Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes is encouraging local organisations to apply for round six of the School Shade Grants Program and the Community Shade Grants Program.
Ms Symes said these programs ensured more Victorians could access the shade they needed to stay safe when enjoying the outdoors by building new shade, repairing existing shade or planting trees.
Grants are also available to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen.
*** Community groups impacted by Benalla Airport precinct break-ins
“We know how much Victorians love the outdoors,” Ms Symes said.
“These grants ensure locals can enjoy our great parks, sports fields and playgrounds while staying SunSmart.
“Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Australia. That’s why this program is so important to our north-east communities.
“More than ever, we want our kids to embrace the outdoors and stay active. These grants will help keep our kids safe in the sun and protect them from skin cancer later in life.”
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When used alongside other sun protection measures such as sunscreen and clothing, shade structures are the best defence and can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed by the age of 70.
In 2019, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 2841 new cases diagnosed and 270 deaths.
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The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with invasive melanoma was at 92 per cent in 2014-2018.
The Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 has set an ambitious target of saving 10,000 lives from cancer by 2025. School Shade Grants Program applications close on August 27 and Community Shade Grants Program applications close on September 10.
To apply for a grant visit health.vic.gov.au/public-health/preventive-health/skin-cancer-prevention
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