Voucher program for families in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay

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Fatima Halloum

Families in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay will soon be eligible for a government voucher program aimed at making sporting clubs more affordable.

The Get Active Kids initiative will allow families to apply for a voucher of up to $200 to assist with the cost of registration, club fees, uniform and equipment.

“We know the vouchers have been highly successful, with almost 30 per-cent of recipients so far joining a sports club for the first time,” said Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence.

“That’s thousands of young people who wouldn’t have been able to get involved if it weren’t for the program.”

Families will be required to submit the voucher to their local participating sporting clubs, who will then be able to redeem the voucher from the government.

Clubs and sporting organisations are also able to register as an activity provider if they are affiliated with a recognised State Sporting Association.

“By applying to be a registered activity provider, clubs will not only gain more members they’ll be helping more families and kids experience the benefits of community sport,” said Ms Spence.

While this is the fourth round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, more than 33,000 vouchers have already been used in previous years.

The program is open to Victorian children aged 18 and under named on a valid Healthcare card or Pensioner Concession card and named on a valid Medicare card.

Special consideration is also available for children in care, temporary or provision holders, undocumented migrants and international students.

Eligible families can apply at www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/