Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the government for its continued investment into our communities following the disruptions caused by COVID-19. I'm especially pleased to see the reinvigoration of the creative and cultural sectors in my electorate of Bonner, with the Wynnum Fringe Festival recently awarded $236,000 in funding thanks to the Morrison government's RISE Fund. The funding awarded to this festival means it can return as an annual event on the Bayside. It will also enable Bonner's local artists to get back on stage, and for the community to experience the arts right in their own backyards.

I had the privilege of personally congratulating festival founder, artistic director and Bonner constituent, Tom Oliver, on securing this funding. With an impressive background in the arts, the festival was an idea created by Tom last year after seeing how hard-hit the sector was. Tom couldn't have been more pleased to receive this funding for the festival, especially after seeing firsthand the remarkable outcomes it delivered to the arts sector and local economy following last year's first event. With this funding, the event will be returning even bigger and better in November this year. This government understands that, by investing in the community and events like the Wynnum Fringe Festival, you are also investing in the passion and livelihoods of all. I am honoured to be part of the Morrison government. What a great feeling it is to see the continued reinvigoration into communities across all sectors.

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