Sports voucher program backs kids

– LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor

SPORT is not only a great way for kids to get active, but it also helps improve their social skills, mental and emotional health.

That’s why I’m so excited that applications are now open for the latest round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program to support kids and families from across Victoria with the cost of getting involved in local sport.

Through the program, eligible families can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child to use without the worry of upfront costs.

Each voucher can be used to pay for memberships, registration fees, uniforms, and equipment across sporting codes and recreational activities.

We’ve seen more than 115,000 vouchers delivered to deserving families to date, that’s a huge number of kids who might have missed out on the fun of participating in sport if it weren’t for the vouchers.

I’m so glad even more families can benefit with this new round.

The program encourages kids to participate in physical activity and maximises support for families who face additional barriers to participating in community sport.

For voucher recipients to be eligible, they must be aged 18 and under, 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.

A special consideration stream is also available to support kids residing in Victorian Care Services, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students aged 18 and under at the time of application.

Applications will close once the allocation has been exhausted. Vouchers can be used up to 30 April 2024.

Families can also continue to claim reimbursement for expenses incurred from 8 May 2023.

For more information about the program and to apply, visit getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.

Martha Haylett

Member for Ripon