Funding for shade available through grants
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Funding for shade available through grants

Funding is available to local sporting clubs and community groups looking to protect their members from the harsh elements of the sun, as part of the Community Shade Grants Program.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging organisations within his electorate to submit an expression of interest to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), with successful groups able to receive funding of up to $50,000, depending on the project.

“Successful applicants will be able to purchase hats, sunscreen and portable shade structure; build or repair permanent structures, or plant natural shade, depending on the category they apply for,” he said.

“Guidelines state that eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, sporting clubs, churches, scouts and guides groups, local councils, kindergartens and early childhood centres,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull said DHHS was providing this funding to help prevent skin cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in Victoria.

“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,” he said.

Mr Bull said more information, along with an expression of interest form, was available from https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/preventive-health/skin-cancer-prevention/community-shade-grants.

“I encourage eligible groups and clubs to go online and read more to see what the grants could do for their organisation.”

Expressions of interest must be submitted by 5pm October 6.

Monday, September 19, 2016