Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today said local Men’s Sheds in his electorate would benefit from the Abbott Coalition Government’s Father’s Day announcement of $4.5 million in additional funding for the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP).

“To provide certainty to our Men’s Sheds, the Abbott Government has guaranteed funding for a further three years from 30 June 2016 to 2019,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our local Men’s Sheds play a vital role in our community to keep men active, reduce their social isolation and contribute to their mental health and physical wellbeing.”

“This funding will help Sheds start new projects and buy new tools and equipment, and is great news for our community who benefit from Shed members’ work.”

President of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed Murray Rogash thanked the Government for its continued support and said the Australian Men’s Shed Association (ASMA), which assesses grant applications, develops and maintains relationships and linkages with health providers and employs strategies to more effectively reach and engage men, could now breathe a sigh of relief.

“It’s fantastic that government at all levels continue to be so supportive of our Men’s Sheds,” Mr Rogash said.

“Taking into account the loved ones of all Men’s Sheds members across the country, the programme probably directly affects the lives of around one million people in Australia.”

Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed Secretary Bob Coakes said the NSDP was an amazing concept that had become a growth area across the nation.

“The Government’s continuing, invaluable and generous support for Men’s Shed programmes will ensure their resourcing and growth into the future,” Mr Coakes said.

Round 11 of the NSDP is currently open for applications. Sheds are able to apply for up to a total of $8,000 across three funding categories – tools, equipment, community projects and training; building maintenance and development; and health improvement activities. Applications for Round 11 close on September 18.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today presented Citipointe Christian College in Carindale with an Australian Government Anzac Day Schools’ Award.

“The students and staff of Citipointe should be very proud of the Highly Commended award they’ve received today,” Mr Vasta said.

“This important honour recognises Citipointe’s commitment to teaching students about Australia’s wartime history.”

Citipointe teacher Mrs Zita Horton said this year students commemorated the 100^th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, as well as the 70^th anniversary of World War II.

“The three ASPIRE classes at Citipointe created a video showing how their World War II historical school days helped them to understand and honour the ANZACs and the ANZAC spirit,” Mrs Horton said.

“By role-playing children evacuated during the war, the ASPIRE students participated in many traditional activities and reflected upon what life would be like for people in the armed forces, as well as how those left at home during war are affected.”

Mr Vasta today presented Citipointe with a certificate in recognition of their award.

“I congratulate the school, the teachers and the students on ensuring that the Anzac story is understood and, most importantly, never forgotten,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Centenary of Anzac is our nation’s most important period of commemoration and educating our next generation about the service and sacrifice of all of our servicemen and servicewomen is a crucial component of carrying the Anzac legacy into the future.”

The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards encourage the study of Australia’s wartime history in schools through learning activities and the commemoration of Australian servicemen and women on Anzac Day.

Thirty-eight schools shared in a total of around $48,000 in prize money, which is funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs through its Commemorations Program.

For more information on the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards visit www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au