It’s time to get snapping and test out your photography skills with the Bonner Summer Photo Competition.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the Christmas break and school holidays, summer was the best time of year to get out and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that makes our region such a great part of the world.

“People love Queensland and particularly our nature reserves and beautiful Moreton Bay,” Mr Vasta said.

“To encourage residents to get outdoors and explore everything Bonner has to offer, we’re running the Bonner Summer Photo Competition.”

Mr Vasta said residents can take a snap that best displays what summer in Bonner means to them.

“Is it fishing off the pier, swimming at Wynnum Wading Pool, barbecuing with friends at Carindale Recreation Reserve, or picnicking with family at Mt Gravatt Lookout?

“Take your best summer snaps and upload it to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #BonnerSummerSnap.”

Entries open Friday, December 20 and close 5pm Thursday January 23, 2020.  For more information visit www.rossvasta.com.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.

Families with children attending child care during the school holidays will find it easier to re-enrol for the following year after the Morrison Government passed legislation to amend the Child Care Package.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the updated legislation meant families and providers would generally not have to re-enrol children unless they are away from care for more than 14 weeks at a time.

“This means children stay enrolled for the duration of the school term, avoiding additional paperwork when the holidays start and families need to access child care again,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Government’s Child Care Package was assisting more than 900,000 families to access child care.

“We have cut red tape for families using child care during the school holidays,” Mr Tehan said.

“Our Government is making life easier for parents who are working, looking for work, studying or volunteering.

“We have also removed the 50 per cent limit on the number of children that a child care provider can self-certify to receive the Additional Child Care Subsidy (child wellbeing) due to the risk of serious abuse or neglect.

“This will further reduce barriers to vulnerable children and disadvantaged families accessing quality early learning and child care.”

Mr Vasta said the amendments passed by the Senate were a result of the Government listening to parents and child care providers and acting on their feedback.

“We are delivering the reforms the economy needs to support jobs and growth,” Mr Vasta said.

The Ross Vasta Christmas Appeal for Stanthorpe has attracted generous community support, including from eight-year-old Charlotte Mews who recently donated $123 she raised though a bake sale.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was so proud of Charlotte who wanted to donate the money she raised through Moreton Bay Girl Guides to the appeal.

“Charlotte’s mum Sarah contacted our office to let us know her daughter had baked cookies, slices and cupcakes and sold them to her fellow Brownies and Girl Guide leaders to raise funds for drought affected farmers,” Mr Vasta said.

“As well as fundraising through a bake sale, Charlotte presented a poster gave and short talk at Brownies about the drought and fires in Stanthorpe.

“When she heard about our Christmas appeal, she wanted to present us with the funds she raised, and GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant was more than happy to accept it on my behalf.”

GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant said the online charity had so far received cash donations from dozens of individuals and families in the east Brisbane electorate.

“We’re incredibly heartened by the generous response from the people of Bonner, and especially by the amazing individual donation from Charlotte from what sounded like a very delicious bake sale,” Ms Tennant said.

“100 per cent of donations GIVIT receives through the Ross Vasta Christmas Appeal will go towards purchasing items from Stanthorpe businesses for bushfire-affected households. Whether it be five or 200 dollars, every donation helps give Christmas cheer to a devastated community.”

Charlotte’s mum Sarah Mews said her daughter was inspired to help the drought affected community following a recent trip to Stanthorpe to visit her grandparents.

“We are very proud of what she has achieved at such a young age,” Ms Mews said.

Mr Vasta said so far the Christmas Appeal for Stanthorpe had raised more than $2700.

“We’re more than halfway through the appeal so a big thank you to the generous people of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thanks to our partnership with GIVIT, 100 per cent of funds will be supporting the drought and bushfire affected Stanthorpe region to bring them some Christmas cheer.”

For more information or to donate, visit www.rossvasta.com.au/community/grants

A water safety program to train teachers and students to swim to survive has been awarded a $30,000 grant.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Mackenzie-based Craig Tobin Aquatics Pty Ltd was awarded the grant for its Collaborative Water Safety – Swim to Survive Program.

“This grant was awarded through the Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) and trains teachers and students in Seoul, Busan and within Korea how to swim to survive,” Mr Vasta said.

“This program is run through Lifesaving Korea and was one of 33 recipients of the AKF’s grants program to promote projects in Australia and Korea.”

Mr Vasta said the grant would help the organisation expand on its program which was first launched in 2016 into Korea’s education system.

“This grant will help Craig Tobin Aquatics teach 200 teachers and more than 2000 primary school students in Korea how to swim,” Mr Vasta said.

The Australian Government is committed to promoting people-to-people and institutional linkages between Australia and Korea.

The AKF supports the development of sustainable partnerships between Australian and Korean institutions, professional bodies, non‑governmental organisations and private sector organisations in arts and culture, business, trade, education, and science and technology.

The AKF is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For more information about the AKF, successful grant recipients and the grants program, visit www.dfat.gov.au/AKF.

The Ross Vasta Christmas Appeal officially launched today and has partnered with national online charity GIVIT to support the drought and bushfire affected community of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Christmas Appeal for Stanthorpe encouraged locals in Bonner to donate and purchase much needed items and services for Stanthorpe and surrounding residents.

“In a further effort to support the local community, we will ensure where possible, items for the Stanthorpe residents through this appeal will be purchased locally to support Darling Downs businesses,” Mr Vasta said.

“Now more than ever, the township needs to see money we raise, spent locally to keep small business and jobs ticking over.

Mr Vasta said he was driven to supporting Stanthorpe with a Christmas appeal after witnessing the hardship of families and farmers affected by the drought and recent bushfires.

“Suffering through a drought is hard enough, but to lose homes, sheds and stock through bushfires is just devastating,” Mr Vasta said.

GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant said the organisation had been working with frontline services and charities to support the recovery process of bushfire-affected communities since early September.

“Christmas is always a hard time for people who are struggling financially, especially those Queenslanders affected by the ongoing drought as well as recent bushfires,” Ms Tennant said.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP to continue to help those in the Granite Belt, who have already received thousands of donated items through GIVIT including white goods and essential clothing for young families.”

Mr Vasta said the Christmas appeal would run for six weeks, finishing on December 13.

“This is a fantastic way for residents and businesses in my electorate of Bonner to support farmers, families and local businesses in one of Queensland’s drought affected communities.

“I’m so pleased to be able to create this avenue for people in Bonner to do something positive and selfless, by supporting regional families who are struggling through the festive season.”

Big-hearted residents in the Bonner electorate can donate funds to purchase particular items or services, such as:

• $2 will provide a newspaper from the Stanthorpe Newsagency for a farmer affected by the drought
• $5 will provide a coffee from Brinx Deli & Café for a volunteer firefighter
• $10 will provide Christmas decorations from Price Busters Variety Stanthorpe for a vulnerable family
• $20 will provide a cosmetics voucher from Pure Heaven for a single woman affected by recent bushfires
• $30 will provide a Christmas lunch at the RSL for an elderly man living alone
• $40 will provide a premium pack of meat from Stanthorpe Quality Meats for a couple’s Christmas lunch
• $50 will provide a lady’s gift voucher for Pink Poppies Living Creatively to decorate a property damaged by bushfires
• $80 will provide a clothes voucher from Eclectic Palate for a woman displaced by bushfires
• $200 will provide a groceries voucher for a drought-affected family’s Christmas feast from the Spano’s Supa IGA
• $300 will provide an electric guitar from Top Beat Entertainment & Electronics for drought-affected family to surprise a teenager
• $500 will provide a voucher from Howard & Sons Mitre 10 for a man who’s shed was destroyed by bushfires

To donate to the Ross Vasta Christmas Appeal for Stanthorpe visit GIVIT.org.au/donate-funds, select Christmas 2019 in the “Donate to” options, and put ‘VASTA’ in the comments box.

100 per cent of funds received will be used to purchase items for Stanthorpe residents in need this Christmas.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP represented Foreign Minister Marise Payne at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly reception on Disability Rights and Inclusion.

Mr Vasta attended the reception to celebrate the launch of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) at the Global Disability Summit one-year progress report.

“I was very honoured to represent the Foreign Minister at this important event which was co-sponsored by the Australian Government and hosted by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Disability Alliance (ISA),” Mr Vasta said.

“As well as launching the UNDIS, it was a great opportunity for UNICEF, IDA and partners of the UN community to renew their commitment towards disability rights and inclusive development.”

Mr Vasta said the UNDIS provided the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all the pillars of the work of the UN.

“Australia is a strong advocate for disability inclusive development and disability rights,” Mr Vasta said.

“Speaking at the event, I shared how in Australia, all levels of government are working together to improve the lives of Australians with disability, their families and carers in line with the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020.”

Mr Vasta said he also shared a story from a local constituent in Bonner who had benefited from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“When Tricia contacted me crying with gratitude because her 15-year-old with Aspergers and NF1 had been approved for the NDIS, it really hit home the impact our Government is having on people with disability and their families,” Mr Vasta said.

“It was an important message to share at the UN reception on Disability Rights and Inclusion because it puts a face and emotion to the cause we are championing.

“Australia has been a steadfast supporter of the UNDIS since its inception and it was an honour to represent Australia at this UNGA event.”

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

The third annual Bonner Senior’s Expo is set to bigger and better than ever with exhibit spaces now completely booked out and hundreds of local seniors expected to attend.

The free Senior’s Expo is on Thursday, October 31 and will include over 50 stallholders from government services and community organisations right through to legal aid and real estate agencies.

Information sessions on issues such as the National Broadband Network rollout to services provided by the Department of Human Services will be held throughout the day.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the annual expo was always a great opportunity for local seniors to have face to face access with the services they use and community groups there to support their needs.

“It is a big day out for all our wonderful seniors to gather information and enjoy a locally sourced morning tea,” Mr Vasta said.

“Even though I will be at the United Nations for this event, I have made sure all the relevant resources will be available to our local seniors just like past events.

“At the end of the day, we’re here to help, we’re here to provide and we’re here to listen to the unique concerns of the seniors in the Bonner electorate – that’s what this expo is all about.”

The Bonner Senior’s Expo will be held from 9am to 1pm on Thursday, October 31 at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club.

Stall holders will include:

NBN

Piccardi Legal

Department of Health

TransitCare

Carers QLD

It’s a Bloke Thing

Vision Australia

Brisbane City Council

NDIS

Cancer Council

and many more.

For more information call the office of Ross Vasta MP on (07) 3893 3488.