Local families are now able to grab sports vouchers in an an attempt by the State Government to allow more Victorian kids to get in the game while cost of living pressures hinder families.
The State Government announced applications for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, open from Tuesday 21 February.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the program is a great opportunity to get kids into sport without breaking the budget.
“We know how passionate Victorians are about their sport and that’s why we are providing these vouchers to make it a little easier for families to get their kids involved in the sport they love,” Ms Spence said.
Eligible families can apply for vouchers of up to $200 and use them at their registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider without having to worry about upfront costs. The vouchers can help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships in a range of activities – even learn to swim classes for toddlers.
There are more than 1,600 activity providers registered across Victoria. Almost 80,000 vouchers have been snapped up in previous rounds of the program, with nearly a quarter of those helping children join a local sports club for the first time.
Importantly, about half of recipients surveyed indicated they would not have been able to participate in their chosen sport or activity without the voucher.
To be eligible, kids 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 available to support children residing in Victorian Care Services, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students aged 18 and under at the time of application.
Clubs, associations and organisations can register as a Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider to be able to redeem the voucher from the Government. To be eligible they must be affiliated with a recognised state sporting association or equivalent governing body.
Applications for this round of vouchers close on 10 May. Families can also continue to claim reimbursement for expenses already incurred from 28 November 2022 to 10 May. For more information go to getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.
