Parents struggling with the costs of rising children’s sport participation fees are being urged to sign-up to the Queensland Government’s “Get Started” program.
The program offers vouchers up to $150 to children whose families might not otherwise be able to afford it, or who may otherwise benefit from, an opportunity to join a sport or recreation club.
Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson said round two of the program opened 15 July, and was already proving very popular.
“Since the second round opened we’ve issued in excess of 8,700 Get Started vouchers, on top of the 12,000 vouchers issued under the first round.
“Pleasingly, under the first round more than 20 per cent of vouchers were issued to children who had never been members of a sporting club before,” Mr Dickson said.
“Times are tough, with many families spending thousands of dollars on sport fees, but we don’t want to see kids missing out because of the expense.
“That’s why the Newman Government is here to help- we want to see more Queenslanders, more active, more often.
“Whether it’s basketball or netball, baseball or hockey- these vouchers are designed to give struggling families a hand, and help kids get in the game.”
Get Started is one of three programs under the Queensland Government’s Get in the Game initiative.
“Our $47 million grassroots sports funding initiative is part of the LNP’s commitment to lower the cost of living for Queenslanders by reducing the costs of club registrations and funding better sports equipment and infrastructure,” Mr Dickson said.
Sport and recreation clubs are also being encouraged to apply for funding to improve their services and facilities, with the Newman Government recently launching round two of its Get Going and Get Playing programs.
Get Going provides grants up to $10,000 for items and activities to assist clubs in attracting and retaining members and Get Playing provides grants up to $100,000 to sport and recreation organisations for facility development.
Further details on Get in the Game are available at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/funding/getinthegame or by calling 1300 656 191.