The Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed is set to receive a $720,000 upgrade if the Coalition wins the next election, thanks to current Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP.

This significant investment, announced by Mr Vasta, demonstrates his strong commitment to supporting local groups that foster connection, inclusivity, and mental well-being.

Boasting over 360 financial members, there is no doubt the men’s shed has grown substantially in recent years.

While this rapid membership growth is a testament to the organisation’s value, it has caused space constraints, hindering the group’s ability to expand its activities and meet the needs of current and future members.

Mr Vasta said he is proud to support an organisation that makes such a large impact and contribution to both its members and the community.

“The Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed is not just a community group, but a vital resource for the mental health and well-being of men in Bonner.

“This funding will ensure the Shed has the capacity to continue its invaluable work and expand its reach to even more members of the community.

“With more space, the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed will continue to grow and provide an even better experience for its members, their families and our community,” he said.

President of the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed, Peter Tyley, said that the $720,000 will really put the icing on the cake.

“It will allow us to do more with the new construction and also help the community with more public toilets for the showgrounds,” he said.

Howard Groffman, member of the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed, said he enjoys the camaraderie and interesting people he meets at the Shed.

Howard said “We welcome everyone, regardless of cultural background, religious or political beliefs.”

The expansion will provide the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed with the space and facilities needed to sustain its growth, and offer a greater variety of activities for current and future members

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has committed four million dollars for Mansfield State High School to build a multipurpose facility, if the Coalition is elected next year.

For six years, Mansfield State High School has operated at full capacity, being one of the most sought-after catchments in Queensland.

The proposed hall would include two new court spaces, which would not only be used for sports such as basketball and futsal, but also for school performances and ceremonies.

Ross Vasta MP said he is again fighting for an expansion to a Multipurpose Hall for Mansfield State High School, to ensure all students have access to opportunities to excel in their passions.

“Every student in Bonner deserves an equal opportunity to participate in their chosen endeavours.

“As one of Queensland’s largest high schools, Mansfield is a local landmark and the new facility will be a valued resource amongst the Southern Brisbane community,” said Mr Vasta.

Principal Karen Tanks said the Mansfield community grows by the day, and so does the school.

“This will mean more facilities for our students, and also for our community,” she said.

A Multipurpose Hall at Mansfield State High School will enable greater participation in various sports and activities, ensuring the school is fully equipped to serve and support students for many years to come.

Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner, has secured $500,000 for a vital expansion of the Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed, if the Coalition is elected next year.

Since 2011, the Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed has provided a safe and busy environment for gents, from all walks of life, to find community, connection, support and
mateship.

Since opening, the membership base at Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed has quadrupled and continues to grow at about 20% per year.

Due to the significant growth in participants, the Men’s Shed is out of space, which is inhibiting the experiences of existing members, and potential future members alike.

The construction and installation of the ‘Lionel Morgan Shed’ is paramount in ensuring that this important community group can continue to grow and support men in Wynnum, Manly and its surrounds.

Mr Vasta said social norms continue to discourage men from discussing their emotions, and that many men face mental health challenges and suffer from isolation and depression.

“The Wynnum Manly District Men’s Shed is an incredible community group that promotes mental well-being for men through mateship and connection to the community.

“Unfortunately, they are currently unable to support and cater for more members in Wynnum-Manly due to insufficient shed space,” he said.

President of Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed, David Westlake, said the Lionel Morgan shed will be wheelchair accessible and store the Shed’s pool table, 3D printers, and battery and handheld tools.

“The upgrade will be great for the community,” he said.

Mr Vasta is committed to fighting for the construction of the ‘Lionel Morgan Shed’ to ensure that men from all walks of life have the space to connect and grow.

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