Western Victoria schools have received an Andrews Labor Government grant for 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 first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s School Shade Grants Program.
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.
Western Victoria schools will share in the $10 million worth of grant funds to use to build new shade structures, repair existing shade, purchase portable shade or create natural shade by planting trees.
Schools in Western Victoria that will receive a grant from the first round of the School Shade Grants Program are:
- Elliminyt Primary School;
- Portland Secondary College; and
- Mortlake P-12 College.
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 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.
To apply for round two of the Schools Shade Grants Program visit www.health.vic.gov.au/school-shade-grants
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“I urge all students to be sun smart by slopping on the sunscreen, slapping on a hat, sliding on some sunnies, and seeking shade.”
“We need to teach children as early as possible the importance of being sun smart and maintaining a healthy balance of UV exposure when playing outdoors.”
“If our schools have strong sun protection policies in place which promote good sun protection practices and behaviours in our students, it could reduce their risk of developing skin cancer later in life.”