Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, recently drew a crowd of over 300 at the 2024 Bonner Seniors’ Expo at Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre.

The annual Bonner Seniors’ Expo is an opportunity for older members of the community tolearn about the valuable resources they have access to.

From government services, to innovative business and dedicated not for profits there’s a lot to take advantage of!

Mr Vasta said, “my electorate of Bonner is home to many wonderful organisations, dedicated to improving the lives of our seniors.

“Bonner really does have a lot to offer those who are part of, care for, or work with senior Australians. 

“That’s why I host the annual Bonner Senior’s Expo, to bring together those who provide with those who can benefit from these resources!”

“The 2024 Bonner Seniors’ Expo wouldn’t have been possible without Piccardi Fry Lawyers who kindly sponsored the event,” Mr Vasta said.

From government representatives to local sporting clubs, the 2024 Bonner Seniors’ Expo had over 50 vendors in attendance! 

There were also expert speakers, delicious refreshments, but the event wouldn’t have been the same without live entertainment from Bayside Dance and Darling Point Special School.

It was a fantastic morning, and the turnout of vendors and seniors’ is a testament to the vibrant elderly community we have in Southern Brisbane.

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has secured funding for the Queensland Target Sports club in Belmont.

Mr Vasta said target sports are a true of test of patience, coordination and focus,  and we are fortunate to have so many talented athletes call Bonner home.

The Member for Bonner visited Queensland Target Sports earlier this month, while volunteers were hosting their school holiday training camp.

“The volunteers at Queensland Target Sports are committed to investing in the next generation, and I applaud their commitment to a sport which is not regularly highlighted,” he said.

“This funding will allow the club to unlock the full potential of their camera coaching analysis system.

I know the delivered funds will be of great value to the entire team.”

Queensland Target Sports Administrator, Mr Rex Wigney said “the system will be used by coaches to view athletes when shooting, and to assist analysis.

“Shooting is a whole of life sport for juniors aged 11 through to active shooters in their 80s, with males and females competing equally.

“For those who are interested, we provide a pathway to represent Australia at Olympic and Paralympic level.”

The volunteers at Queensland Target Sports make an invaluable contribution to our local Bonner community, and Mr Vasta is proud to champion such a dedicated team.

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has secured important funding for the St George Indian Orthodox Church in Mackenzie, to grow their capacity to run community events.

Mr Vasta said he is grateful to the one-hundred volunteers at the St George Indian Orthodox Church, for the dedication to fostering community and belonging in Bonner.

“The St George Indian Orthodox church is a hub for multiculturalism and community – particularly for our Southern suburbs of Mackenzie, Rochedale, Wishart, Mansfield and Eight Mile Plains.

“The organisation makes an outstanding contribution to the wider community, particularly through their blood donation drive, Swaad Indian Food Festival and Christmas charity work.”

Mr Vasta presented the grant to Father Liju Samuel at the Swaad Multicultural Food Festival.

Father Liju Samuel said “The Grant will be used to purchase a ride-on mower for the Church community.

“This will assist our volunteers with maintaining their property’s grounds.”

The St George Indian Orthodox Church will be able to use this grant to extend their hospitality to many more Bonner locals.

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner has secured important funding for the Meadowlands Men’s Shed safety improvements.

Mr Vasta said he is proud to have been able to support such a worthwhile organisation, through the Volunteer Grants Program.

“I am proud to announce funding has been secured for the club to purchase a defibrillator, survival first aid kit and training for two first aid officers, to ensure their continued operation is safe for all involved.”

He said “the Meadowlands Men’s Shed provides a great space for gentlemen to foster meaningful relationships, particularly in their retired years.

“The contribution they make, not only in the lives of their own members but to the wider community, is of incredible value and importance.”

Bluey Lee, Secretary of the Meadowlands Men’s Shed, said “the aim of the men’s shed is chiefly to provide health and meaning through relationships and contributing to a greater purpose.

“Many of the chaps are professional men that are retired and seek to invest their vast life-experience in others rather than sit at home.”

He said the funding will help support the local community, as the Shed regularly undertakes restoration jobs for churches, schools, and individuals in the community.

“Most recently, we repaired a pulpit for a local church, refurbished a trailer, as well as flower-stands and tables.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP and Ross Vasta MP are today launching the “My First Speech” Competition for local Bonner Electorate schools.

This national competition challenges students in years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and record a 90-second speech on video, focusing on a topic of their choosing.

Mr Vasta said “This is an exciting opportunity for our local Bonner students to shine a national spotlight on the issues that matter most to them.

“The students participating in this competition will be our local leaders of tomorrow, and I am excited to give them a head start on their futures with this program”.

The winning entrant from each year group, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will be flown to Canberra to deliver their speeches live at Parliament House and participate in an engaging program tailored to deepen their understanding of the legislative process.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP said “One of my key priorities as Speaker has been to promote parliamentary education to students across the country, and this is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system.

“This competition will provide high school students with the chance learn more about the way our nation’s democracy works, and how actively engaging with the parliamentary process can draw attention to the issues that are most important to them.”

The submission deadline for the competition is set for 11.59pm AEST on 27 July 2024.

To learn more about the competition and submit their entries, students can visit the dedicated competition website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech.

For further information and inquiries regarding the “My First Speech” competition, please contact my office at ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au.

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Chuck a shrimp on the barbie and get ready to celebrate Australia Day in Bonner!

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, is giving Bonner locals a chance to win a BBQ meat tray from a local butcher, this Australia Day.

From Tim Tams and meat pies, to good mates and cricket, what better way to celebrate what makes Australia great than over an Aussie summer’s BBQ?

“I am partnering with three local butchers to give Bonner residents the chance to win everything they need for a spread to impress,” Mr Vasta said.

“When it comes to high quality meat and seafood we are spoilt for choice in Bonner.

“And there isn’t much better than sharing a good BBQ feed with friends and family on Australia Day.”

Listening to small businesses, Mr Vasta knows they are currently doing it tough.

“Small and family businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s always important to buy local first, but even more so during the cost-of-doing-business crisis and to help with the recent storm recovery.”

“My Australia Day BBQ Meat Tray competition is a way to support both Bonner locals and Bonner businesses doing it tough.”

Mr Vasta will continue fighting for small businesses and encourage residents to shop local and buy local.

To enter the Bonner Australia Day Meat Tray Competition, visit https://www.rossvasta.com.au/enter-to-win-a-bbq-meat-tray-this-australia-day-2/ and tell Ross ‘Your favourite thing to do on Australia Day.’

Entries will close 5pm Tuesday 23 January 2024, with the winners to receive their BBQ meat tray in time for Australia Day.

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Expressions of interests (EOI) applications for the 2023 – 2024 Volunteer Grants have now closed.

All groups who applied have been notified of the outcome of their EOI and if they have progressed to the final round with the Department of Social Services.

I am waiting to hear if Volunteer Grants will be open for 2024-2025, and will update my website and social media once this becomes clear.

In the meantime, if you are looking for federal funding opportunities for your club, please click here: GrantConnect Help and Information (grants.gov.au)

Please also email at ross.vasat.mp@aph.gov.au if I can be of assistance.

Cheers

Ross

Picture: One of the many Volunteer Grant Recipient for 2023: Priceless House

A eucalyptus fodder farm to help the conservation efforts of the Queensland Koala Society will be established at Iona College in Bonner, thanks to the Australian Government’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree Planting Grant.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP said the partnership between Iona College and the Queensland Koala Society is a fantastic way to help with local koala conservation and to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“The partnership between the Queensland Koala Society and Iona College to establish a local fodder farm will help create a sustainable future for koalas,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Queen is passionate about the protection of native flora and fauna, so to be creating a fodder farm with over 500 trees for koalas is an exceptionally fitting way to honour her 70 years of service.

“I am proud to have advocated for this grant on behalf of Iona College and hope other schools across Australia follow their example where they are able to do so.”

Co-founder of the Queensland Koala Society, Ms Angela Christodoulou, said the fodder farm at Iona college will help reduce time volunteers spend collecting much needed eucalyptus leaves.

“Fodder farms play an essential role in the koala’s rehabilitation process,” Ms Christodoulou said.

“On a typical week, my team travel up to two hours per day, seven days per week to collect fresh fodder.

“The collaboration with Iona is exciting and not only provides us with a valuable resource but also provides the potential for the establishment of a habitat for koalas and other local wildlife.”

Principal of Iona College, Mr Trevor Goodwin, and Rector, Father Michael Twigg OMI, as well as the College Board have fully supported this use of College grounds in order to develop deeper ties with the local community and to promote sustainability.

“We have been blessed with a large and expansive campus that compels us to share with others,” Father Michael said.

Planting Trees for the Queen’s Jubilee has the intention of:

• increased community awareness and celebration of Her Majesty’s Jubilee
• to create a legacy of tree plantings across the nation
• increase and/or enhance the area of tree canopy

Let’s face it, if you can’t find your dad, there is good chance he is wondering the aisle at Bunnings, making a wish list of the latest tools or planning the next greatest DYI project for the backyard.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP is running a Father’s Day Draw to say thank you to all the amazing dads in the electorate of Bonner.

“Bunnings is an unofficial Australia icon; a place loved by dad’s the nation over,” Mr Vasta said.

“If you would like a chance to win a $100 Bunnings gift card for your dad this Father’s Day, make sure you enter my Father’s Day Draw.

“For your chance to win, fill out the form on my website and tell me why your dad is the best dad in the world.

“Out of all the jobs I’ve had, being a father is my favourite. I am lucky to have two beautiful boys that bring me so much joy.”

This competition is only open to residents of Bonner and closes at 5pm on Thursday 1 September 2022.

The entry form can be found at Mr Vasta’s website: www.rossvasta.com.au/fathers-day-draw-2022/