The Australian Government is backing volunteers, with up to $20 million available to support volunteers across the nation.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said up to $132,450 was available in Bonner as part of the 2021 Volunteer Grants round.

Mr Vasta said he eligible, not-for-profit community organisations were invited to submit their expression of interest before 14 April.

“I am liaising with community leaders and relevant committees to identify priority volunteer support for our local area,” Mr Vasta said.

“Volunteers across Bonner freely give their time to support local organisations in a variety of ways, and make an extraordinary contribution to our community.”

Volunteer Grants of between $1000 and $5000 will help volunteers and volunteer groups to buy small equipment for volunteers, by reimbursing volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, or support promotional activities.

Organisations must have been nominated by their Federal Member of Parliament and meet the eligibility criteria which can be checked here.

Each Member can nominate organisations to apply for funding in their electorate up until 29 April 2021. The Department of Social Services will then send an application form to nominated organisations to apply for funding in May 2021.

Successful applicants will be announced in November 2021.

More information is available by emailing ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au or by visiting the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au

EX-SERVICE organisations (ESOs) who help veterans and their families are invited to apply for the 2021 Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program which is now open.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said ESOs across the country delivered extensive services to veterans and their families including leisure activities, transition support, assisting with claims, rehabilitation and wellbeing programs and hosting many commemorative events and activities.

“I encourage ESOs in Bonner to apply as the services they provide are highly valued by the ex-service community,” Mr Vasta said.

“BEST grants help ESOs provide vital advocacy services for current and former serving men and women, helping with their compensation claims and ensuring they get access to their entitlements and services.

“The services provided by ESOs can help veterans and their families access local support and resources, empowering them to improve their health and wellbeing, stay well, age well and engage in a full life.”

Applications for the grants are now open online, with advocacy service providers encouraged to submit their application before the closing date of 14 April 2021.

“A BEST grant can help contribute towards paying the salary costs of administrative assistants and advocates, and any equipment they might need to deliver their services,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage all ESOs that provide advocacy services to apply for a BEST grant.”

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers a range of grant programs to assist with providing support to veterans and their families.

To apply for a grant or for further information on BEST grants visit the Community Grants Hub website https://www.communitygrants.gov.au

An extension of the Minnippi Parklands bikeway is one of 41 projects to benefit from a $40 million Morrison Government funding injection into infrastructure upgrades across the Brisbane region.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the funding had been delivered to Brisbane City Council through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grants.

“This funding will support a year’s worth of employment and support to local businesses and industries around Brisbane,” Mr Vasta said.

“I am very pleased my electorate of Bonner will benefit from this funding injection, with construction of a bikeway through Minnippi Parklands.

“The project will cost around $3.7 million and connect Wynnum Road and Creek Road through the existing bushland reserve.”

Mr Vasta said construction would get underway in mid-2021 and be completed by the end of the year.

“This new bikeway will be up and running by the summer school holidays so it will get plenty of use,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government, Brisbane City Council will be able to deliver a diverse range of projects across the city, including this project in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“These local projects will put money into the pockets of local suppliers and residents, putting a much-needed economic boost to our region.”

Community Organisations in Bonner are invited to form a partnership to tackle drugs and alcohol, with funding from the Morrison Government.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said applications were open for registration of new Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) to prevent and minimize harm from ice, alcohol and other drugs.

“Alcohol and other drugs, including ice or crystal methamphetamine, are issues for communities, not just for individuals,” Mr Vasta said.

“Community action is effective because many of the factors influencing drug-related harm can only be targeted at the community level, like social connections, education and a sense of belonging.”

This recruitment round aims to approve 40 new LDATs, with $10,000 in initial funding to support prevention and health promotion activities.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the program was an important prevention initiative, targeting a broad range of alcohol and drug related issues.

“There are currently 238 local teams doing great work in all states and territories, who in partnership with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation are developing Community Action Plans to target their local needs.

“The LDAT program has received more than $29 million since it began in 2016 and our Government has already committed more than $800 million over four years to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on individuals, families and communities.”

As part of this investment, the government has also provided $6 million to implement a range of activities, including additional enhanced online and telephone drug and alcohol information and treatment support services to assist the Australian community during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for new LDATs are available on the LDAT Community Hub and close Friday, March 5. The hub contains extensive information about the program and how to apply and prepare a strong application.

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

Annual shows in Bonner cancelled because of COVID-19 are about to get a slice of $34 million Australian Government funding to help ensure they can bounce back next year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the first payments under the Supporting Agricultural Show and Fields Day program would roll out before Christmas.

“I am very pleased to share with the community the Mt Gravatt Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society is one of the successful recipients, with a funding grant of $32,448,” Mr Vasta said.

“We want to see the Mt Gravatt Show bounce back in 2021 and this funding package is about reimbursing cancellation costs and losses.”

Mr Vasta said the Government wanted to ensure show societies and field day organisers were in the best shape possible to continue next year.

“These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our show days are uniquely Australian and also provide huge economic benefits to local communities, as well as the opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.”

Mt Gravatt Show Society Secretary Loretta Smith said she was so happy and surprised to receive this federal funding to support the Mt Gravatt Show to continue in 2021.

“So many people in the community, particularly older people who take part in the knitting and cake competitions were so disappointed we didn’t have a show this year,” Ms Smith said.

“It was such a relief for us to get this funding so we can get on with planning the 2021 Mt Gravatt Show.

“We have a lot of commitments with insurance and other things that was just draining our funds so this announcement has been a huge relief.”

Mr Vasta said he was very pleased the Mt Gravatt Show was able to access this funding to help them through this tough period.

“Next year is looking so much brighter and I know this support will be fantastic boost for our volunteers, families and school kids,” Mr Vasta said.

The 2021 Mt Gravatt show is planned for July 24-25.

More information on the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program is available here.

Three community groups in Bonner will benefit from a share in $2.7 million from the Morrison Government to support the work of local volunteers.

The grants awarded are between $1000 and $5000 and will enable local organisations to better support their volunteers to purchase small equipment, pay fuel, transport and training costs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said volunteers played an integral part on our society, particularly during times of hardship.

“On December 5 we mark International Volunteer Day and celebrate the contribution of charity and community groups across Bonner as they continue to support the vulnerable and strengthen our community,” Mr Vasta said.

“From fire to floods and a global pandemic, Queensland has been significantly impacted this year and help is always needed by people in our community.

“I am very pleased this Morrison Government funding will support the volunteers in Bonner to continue doing their great work.”

Recipients include:

• Hope Foundation – Mt Gravatt – $4970
• Indians Baseball Club – Wakerley – $3925
• The Corporation of The Synod of The Diocese of Brisbane – Manly – $3000

“Now more than ever our community organisations, sporting clubs and charities rely on the selflessness of volunteers who step up to lend a hand,” Mr Vasta said.

“Often their time and work can incur a cost and I am glad that funding will help these groups better support our volunteers.”

The 2020-21 Volunteer Grants round is expected to open mid-2021 and you can subscribe on the Community Grants Hub to be alerted to this and other grant listings.

For more information on volunteering, visit the Volunteering Australia website.

Local road maintenance in Bonner 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 Australian Government would deliver over $171.1 million to 344 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better-maintained roads.

“The Roads to Recovery funding in Bonner 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.

“The Australian Government is committed to getting Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.”

This payment includes the final instalment of the Government’s $138.9 million additional funding for the 128 Local Government Areas eligible for the Drought Communities Program Extension.

Brisbane City Council received $3 million under the program which was used to upgrade Player Street in Bonner.

The project included extending Player Street to provide a connection with Kessells Road in Upper Mt Gravatt to improve safety access.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the Australian Government has 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 Hogan said.

“We are investing in infrastructure nationwide in order to lay the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Assisting local councils to maintain and improve roads under their jurisdiction is a big part of that, which is why we have also funded a new $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and brought forward $1.3 billion of the 2020–21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.”

Mr Hogan said Roads to Recovery investments deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the country.

“In order to meet the anticipated strong demand for Roads to Recovery for 2020–21, the Australian Government has brought forward $22.75 million to be available to councils to claim this financial year, for a total of $592.18 million in 2020–21,” Mr Hogan said.

“The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through a range of programs.

“This support includes 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.

Bonner’s local Men’s Sheds can now apply for funding as part of the latest round of the National Men’s Shed Development Program (NSDP), with priority given on applications with a strong focus on health, wellbeing and safety.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said in acknowledgement of the impact COVID-19 has had on the community, the grants would be used to help local Men’s Shed groups during their recovery and help facilitate increased connectivity amongst shedders.

“I strongly encourage the Men’s Shed groups in Bonner to apply for this grant to support the great work they already do,” Mr Vasta said.

“Now more than ever, Men’s Sheds offer men a critical avenue for social support and engagement. They have become a focal point for the Bonner community and encourage men to stay healthy, socialise and do regular activities in good company.

“This funding can help our Sheds deliver programs with a strong health, wellbeing or safety focus and I urge all local Sheds to apply.”

Men’s Sheds can apply for financial support across the following funding categories:

• Category 1: Health, Wellbeing, and Events $8,000 maximum
• Category 2: Shed Improvements $8,000 maximum
• Category 3: Equipment $5,000 maximum

Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP said Men’s Sheds were vital in providing a safe space for men to talk and work on meaningful projects.

“This new funding round will provide financial support to assist in both setting up and maintaining Men’s Sheds across Australia,” Minister Hunt said

Since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided $5.4 million to support Men’s Sheds across Australia.

Applications for the current funding round close Friday 27 November. For more information, visit https://mensshed.org

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.