ROSS VASTA MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BONNER
Congratulations Bonner Volunteers!
There is a lot that I love about our community, but what I believe makes Bonner extra special is the people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make it an even better place to live – our volunteers.
On the 18th of May I held my annual Bonner Volunteer Awards, and what a night it was! It was wonderful to come together as a community to acknowledge the work and contribution of local volunteers. Whilst competition was fierce in all seven categories, I would like to particularly highlight our Bayside winners!
Congratulations to:
Senior Volunteer Award: Marie Byrnes for her work at the Wynnum Christian Community Church, especially for coordinating donation drives for Living Hope Zambia.
Frontline Volunteer Award: Sean Harrison of Manly, for over 40 years of community service. In particular, I would like to note Sean’s last 14 years volunteering at the local Manly Coast Guard where he has helped over 250 vessels in distress and has ensured over 1000 people have been brought safely to shore – a true local hero!
Team Volunteer Award: Brisbane Bayside Repair Café. Since 2022, the team at Brisbane Bayside Repair Café have been repairing items to prevent them from ending up in landfill.
Adult Volunteer Award: Graham Moore of Manly, who for the last 7 years has volunteered down at Rochedale State High School maintaining the grounds and gardens at the school.
How lucky are we to have such an incredible group of volunteers right here on the Bayside!
Financial Literacy in Schools
What is a budget? What is superannuation? How do interest rates work? How do you read a pay slip? What is a credit score? How to save, invest and live within your means should and must be taught to our children in schools. That is why I introduced a motion calling on the Federal Government to make Financial Literacy as a compulsory part of the national curriculum.
It is alarming to see that 86% of Australians don’t know or understand their monthly expenses; that we rank 5th highest in the world for household debt out of all OECD nations; and that collectively, Australian’s have over $17 billion of personal credit card debt. Simply put, these are not the habits or the mindset we want our children or grandchildren to have.
We need to ensure our children are equipped with the skills they need to be confident in making smart personal financial decisions that benefit them and their future, and Financial Literacy in schools is the first step to achieving this. Financial Literacy in schools will not only set up our next generation to be financial resilient but will also help ensure that our children are in control of their own money. It will also help to reduce depression and anxiety due to financial stress and help decrease rates of homelessness, especially amongst women.
Setting goals to save for a house, making sure you are paid the correct rate, knowing how to fill out a tax return, it is time we see these necessary life skills taught in the classroom and that Financial Literacy becomes a compulsory part of the national curriculum.
For more information, including listening to my speech in parliament, please scan the QR code or email me at [email protected].
Oh, what family fun!
One of the many brilliant things about the Bayside is we are certainly blessed with a great variety of family fun events, and last month was no exception!
A massive thank you to the Bayside Community Fund, Guide Dogs QLD and the Wynnum Bugs Rugby for the first Pups in the Park event at Elanora Park. There was an incredible range of tail-wagging demonstrations, including obedience, dancing with dogs and fun informative sessions for all members of the family. The turn out was incredible, and I can’t wait to see next year’s Pups in the Park event.
A massive shout-out also has to go Rotary Wynnum-Manly and Ampol for their Ampol Rotary Family Fun Day. From farm animals to face painting, jumping castle and live music by the talented Amber Lawrence, it was certainly an event for all the family to enjoy! The Ampol Family Fun Day also focused on supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month by bringing our community together and helping make meaningful connections. Thank you also to our local Fire, Ambulance and Police personal who helped on the day.
69 Clara Street, Wynnum QLD 4178
Telephone: 07 3893 3488
Email: [email protected]
Website: rossvasta.com.au
Facebook: RossVastaMP
Instagram: rossvastamp
