More vouchers are on offer for young Victorians keen to play their favourite sport with up to $200 available to help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced applications has opened under the second round of the $21 million Get Active Kids Voucher Program.
“Every kid deserves the chance to play the sport they love with their friends – this program supports those who need it most to get out there and give it a go.” Minister Spence commented “We’re removing financial barriers for thousands of families across the state, giving them the support they need.”
The Minister explained that more than 10,000 vouchers were snapped up in the first round, helping families cover the costs of membership and registration fees, equipment and uniforms. Sports and activities ranged from swimming, basketball and Australian rules football to dance, tennis, gymnastics and scouts. Community sport and recreation has recovered strongly from a disrupted 2020 and participants will be keen to play and compete again when circuit-breaker restrictions are removed.
Minister Spence pointed out that Round one of the scheme opened doors to sport participation with 27 per cent of children who received a voucher joining a local sporting club for the first time. About 40 per cent of voucher recipients also indicated they would not have been able to participate in their chosen sport or activity without the financial support provided by the program. Round two will increase the number of vouchers up for grabs, providing even more families with the opportunity for their kids to join in the fun at local clubs and groups across the state. The Minister said that the Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps young Victorians from families facing barriers to participating in sport and recreation. To be eligible, kids need to be aged 4 to 18, a Victorian resident, named on a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and named on a valid Medicare Card at the time of application. The Minister added that the program also provides a special consideration stream to support children named on their own Health Care Card, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students aged 4 to 18 years at the time of application.
The Minister said that applications for vouchers in round two of the program open on 31 May 2021 and close on 9 July 2021. Eligible expenditure dates (for membership, uniform and equipment costs) are from 1 January 2021 to 9 July 2021. The program is being delivered across four rounds until 15 April 2022. Subject to availability, two vouchers can be claimed for each eligible child across the duration of the program.
