Voucher program to boost kids’ participation in sports

THOUSANDS of $200 vouchers have been made available to eligible families, as part of a state government initiative to give more kids the opportunity to participate in sport.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant last week announced the latest round of the state government’s Get Active Kids voucher program had opened, with vouchers up to $200 available to cover the cost of participation in sport and active recreation activities.

The program aims to encourage kids to re-engage with sport, join a local sports club or try a new activity, by reducing barriers to participation such as membership, registration, uniform and equipment fees.

Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at one of more than 2,000 activity providers across the state, encompassing more than 70 sports.

“This program is helping kids in the Bellarine play the sports they love and supporting local families with the cost-of-living pressures,” Ms Marchant said.

The initiative is open to kids aged up to 18 who are named on a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card.

A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said her government was helping busy families by making sure every child can get active this summer.

“Whether they like basketball or ballet, every kid deserves to have a go at the sport they love,” she said.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said almost 150,000 vouchers have been provided to families since the program launched in 2020, with more than half of the families who have received the vouchers reporting that without them, their children would not have been able to participate in sport.

“These vouchers are a win for healthy habits, a win for communities and a win for the huge number of kids who would otherwise not be able to participate,” Ms Spence said.

An additional $6 million was allocated in this year’s Victorian budget to extend the Get Active Kids voucher program.

For more information, to apply for a Get Active Kids voucher or to find an activity provider, head to getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers