Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (09:54): It is so important that children are encouraged to play sport. Involvement in a sporting club can have many benefits for a child’s health, wellbeing and sense of self.

Participating in sport boosts self-esteem and helps a child develop teamwork and leadership skills. Exercise is also a great way for kids to release stress and pent-up energy. Being involved helps kids develop bonds with their teammates and creates additional support systems to family and school.

Further, with many children spending lots of time on screens, participating in sport is now more important than ever as they develop lifelong healthy lifestyle habits—and of course it is fun.

That is why we are removing the financial barriers to support eligible families to cover the costs of getting their kids involved in organised sports and recreation through the Get Active kids voucher program.

The program offers up to 100 000 vouchers worth up to $200 over four rounds, helping families with the cost of membership, registration fees, equipment and uniforms. To be eligible kids need to be aged between four and 18, a Victorian resident and named on a current Australian government healthcare card or pension concession card and on a valid Medicare card at the time of the application.

Applications are open for any amount above $50 and up to $200 for each child, with costs related to the child’s sport or recreation, including badminton, basketball, cycling, calisthenics, equestrian, Girl Guides, gym and fitness, judo, karate, netball, rowing, squash and racquetball.

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