Sport vouchers available to help kids play

MORE vouchers for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships are being made available as part of a plan from the Andrews Labor Government to reduce the cost of getting in the game for thousands of Victorian families. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence last week announced $12.3 million for the continuation of the popular Get Active Kids Voucher Program through to June 2023. 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 offset the costs of membership, registration, uniforms and equipment. Ms Spence spoke about the importance of this program and encouraging sports in the community. "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." Data from the first three rounds of the program showed that 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. So far, the program has issued more than 55,000 vouchers, providing more opportunities for kids to get active, try new things and learn more skills. Parents now only need to apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at a registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider – such as a local sporting club or organisation. Hockey Victoria Andrew Skillern chief executive officer said the initiative was integral in creating a more inclusive environment within the 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," he said. Rosie King, the CEO of Netball Victoria, agreed that the program was helping kids play much needed sport. "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," she said. Registered activity providers must be affiliated with a recognised State Sporting Association or equivalent governing body and can lodge voucher codes with the Labor Government to be credited the costs. 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 close at 5pm on Tuesday, May 31. 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.

Sport vouchers available to help kids play

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