More local kids to benefit from sports vouchers

THOUSANDS more $200 sporting vouchers are now up for grabs, after the Victorian government this week announced a funding boost to an initiative intended to encourage more children to get active.

On Monday, Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced the latest round of the Get Active Kids voucher program – which opened earlier this month – will receive a $3 million boost, providing more kids with the opportunity to join a local sports club or try a new activity.

Launched in 2020, the voucher program aims to encourage children to re-engage with sport, with vouchers of up to $200 on offer to eligible families to help reduce barriers to participation such as membership, registration, uniform and equipment fees.

These vouchers can be used at one of more than 2,100 activity providers across the state, which encompass more than 70 sports, including soccer, dancing and basketball.

“Families love this program and by offering more vouchers we’re making sure no child misses out on playing the sport they love,” Ms Spence said.

“More vouchers means more families can apply – and we know that covering the costs of memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment goes a long way in helping with the cost of living.”

Since the Get Active Kids voucher program launched in 2020, about 150,000 vouchers have been provided to Victorian families, with more than half reporting that without the vouchers, their children would not have been able to participate in sport.

The initiative is open to children aged up to 18 who are named on a Commonwealth Health Card 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.

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