Grants help kids get some shade

MOUNT Duneed Regional Primary School is one of five schools across the region that will improve shade in the schoolyard through a state government grant.

Last week, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced the five schools would share in more than $102,000 of funding from the School Shade Grants Program.

The $1.4 million program provides grants to schools to build new shade, repair or replace existing shade structures, or create natural shade by planting trees.

Mt Duneed Regional Primary School will receive $27,500 for a built shade structure.

The state government has also opened the latest round of the Community Shade Grants Program, providing much needed shade in public areas such as sports clubs, parks and playgrounds.

Skin cancer is a largely preventable disease, but there are still an estimated 40,000 new cases diagnosed each year in Victoria alone.

Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. In Victoria in 2015, 2,712 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed and 379 died from the disease.

Shade can help reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent when used alongside other sun protection strategies such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.

“Skin cancer is a major health issue for Australians, yet it’s mostly preventable. Schools play a critical role in helping kids learn how to be sun smart from an early age,” Ms Tierney said.

“More shaded areas in schools are a simple way to protect our kids from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevent skin cancer.

“In these warmer months, we’re all looking forward to spending more time outdoors. I urge everyone to be sun smart – it’s as easy as slipping on a shirt, slopping on the sunscreen, slapping on a hat, sliding on some sunnies, and seeking shade. It could save your life.”

Eligible community organisations including sports clubs, local councils and not-for-profit community groups can now apply for a Community Shade Grant at www2.health.vic.gov.au/community-shade-grants.

Applications close at 5pm on November 30.