health Week 2017.

He was joined by Dr David Hunt from Mt Gravatt, who spoke to Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed members about health-related issues they faced, and State Member for Mansfield, Ian Walker.

“I know a number of men here whose lives have been changed for the better since joining this Men’s Shed,” Dr Hunt said.

“Men’s Sheds are a wonderful health initiative and it’s great to see Ross get involved today.”

President of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, Murray Rogash, said Men’s Sheds were health-focused and helped save lives.

“We have a medical doctor, psychologist, and Minister of Religion who help meet our members’ physical, mental and spiritual needs,” Mr Rogash said.

“On August 7th, we will be offering members another Spanner in the Works tune-up. Spanner in the Works is a great initiative by the Australian Men’s Shed Association that encourages members to stay on top of their physical and emotional health with regular health check-ups.”

Mr Vasta said Men’s Sheds give their members an opportunity to gather together to take part in a range of activities, helping stave off social isolation while keeping member’s minds and bodies engaged.

“This year the theme for Men’s Health Week is Healthy Body-Healthy Mind: Keeping the Balance, which is exactly what men’s sheds are all about,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m proud to support Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed and I’m pleased to have been able to deliver them $22,000 in funding recently to install new solar panels, which will help them continue their good work improving the health and well-being of members of our community.”

For more on Spanner in the Works visit http://malehealth.org.au.

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LOCAL ANZAC DAY 2017 SERVICES IN BONNER

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the local community would pause on Anzac Day to honour the service and sacrifice of all Australian men and women who have served in defence of our country.

Mr Vasta said the following services and marches would be held in Bonner:

Bayside National Service Association
6:10am: Service commences at Memorial at Darling Point-Lower Esplanade, Manly.

Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch
4:15am: Dawn Service commences, followed by Gun Fire Breakfast at the Hall (184 Melville Tce, Manly).
8:00am: Street March commences outside Manly State School (63 Ernest St, Manly) and is followed by the ANZAC Day service at Richard Russell Park, Cambridge Pde, Manly.

Wynnum RSL Sub-Branch
5:00am: Dawn Service commences at Wynnum RSL car park (174 Tingal Rd, Wynnum).
9:00am: March commences from Corner of Bay Tce and Cedar St.
9:30am: Wreath laying ceremony commences at conclusion of March in the RSL car park.

Holland Park-Mt Gravatt RSL Sub-Branch

6:30am: Muster at the corner of Logan Rd and Barter Ave, Holland Park.
6:50am: March commences (walking to Memorial Site, 58 Arnold St, Holland Park).
7:15am: Commemorative Service commences at Memorial Site, 58 Arnold St, Holland Park.

Mr Vasta said Anzac Day was one of the most important dates in our calendar.

“More than 50,000 Australians are estimated to have fought in the Gallipoli campaign, where some 8,700 lost their lives and almost 18,000 were wounded,” Mr Vasta said.

“On Anzac Day, I encourage Australians to take a moment and reflect on the brave men and women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts and on peacekeeping operations.

“I encourage everyone to attend a service on Anzac Day, or take time to pause, reflect and remember those who have served and those who have given their lives for our country.

“We are forever grateful to the men and women, past and present, who have served in our Army, Navy and Air Force.

“This year also marks the centenary of the Battle of Bullecourt in France, the Battle of Messines, the Battle of Polygon Wood and the Battle of Beersheeva, as well as the 75th anniversaries of the Fall of Singapore, the Bombing of Darwin and the Kokoda campaign — they are all important events from our history that this nation will never forget.

Mr Vasta said any current or former Australian Defence Force personnel who was affected by Anzac Day should contact the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, which provides free and confidential counselling 24/7 on 1800 011 046.

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BACKING BONNER’S SMALL BUSINESSES

FEDERAL Member for Bonner Ross Vasta was joined today by Small Business Minister Michael McCormack to discuss how the Government’s small business plan was helping local small businesses to grow and create local jobs. 

“It’s great to have the Minister here today to visit local small businesses in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said. 

“The Government has a strong plan to back Bonner’s small businesses, including cutting their taxes to the lowest level in half a century and giving more small businesses access to the instant asset write offs programme which is already helping so many local businesses buy new equipment. 

“As a Government, we have delivered for small business because we know that it is small business, not Government which creates jobs, and we are backing them to have a go. 

“The Minister and I also hosted a roundtable with local small businesses today because Government is about delivering but it’s also about listening, and we heard from a variety of local business owners about their challenges and opportunities. 

“Together with the Minister, I will take those issues to Canberra to make sure our local views are considered in future policy development.” 

Minister McCormack said the Government’s economic plan focuses on supporting small businesses to grow, invest and create jobs. 

“It is a pleasure to be here today with Ross Vasta. He is a great local member and true advocate for local small business, local communities and local jobs,” Mr McCormack said. 

“Ross Vasta is part of a Coalition Government in Canberra which is focused on supporting small business to get ahead by cutting company taxes, extending the unincorporated tax discount, slashing paperwork, opening up trade opportunities, and levelling the playing field through changes to competition policy and making sure multinationals pay their fair share of tax. 

“Our plan is all about taking the pressure off small business – the local job creators – so they can get on with running and growing their businesses, and building local opportunities.” 

You can find out more by searching ‘small business’ or visiting www.business.gov.au/smallbusiness

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FUNDING APPROVED FOR MT GRAVATT KARATE-DO CLUB

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today confirmed a Turnbull Coalition Government commitment of $185,000 announced last year for the Australian Academy of Martial Arts Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Club (AAMA).

“I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has approved this funding for AAMA’s new dojo,” Mr Vasta said today.

“This grant has enabled AAMA to secure a site at Mt Gravatt for their new dojo. It’s a great boost for the club and the community. People of all ages will now have better access to karate and other health and wellness programs offered by AAMA.”

AAMA will use the Federal Community Development Grant to refurbish and further develop the former Girl Guides Hut in Carson Lane at 1873 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.

President of AAMA, Dr Lyndon Kurth said the club was delighted to have its application accepted.

“As a volunteer operated, not-for-profit, community sports club, the AAMA Karate Club has been fortunate to have the support of three levels of government: Councillor Steven Huang, State parliamentarian Ian Walker, and Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta,” Dr Kurth said.

“When the new dojo is constructed on land leased from the Brisbane City Council, the operating costs of the Club will be significantly lower. The club plans to lower its tuition fees and make its programs more accessible to the community.”

This year AAMA will be celebrating its 45th year as part of the Mt Gravatt, Wishart and Mansfield community.

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GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN BONNER

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.

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FEDERATION CHAMBER: NBN UPDATE

I’m pleased today to provide a positive update on the nbn rollout in Bonner. Under the Coalition’s revised rollout plan, thousands of people are being connected to the nbn each month. More people can access the nbn every month than Labor managed to connect the entire time they were in office!

The nbn has hit every rollout target the Coalition has set since coming to Government. This includes for Bonner.

Construction of the nbn network is now underway around the Eight Mile Plains and Capalaba exchanges. Right now, 1,100 premises in Eight Mile Plains are being equipped for fibre to the node connections. By Christmas it’s expected construction will begin for around 14,000 premises in the area.

Work is planned to progress south of the Eight Mile Plains site over the next few months. It is also expected to extend west of the Capalaba site, with nbn construction expected to begin in Chandler, Ransome and Gumdale before the end of the year.

There’s also good news for the Mt Gravatt region. Nbn network construction is planned to start in the Mt Gravatt area in the first half of 2017–mainly in areas of Upper Mt Gravatt, stretching toward Mackenzie. This is an area that, thanks to Labor’s mismanagement, has had to wait even longer for superfast broadband.

I’m thrilled for the locals in these areas who’ve been sharing with me for years their frustrations with slow, choppy internet. I’ve fought hard to bring the nbn to Bonner on their behalf and now it’s well on its way.

The vast majority of residents and businesses in Bonner will have access to the nbn in the next few years. Everyone in my electorate will have the nbn by 2020. This is a remarkable achievement and I thank my colleagues and nbn™ for working so hard to make this a reality.

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FEDERATION CHAMBER: BONNER COMMUNITY UPDATE

I rise today to speak on what’s in store for the Bonner community in the year ahead. All across Bonner I’ve listened to what locals want. I’m committed to delivering to them what matters most.

My flagship commitment is to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, one of the bayside’s most iconic institutions. The club will have their dressing sheds and gymnasium fixed, giving them and the bayside sporting community the playing facilities they deserve. Other local sporting clubs that will receive vital upgrades to their facilities include:

• Mt Gravatt Youth and Recreation Club;
• Bayside PCYC;
• AAMA Karate-Do Club;
• Manly Bowls Club;
• Mt Gravatt Bowls Club; as well as
• Wynnum Bugs, to help them cover the costs of installing solar.

Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed will also receive funding to install a new solar PV system. I’ve always been proud to support local men’s sheds and their important work for the community. Wynnum and Manly Districts Men’s Shed will also receive assistance to help them install and fit out their new place at Wynnum North.

Wynnum-Manly Meals on Wheels is another organisation that does a great service to the community. They will receive funding to go toward new kitchen facilities at their Kitchen and Community Centre at Wakerley. I want to thank President Ken Edwards for his hard work on this. The new Centre is going to be a huge boost for Wakerley and surrounding areas. I can’t wait to be there on opening day.

Other local community groups that will continue to thrive under this Coalition Government include:

• Eastside Community Church;
• 215 Squadron AAFC;
• St Agnes Catholic Primary School, and
• The Moreton Bay Discovery Centre.

Under the Coalition, Bonner will receive more support through grassroots funding of community organisations than ever before.

I will continue to support my community by supporting this Government’s agenda to grow jobs and deliver real results for our local economy.

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COALITION TO PROVIDE $70,000 TO HOPE FOUNDATION FOR MT GRAVATT CAFÉ

A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide the Hope Foundation with $70,000 in funding to go towards the purchase of new equipment and supplies for their new social enterprise café at Mt Gravatt Lookout.

Making the announcement today at the café site, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said he was pleased to be able to make the commitment to the charity.

“I’ve been proud to work with the Hope Foundation for many years and support its good work helping vulnerable women in our community,” Mr Vasta said.

“This café will not only help attract more visitors to Mt Gravatt Lookout, but also provide valuable work experience and skills for women in need.”

CEO and Founder of Hope Foundation, Bronwen Healy welcomed the funding announcement.

“This funding will help us complete the remodelling of our facility and purchase necessary equipment and supplies,” Mrs Healy said.

“I’d like to thank Ross for his support. I’d also like to thank the community for backing our fundraising efforts. We’ve had people approach us with substantial offers of assistance and equipment, service donations, or solutions resulting in savings.”

“Locals have been very supportive, with people stopping staff everywhere we go, asking how we're going and when we'll be opening the doors.”

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COALITION TO FUND NEW LIGHTING FOR MT GRAVATT YOUTH AND RECREATION CLUB BASEBALL FIELD

A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide Mt Gravatt Youth and Recreation Club (MGYR) with $200,000 in funding to go towards the installation of new lighting for their baseball field.

Making the announcement today at the club’s juniors under-14 training night, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the new lighting would greatly benefit MGYR as well as many other local groups that used the MGYR complex.

“The new lighting for this baseball field will allow a number of local sports teams to use the baseball field, as well as its two neighbouring sports fields, for night time practice and games,” Mr Vasta said.

“The lights will also help to improve safety for children and families that make use of these grounds on a regular basis.”

President of MGYR, Bruce Wilson welcomed the funding announcement.

“This project will help make our complex available to more groups in the Mt Gravatt, Mansfield, Wishart and Mackenzie areas,” Mr Wilson said.

“It will help us cater to the sporting needs of new residents and local schools in our community.”

Mr Wilson said around 35 groups currently made use of the MGYR complex, including Mt Gravatt Eagles Baseball Club, Mansfield Eagles Soccer Club, Holland Park Hawks Soccer Club, South Brisbane Eagles Hockey Club, Brisbane Eagles Lacrosse Club, and Queensland Oztag.

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ST AGNES CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL TO RECEIVE $211,000 FOR SPORTS COURTS UPGRADE

A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide St Agnes Catholic Primary School with $211,000 in funding to go towards the construction of three new multi-use courts for use by students and community sports groups.

Making the announcement at St Agnes today, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said the project would greatly benefit the wider Mt Gravatt community.

“The courts will be used for after school and weekend tennis, netball, basketball and volleyball programmes, and will be shared between St Agnes and the community,” Mr Vasta said.

“This project will give children and families in the area better and more affordable access to recreational activities and encourage them to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle.”

Principal of St Agnes, Rick Sheehan welcomed the funding announcement.

“Our project, the St Agnes Recreational Masterplan, involves constructing three full-size multi-use courts, two tennis HotShots courts, and a tennis training wall,” Mr Sheehan said.

“The local community will be able to use the courts through programs conducted by Southside Tennis and St Agnes Netball Club. They will collaborate with groups such as TAG5, Cerebral Palsy League, Sporting Wheelies and Disables Association, and Indigenous groups to conduct specially targeted sports programs for juniors, Indigenous, seniors, families, and disabled people.”

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