Applications have opened today for the first round of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Get Active Kids Voucher Program. Many SV members, future and existing would be eligible and benefit from this financial support.

That’s why we need your club’s help to promote the program to ensure it reaches those in need and ask that you engage with your club’s membership base and networks to let them know about the Get Active Kids Voucher Program and encourage eligible families to apply.

The program will support eligible kids to get involved in Softball activities by providing up to $200 towards the cost of membership and registration fees, sports equipment or uniforms (new or second-hand). 

How does it work?

• The parent, legal guardian, temporary foster or kinship carer of a child can register their children for a voucher towards eligible activities or programs (e.g. for registration, uniforms and new or used equipment costs). For more information about eligible activities or programs visit the Get Active Victoria website – www.getactive.vic.gov.au  
• Eligible applicants are required to pay up front for their chosen activity or program and then complete an application form (with copies of their invoice/s and receipt/s).
• The applicant is reimbursed up to $200 towards eligible costs (subject to eligibility).
•  There are 100,000 vouchers available over the duration of the program.

Who is eligible to apply?

• The parent, legal guardian, temporary foster or kinship carer of a child who is the holder of a valid Australian Government Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with named dependents can apply.
• To be eligible kids need to be 4 to 18 years old and a resident in Victoria.
• If an individual or family is experiencing financial hardship as a result of an unforeseen situation, they may be eligible, without an Australian Government Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. This will be assessed on a case by case basis. 

Application timelines

• The Program will be delivered across four Rounds from 1 March 2021 until 17 April 2022.
• The opening round of the program will cover eligible expenses incurred between 1 January 2021 and 11 April 2021. Applications for vouchers in this round open 1 March 2021 and close 11 April 2021.
• The online application portal will open at 10.00am on Monday 1 March 2021.

To find out more view:

• The Program website – www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers  
• The Program guidelines – https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Get-Active-Kids-Voucher-Program-Guidelines-February-2021.pdf

If you have any additional questions that cannot be answered via the above information, email getactivekids@sport.vic.gov.au  

SPORTING CLUB GRANTS PROGRAM

Also a reminder about the Victorian Government Sporting Club Grants Program which closes on 18 March 2021. It provides grants of up to $1,000 to purchase uniforms, equipment or immediate first aid supplies. Grants of up to $2,000 and $5,000 are also available for training or developing the skills of club, league or association staff, and grants of up to $5,000 are available to support clubs to improve their operational effectiveness. In addition up to $2,000 for clubs and $5,000 for leagues and associations for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Recovery and assist with return to play costs and initiatives.

Danielle Rigg and Tim Hatzi are also available to support and answer any questions danielle.rigg@softballvic.org.au and tim.hatzi@softball.org.au

Image: Change of Focus Photography