Warrnambool has been awarded $37,000 by the Andrews Labor Government to provide much needed protection from harmful UV rays by increasing the provision of shade in the community.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced the recipients of grants from the first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Shade Grants Program.
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 ourselves from the sun and by doing so reduces the likelihood of deadly skin cancer.
The Labor Government has committed $15 million for skin cancer prevention initiatives, including $5 million for SunSmart education campaigns and $10 million in grants for shade in public places.
Organisations around Warrnambool will share in the $37,000 worth of grant funds to use to build new shade structures, repair existing shade, purchase portable shade or create natural shade by planting trees.
The grants can also be used to purchase hats and sunscreen to further protect the community from the harsh rays of the sun.
Organisations in Warrnambool that will receive a grant from the first round of the Community Shade Grants Program are:
- Warrnambool Pony Club Incorporated which will receive $13,700 for new shading to be built at the LH McConnell Pavilion
- Warrnambool City Council which will receive two grants of $6,255 for the construction of natural shade at Cramer Street Reserve and Crawley Street Reserve.
- Warrnambool and District Drag Racing Association which will receive $5,000 for portable shading at the Warrnambool City Aerodrome
- Uniting Church Child Care Centre which will receive $4,000 for new shading to be built at the Centre
- Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Bowls Club which will receive $1,700 for new hats and sunscreen
Priority for grants has been given to rural and regional areas with high rates of skin cancer and mortality and areas of socioeconomic disadvantage.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“We all love spending time outdoors but it is important we are adequately protected
from the sun, especially between September and April when UV levels are high.”
“Skin cancer is a major health issue for Victorians, yet it’s mostly preventable. That’s why the people of Warrnambool need to be sun smart.”
“These grants will provide our community with more shaded areas so everyone can enjoy
their time outdoors safely.”