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Grant yourself some shade
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Grant yourself some shade

Community groups across East Gippsland should take advantage of the final round of the Community Shade Grants Program, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.
 
Mr Bull said grants of up to $50,000 were available to sporting clubs and other not-for-profit organisations to build new shade structures, replace or repair existing structures or create natural shade.
 
“This is a really popular grant stream with many organisations often choosing to construct shade structures,” Mr Bull said.
 
“Some are also able to create natural shade by planting trees or purchasing portable items, while others choose a combination of methods to create shade.
 
“In addition to these grants, applicants can also apply for up to $700 for sunscreen and hats.”
 
Mr Bull said it was important that local groups provided suitable respite from the sun, given Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
 
“Two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they turn 70, and we need to change this statistic,” he said.
 
“Around 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Victoria every year.”
 
Mr Bull said the application process involved two stages, with expressions of interest due by Thursday, November 30, with shortlisted applicants to submit a full application afterwards.
 
“I am positive that all eligible community organisations in East Gippsland could put additional shade structures or natural shade to good use, and I encourage all eligible groups to look into this program as a way of achieving that.”
 
More information is available at www2.health.vic.gov.au/community-shade-grants or by phoning 1300 547 596.
 
Thursday, November 9, 2017