Victorian community sports clubs are being encouraged to register as an activity provider to make it more affordable for families across the state to get into community sport. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced registrations are open for sporting clubs and organisations to become a Get Active Kids Activity Provider ahead of Round 4 of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program opening in March.
“By applying to be a registered activity provider, clubs will not only gain more members they’ll be helping more families and kids experience the benefits of community sport.” Minister Spence commented “We know the vouchers have been highly successful, with almost 30 per-cent of recipients so far joining a sports club for the first time, that’s thousands of young people who wouldn’t have been able to get involved if it weren’t for the program.”
“We can’t wait to register as a provider, this will be beneficial for membership numbers at our club and provide more opportunities for kids to get involved in sport.” Junior Coordinator of the Barkly Street Uniting Cricket Club in Maribyrnong Marcus Curnow commented.
Minister Spence said that previously through the Andrews Labor Government voucher program, families finding it difficult to afford the costs associated with club fees, registration, equipment and uniforms would pay and then be reimbursed through the program. Minister Spence added that this year clubs and sporting organisations can register as a provider, which allows families to sign their kids up by using the voucher up front and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
The Minister explained that families will be able to apply for a voucher up to $200 through Round 4 of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program next month and will then be required to submit the voucher to their local sporting club. Clubs and sporting organisations will then be able to redeem the voucher from the Government. To be eligible for registration as an activity provider, clubs and sporting organisations must be affiliated with a recognised State Sporting Association or equivalent governing body. Minister Spence explained that across the first three rounds of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, more than 33,000 vouchers have been snapped up, opening up more opportunities for kids to get active and healthy while having fun. The Minister said that the program is open to Victorian children aged up to 18, 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.
