Nine schools in Western Victoria have been awarded $160,014.57 in government funding to get some much needed protection from harmful UV radiation by installing sun shade around their school.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced the recipients of grants from the second round of the Andrews Labor Government’s School Shade Grants Program.
The Labor Government has invested $15 million for skin cancer prevention initiatives, including $5 million for SunSmart campaigns and $10 million in grants for shade in public places.
The nine schools will share in the $1.4 million worth of grant funds awarded in Round 2 of the School Shade Grant Program to build new shade structures, repair existing shade, purchase portable shade or create natural shade by planting trees.
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.
Childhood and adolescence are periods where over-exposure to UV radiation is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life.
Shade is a simple and effective way to protect ourselves from the sun and by doing so reduces the likelihood of deadly skin cancer.
It is important to balance the risks of skin cancer from over-exposure to UV radiation with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and spending time outdoors keeping physically active as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The schools in Western Victoria that will receive a grant from the second round of the School Shade Grants Program are:
- Beeac Primary School
- Colac Specialist School
- Camperdown College
- Lismore Primary School
- Teesdale Primary School
- Portland North Primary School
- Hawkesdale P12 College
- Koroit and District Primary School
- Warrnambool West Primary School
The Schools Shade Grant Program is complemented by the Community Shade Grant Program which provides grants for shade in community settings such as parks, sports clubs and playgrounds.
So far, the School and Community programs have awarded over $5 million in shade grants across three rounds with further rounds still to come. Those interested in future grant rounds can register their interest by emailing shade.grants@dhhs.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“We want to see as many students as possible being sun smart – it’s as easy as slipping on a shirt, slopping on the sunscreen, slapping on a hat, sliding on some sunnies, and seeking shade.”
“This will mean kids in Western Victoria will benefit from more shade and protection from the sun.”
“We know kids love spending time outdoors – but it’s critical they learn about the importance of being sun smart and maintaining a healthy balance of UV exposure when they’re playing outdoors.”