Funding now available to support small community projects in Bonner

The Morrison Government is providing a further $150,000 in funding for small-scale upgrades and new equipment that community groups in Bonner need and deserve.

Expressions of interest are now open for Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme, giving local governing bodies and community groups an opportunity to nominate projects for grants of up to $20,000.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said more funding for the area would deliver the infrastructure and equipment our communities need to be successful and grow.

“This latest funding injection will support up to 20 projects across our communities, benefitting jobs and delivering an economic boost to drive our recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Vasta.

“This type of investment brings people together by strengthening social connections, building community participation and delivering a brighter and more vibrant future for communities.

“Round 6 of Stronger Communities delivered for many of our community groups. I was pleased to award funding to Belmont State School P&C, Brisbane Coast Guard, Manly Lota Scouts, Ocean Crusaders, Junior Bayside Jets Basketball, C&K Mt Gravatt West Community Childcare, EACH, Mt Gravatt Youth and Rec Club, Safer by the Bay, HELP, Rochedale Scout Group and Hemmant Community Hall.

“Having now had the opportunity to visit these organisations and see firsthand the incredible benefits and upgrades this funding has enabled, I strongly encourage interested organisations to contact my office regarding projects important to them and our community.

“Grants from $2,500 up to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for local governing bodies.”

Through the Stronger Communities Program, the Government has provided more than $135 million for projects for community-building and job-creating projects across Australia.

More information is available at business.gov.au/scp

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New canteen delivered for Belmont State School

Belmont State School P&C has been awarded $12,225 in funding from Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP for the refurbishment of their canteen.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP met with Belmont State School Principal Mrs Angela Douglas to see firsthand the valuable upgrades this funding has enabled.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program, we delivered $12,225 in funding for Belmont State School P&C to give its school canteen a facelift. This has seen the removal of its old window bars and screens and replaced with new crim safe sliding doors.”

“The canteen has also received a fresh new paint job and has been rebranded as ‘The Hungry Hut’. It has been transformed with a vibrant new aesthetic and feel which is loved by the entire school community.”

“It was fantastic to congratulate Belmont State School P&C on being awarded this funding and see the great impact it is having.”

“P&C’s are at the heart of our local schools, facilitating their improvement and contributing to student’s participation and success. Their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Belmont State School Principal Mrs Angela Douglas said, “Thank you very much for advocating for this funding to be delivered to Belmont State School. It’s a really inviting place for the kids now to come.”

“We’ve also been able to get more volunteers because the space is so much nicer.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supports projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

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Ocean Crusaders awarded funding to help clean our oceans

Ocean Crusaders has been awarded $20,000 in funding for the installation of an automatic bottle cap washing machine.

Based in Hemmant, this charity organisation specialises in waterway cleaning on a large scale, with its Caps Crusade initiative helping to ensure plastic caps don’t end up in the environment but can be recycled into new products.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP recently visited Ocean Crusaders headquarters to congratulate the team and its volunteers on this funding, which is essential to driving change and clean our waterways.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program, we have delivered an incredible $20,000 to assist the work of Ocean Crusaders, including its team of volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring our oceans, waterways and beaches are clean and safe for all animals,” Mr Vasta said.

“Bonner is home to beautiful waterways, tidal creeks and even islands. We are fortunate to have these gems right in our backyard, which means we all must play a part in protecting them and keeping them clean today and into the future.”

Ocean Crusaders Director Annika Thomson was thrilled by what the funding will mean for the organisation, driving their mission to change Australia’s thinking of plastic and its ‘throw-away society’ mentality.

“Across South East Queensland, there are 2.5 million caps per day being produced, ending up nowhere but in landfill. This is premium plastic,” said Mrs Thomson.

“With this funding we can develop a system to clean them and make it easier for our volunteers to get clean plastic back on the market.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supported projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

“This investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Program is about invigorating these organisations and ensuring their continued success,” Mr Vasta said.

 

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Apply now for a Stronger Communities grant

With the sixth round of the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities grant program now open, this round will be particularly important in supporting Australia’s economic recovery.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the program had successfully supported dozens of projects in his electorate, with community groups contributing equal share or in-kind funding.

“However, for this special round, the grant funding for each project will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, except for local governing bodies,” Mr Vasta said.

“Grant requests must be between $2500 and $20,000 and projects completed by December 31, 2021.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program provided each electorate with $150,000 to fund small capital projects that improve local community participation.

“This could be anything from fitting out community centres, to upgrading sporting club equipment, purchasing emergency service equipment or adding disability access as just some examples,” Mr Vasta said.

“If your sporting club, school or community organisation has a project in mind, I encourage you to get in touch with my office to submit an expression of interest.”

Applications open January 19, 2021 and close March 15, 2021.

For more information email ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au  or visit www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme

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Stronger Communities grant awarded to B4C

Bulimba Creek Catchment (B4C) has received a $5000 Stronger Communities grant to refurbish and improve their Discovery Hub building.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said B4C was a fantastic organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring our natural environment and wildlife.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program we have delivered $5000 to assist in the refurbishment of the Discovery Hub which is regularly used by volunteers and the community,” Mr Vasta said.

“Overall, I have delivered more than $110,000 for local environmental projects to B4C and Ocean Crusaders through a number of Community Environment and Stronger Communities grants to help these organisations keep our waterways beautiful.”

Mr Vasta said through the efforts of B4C and Morrison Government’s grants, the health of Bulimba Creek, Brisbane River and Moreton Bay was in good hands.

“I am so passionate about protecting the wildlife and pristine Moreton Bay so many Queenslanders enjoy,” Mr Vasta said.

“From watersports, boating, fishing and local tourism, we need to look after our natural environment and I am pleased to support the local groups committed to doing just that.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supported projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

“This investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Program is about invigorating these organisations and ensuring their continued success,” Mr Vasta said.

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Clubhouse upgrade on the way for Bayside BMX

Bayside BMX will be able to upgrade their clubhouse and storage facility thanks to a $20,000 Morrison Government Stronger Communities grant.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the grant would help the club build a permanent club house facility for club operations and equipment storage.

“Bayside BMX is a great local club in the Bonner community providing coaching, running BMX competitions and loaning equipment,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thanks to a $20,000 Stronger Communities grant they will be able to upgrade from their existing shipping container to a new clubhouse and storage facility to improve the safety and operations for members, volunteers and the community.”

Mr Vasta said the project would increase security of their assets and allow the club to increase its capability to loan equipment to the public, run more coaching and provide a better canteen and rider registration services.

“The Stronger Communities Program is aimed at funding projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our local communities are the heart of this great country and this investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Program is about invigorating these organisations and ensuring their continued success.”

The Stronger Communities Program funds small capital projects in each of the 151 federal electorates.

Each electorate nationwide has received $150,000 to allocate towards successful projects, with a maximum of 20 projects to be funded per electorate.

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GRAND OPENING OF SILKY OAKS COMMUNITY HUB

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.

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ROUND 4 OF STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME OPENING SOON

The Coalition Government has committed an additional $22.5 million in Budget 2018-19 to continue the highly successful Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the fourth round of the program would ensure funding was available for a range of important community infrastructure projects such as sporting facilities and community halls.

“Bonner has been very successful under previous rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme,” Mr Vasta said.

“In the first three rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme, I have been proud to secure $397,028 in Stronger Communities grants for 35 community groups—including school P&Cs, sports clubs, environmental groups, men’s sheds, and community kindergartens—in my electorate.”

Mr Vasta said the additional investment for a fourth round of SCP would ensure that local decision-making continues to play a decisive role in funding community building projects. He encouraged local community groups to start 

“The Coalition Government will fund up to 50 per cent of costs for successful projects from a pool of $150,000 in each electorate, delivering more than 1,000 further projects in this round.

“Grants will be available between $2,500 and $20,000 for successful applications and I will soon invite organisations within the community to put forward their high-quality projects for assessment.”

“This Budget continues the Coalition Government’s commitment to building strong communities with extensions to vital community grants programs that invest directly in economic and social infrastructure,” Mr Vasta said.

Successful Round 3 Stronger Communities projects included: 

Guides Queensland Upgrade of flooring    $8,910 
Silky Oaks Children's Haven Upgrade of community hub facilities    $9,475
Tingalpa and District Kindergarten and Association Upgrade and repair of adult toilets    $2,574
The Sporting Shooters Association Australia (Brisbane) Upgrade of car park    $20,000
Manly Community Kindergarten Association Inc Build a Sensory Space    $2,521
Rochedale State High School P&C Association Stadium seating    $20,000
Wynnum General Gordon Community Preschool Rejuvenation of outdoor play space    $6,750
EDit Group Purchase of portable coffee station    $6,000
Mackenzie State Primary School P&C Association  Upgrade of school sporting oval    $6,700
Mt Gravatt Men's Shed Construction of veranda    $6,630
Wondall Heights State School P&C Association Netball facilities upgrade    $18,094
Guardian Angels' Primary School P&F Association Upgrade of oval    $10,000
Tingalpa State School P&C Association School hall upgrade    $11,500

For more information on the Stronger Communities Programme visit: http://regional.gov.au/regional/programs/stronger-communities.aspx or call 3893 3488.

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Wynnum General Gordon upgrades outdoor learning and play area thanks to Federal grant

Wynnum General Gordon Community Kindergarten today thanked Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, for helping them secure a $6,750 grant to upgrade their outdoor area through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

Mr Vasta visited the kindergarten to inspect the completed outdoor area.

“It’s great to see this amazing new play area for the kids. It’s so important for children to have outdoor spaces to play and learn in,” Mr Vasta said.

“Well done to Wynnum General Gordon for providing matching funding for this project and seeing it through.”

Wynnum General Gordon co-director and teacher Tracy Joyce said that with the additional Federal funding they were able to open up the tree canopy and put in new turf and a new automatic sprinkler system.

“Research shows how important outdoor learning and physical activity is for children. This project gives our children beautiful natural grass to run around on while fostering a love for our natural environment,” Mrs Joyce said.

“Thank you Mr Vasta for supporting our kindergarten. Lots of families have complimented us on the new space and said how beautiful it looks now.”

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STRONGER COMMUNITIES GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PROJECTS IN BONNER

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available to help fund small capital projects in the Bonner community, thanks to the Turnbull Coalition Government’s extension of its Stronger Communities Programme, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“My office is now accepting expressions of interest from local schools and not-for-profit organisations and groups for funding through Round 3 of Stronger Communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“Grant amounts will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. You can fund your share of eligible project costs from any source including state and local government. Your contribution can be either cash or in-kind.”

Previous recipients of Stronger Communities funding in Bonner include:

Round 1

B4C – Bulimba Creek Catchment Co-ordinating Committee   Revegetation project  $6,698 
Holland Park Mt Gravatt Parish Purchase of parish community hall chairs $6,352
Mt Gravatt Lapidary Society Upgrade of equipment, facilities and clubhouse $7,949
Wesley Mission Brisbane – Asher House Purchase of disability mini-bus $20,000
Wynnum Manly & Districts Men’s Shed Concrete floor for new shed $18,000
St John’s Church, Wishart Upgrade of Little Fishes Nursery Group playground $7,414
Wynnum & District Horse & Pony Club Lighting and electrical clubhouse upgrade $5,000
Mt Gravatt Hawks Soccer Club Upgrade of club facilities $5,922
Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed Veranda extension and provision of sun shade and security screen $20,000
QLD PCYC Bayside Upgrade of community hall $18,696
Rotary Club of Carindale Shed completion-installation of concrete ramp and landscaping $5,000

Round 2

Jewish Communal Centre Queensland  Equipment purchase and upgrade $10,167
Gumdale & Districts Progress Association  New hall windows and security screens $8,250
Gumdale State School P&C Association  Upgrade of school oval $18,182
Rochedale Scout Group Camping area redevelopment $9,000
Upper Mount Gravatt State School P&C Association  New community gym and wellness centre $20,000
C&K St Catherine’s Community Kindergarten  Repainting of kindergarten premises $5,415
Lota State School-Rotary Club of Port of Brisbane Replacement storage facility $20,000
Wynnum and Manly Meals on Wheels Purchase of new kitchen equipment $20,000
Wynnum & District Rugby Union Club Upgrade of facilities and equipment purchase $19,014

Mr Vasta will be taking submissions for Round 3 of the Stronger Communities Programme from now until Friday, 25 August 2017.

For more information and to  lodge your expression of interest online visit rossvasta.com.au/CommunityHub/StrongerCommunitiesProgramme.aspx.

“I look forward to delivering more funding for more vital projects throughout the Bonner community, and I encourage local schools and not-for-profits to apply,” Mr Vasta said.

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