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Grants and awards | November 02, 2015

Community shade grants now open

Emma Kealy, Nationals Member for Lowan is encouraging sports clubs and community groups to take advantage of the Community Shade Grants Program which is now open.

“The program provides grants of up to $50,000 to construct a new shade, purchase a portable shade, plant a natural shade, repair an existing shade, or any combination of the three,” Ms Kealy said.

A portion of the grant may also be used to purchase hats and sunscreen.

“Outdoor sport and active recreation have such an important role to play in the everyday lives of Victorians and we know that adequate shade and sun protection is crucial to offering a safe and enjoyable environment for participants,” Ms Kealy said.

“I am positive that all eligible community organisations in the Lowan Electorate could put additional shade structures to good use and I encourage all to look into this program as a way of achieving that,” she said.

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. However, skin cancer is a largely preventable disease, and the provision of well planned, quality shade is an important strategy in reducing ultraviolet over-exposure.

Applications for the first round of the Community Shade Grants Program close on Sunday, 13 December 2015.

To apply, visit http://health.vic.gov.au/community-shade-grants/