Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Ministers statements: community sport

Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:14): Today I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s work to make community sport more accessible for all Victorians, addressing cost as a barrier to participation. Our popular Get Active Kids voucher program is now open for its eighth round. Since beginning in 2020 this program has delivered nearly 150,000 vouchers to Victorian families, helping children to participate in sport by covering costs like membership fees, uniforms and equipment. In addition to the $6 million announced in this year’s budget, I recently announced a funding boost of an additional $3 million for this round, ensuring that even more families can access these vital $200 vouchers.

The sporting club grants program is another initiative that helps break down barriers to participation, as well as supporting local sporting clubs. Through this program we have provided clubs with more than 11,000 grants worth more than $17 million to help purchase uniforms and equipment, to run new inclusive programs and to assist participants to compete in events away from home. This summer we are again investing in safety and inclusion through the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program, which each January offers 16,000 kids access to affordable swimming lessons and essential water safety skills. With further funding from this government VICSWIM is this summer expanding its lessons for children with disabilities and those from multicultural backgrounds, ensuring that more Victorian children have the opportunity to learn to swim safely.

We understand the value of community sport. It strengthens local connections. It promotes healthier, more connected communities across Victoria. This government is committed to removing the barriers to participation so that more Victorians can be active, can be safe and can be engaged in the sports and activities they love.