The first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s School Shade Grants Program is now open to help Victorian Government schools in Yuroke provide much needed shade for students.

Member for Yuroke Ros Spence today urged Victorian Government schools in Yuroke to apply for the first round of grants.

The School Shade Grants Program provides grants of up to $25,000 for shade development, including building new shade, repairing existing shade or creating natural shade by planting trees.

We know that childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which exposure to UV radiation is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life.

Schools play a vital role in encouraging sun smart behaviours from an early age, and that’s why our School Shade Grants Program also supports schools to review, improve and strengthen sun protection policies.

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and in 2014 melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria. It’s estimated that 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Victoria every year.

Shade is a simple and effective way to protect from harmful UV radiation, and well-planned and designed shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent.

The Labor Government has committed $15 million for skin cancer prevention initiatives, including $5 million for SunSmart campaigns and $10 million in grants for shade in public places and government schools.

The School Shade Grants Program is just one component of this $10 million grant funding with future grants targeting sports clubs, parks, community venues and playgrounds.

To apply for the first round of Schools Shade Grants Program, visit www.health.vic.gov.au/school-shade-grants

For further information or support, schools can contact the Yuroke electorate office on (03) 9305 7177.