January 21, 2018
The Queensland Government will expand its popular Get Started Vouchers program, offering a record $5.62 million in Round 11.
The “first-come-first-served” voucher program offers up to $150 to help eligible children cover the cost of membership or participation fees at their local sporting club.
Sports Minister Mick de Brenni announced on Sunday that Round 11 will open this Wednesday (January 24) with the largest funding commitment in the program’s history.
“We know that kids don’t all get to play on a level playing field,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The start-up costs involved in organised sports can be prohibitive for families on lower incomes, which means some of the kids who would benefit most from the social and health benefits that come with organised sports can’t access them.
“If we look at families with a combined income of more than $200,000 per year, around 85 percent of kids in those families are participating in organised sport.
“But for families with an income between $40,000 and $70,000 participation rates drop by around 30 percent.
“Sports participation is not just about whether children get to have fun playing sports, there are very real social and health outcomes at stake.
“A Get Started voucher can be the difference between getting to join a team, be part of a supportive community and be active with friends, or missing out on these things entirely.”
Mr de Brenni said it was important for families to apply early so they don’t miss out.
“In 2017 we saw vouchers racing out the doors in record numbers with just under 54,000 vouchers issued to Queensland kids keen to get active,” Mr de Brenni said.
“These vouchers are issued on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so I urge eligible families not to delay their applications once the round opens.”
Mr de Brenni said nearly 4300 clubs across Queensland are registered for the Get Started Vouchers program, ensuring there is a huge range of activities on offer.
For more information on how to apply for Get Started Vouchers, visit the website
