Another round of the Victorian government’s Get Active Kids Voucher Program will provide more grants for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships for thousands of families across the state.
Community sport minister Ros Spence the announced $12.3 million continuation of the program on Saturday 14 May.
“Every Victorian deserves the chance to be active and that’s why we’re boosting our efforts to remove the financial barrier facing many families keen to get their kids involved in community sport,” she said.
“More vouchers mean more families can get their kids playing the sports they love.”
The program reduces out-of-pocket expenses associated with participation in community sport by providing eligible parents and guardians with a $200 voucher to help defray the costs of membership, registration, uniforms and equipment.
Data from the first three rounds shows almost 30 per cent of children who received a voucher joined a local sporting club for the first time and about 45 per cent also indicated they would not have been able to take part without the financial support.
More than 55,000 vouchers have been issued throughout the program to get children out and about and this next round aims to do the same.
Registered activity providers must be affiliated with a recognised State Sporting Association or equivalent governing body and can lodge voucher codes with the government to be credited the costs.
Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern and Netball Victoria CEO Rosie King said they welcome any initiative that provides children with more opportunities to play sport.
“Hockey Victoria and our association clubs pride ourselves on being inclusive, and we’re proud to support this initiative that opens more doors for young Victorians to tap into all the benefits grassroots hockey offers,” Mr Skillern said.
“Netball is a game for everyone – that’s why we’re proud to support the Get Active Kids initiative, creating opportunities for even more kids to get involved in our sport,” Ms King said.
The program is open to Victorian children aged up to 18 who are named on a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and named on a valid Medicare Card at the time of application.
A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students up to 18 years at the time of application.
Applications for the current round are now open and close at 5pm on 31 May. For this current round, families can also continue to claim reimbursement for expenses already incurred. Further information on future rounds of the program will be available soon at getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.
