May 16th, 2022More access to sport for kids

More vouchers for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships are being made available as state government reduces the cost of getting in the game for thousands of Victorian families.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced $12.3 million for the continuation of the popular Get Active Kids Voucher Program through to June 2023.
The vital program reduces out-of-pocket expenses associated with participation in community sport by providing eligible parents and guardians with a $200 voucher to help defray the costs of membership, registration, uniforms and equipment.
Data from the first three rounds shows almost 30 per cent of children who received a voucherjoined a local sporting club for the first time and about 45 per cent also indicated they would not have been able to take part without the financial support.
So far, the program has issued more than 55,000 vouchers, providing more opportunities for kids to get active, try new things and learn more skills.
Parents now only need to apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at a registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider – such as a local sporting club or organisation.
Registered activity providers must be affiliated with a recognised State Sporting Association or equivalent governing body and can lodge voucher codes with the government to be credited the costs.
The program is open to Victorian children aged up to 18 who are 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 children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students up to 18 years at the time of application.
Applications for the current round are now open and close at 5pm on 31 May. For this current round, families can also continue to claim reimbursement for expenses already incurred. Further information on future rounds of the program will be available soon at getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said every Victorian deserved the chance to be active.

“That’s why we’re boosting our efforts to remove the financial barrier facing many families keen to get their kids involved in community sport. “More vouchers mean more families can get their kids playing the sports they love.”