Music & the arts join sports voucher program

The South Australian Government is delivering cost of living relief to families and providing more opportunities for children to be active and socially connected through the expansion of the Sports Vouchers program.

Under the refreshed program name ‘Sports Vouchers Plus’, children from Reception to Year 9 are now eligible to receive double the support through two $100 Sports Vouchers per calendar year.

For the first time, music lessons and active recreation will also be incorporated in the program, in another move by the State Government which will get young people engaged in the community and away from screens.

The expansion of the new Sports Vouchers Plus was announced in the 2024-25 State Budget, where $54.6 million will be invested over four years to deliver this initiative.

Sports Vouchers have continued to evolve since they were first launched in 2015 and over the past decade the offering has extended to provide subsidies for dance, learn-to-swim programs, Scouts and Guides.

Last year, Sports Vouchers enjoyed its most successful year to date with a record number of more than 95,000 vouchers claimed over 12 months.

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard said this year marked the 10th anniversary of the successful and continually evolving program.

“As we mark a remarkable decade of the program, we are providing more support to families than ever before by doubling the value of vouchers and extending the program to include active recreation and music lessons,” Minister Hildyard said.

“Whether a child wants to play the trumpet, play footy, sing or participate in guides, we don’t ever want cost to be a barrier to them doing so.

“The Malinauskas Labor Government is determined to get our kids active, off their screens, participating in sport, active recreation or the arts and enjoying the sense of belonging and physical, mental and emotional benefits of being involved.

“The Sports Vouchers Plus initiative and the doubling in value is about supporting families to support their kids to do just this.”

South Australian Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels welcomed the expansion of the program into the arts and culture space.

“Children will be able to sing and dance and learn instruments as part of the program,” Minister Michaels said.

“Music lessons offer incredible benefits for children’s wellbeing and development, but the cost can often be a challenge for parents and carers.

“That’s why we have extended the program to make it more affordable for families.

Since its inception, more than 697,000 vouchers have been claimed, providing $58.85 million to South Australian families to put towards eligible activities.

Families can claim their Sports Vouchers via www.sportsvouchers.sa.gov.au