Local organisations can now apply for a new Community Shade Grant to provide much needed shade in public areas.

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.

In 2014, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 2,466 new cases diagnosed, and 279 deaths from the disease.

Given this, it’s so important that Victorians are sun smart – and that includes staying in the shade when possible.

Shade as a sun protection measure alone can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent, and this is strengthened when used in combination with other sun protection strategies such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.

The Andrews Labor Government’s $10 million Community Shade Grants Program is now open for the first round of applications, and Member for Yuroke, Ros Spence, is encouraging all local sports clubs, community groups, and councils to apply.

There are three Community Shade Grants available – up to $5000, $5,000 to $20,000, and $20,000 to $50,000 – which can be used for the construction of a new shade, to purchase a portable shade, plant a natural shade, repair an existing shade, or any combination of these.

In addition, a portion of a grant may be used to purchase hats and sunscreen, to further support community groups to be sun smart.

Applications for the first round of the Community Shade Grants Program close on Sunday 13 December 2015, with grants to be awarded from later that month. Funding rounds will be conducted every year.

To apply, visit http://health.vic.gov.au/community-shade-grants/.

The Community Shade Grants Program is part of the Government’s broader investment in skin cancer prevention. In the 2015-16 State Budget, the Government also invested $5 million to support SunSmart education campaigns.