STEPH COOKE HAPPY TO SEE BOOST FOR ACTIVE KIDS
January 31, 2018
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomes the announcement that more than one million school children across the state are now eligible for the NSW Government’s new annual $100 Active Kids voucher.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that from today all parents with school-aged children will have help to cover the cost of sports and active recreation fees.
“This is a fantastic boost for parents because we know the cost of kids’ sport and activities can really add up. Active Kids is one of the ways the NSW Government is easing cost of living pressures on families,” Ms Berejikilan said.
“We have allocated $207 million over the next four years to help parents with the costs of getting their kids into sport.”
Ms Cooke said she was delighted that school-aged children will be more able to take part in sport.
“I’m so passionate about sport and I certainly owe my sport, swimming, a great deal,” she said.
“Anything which gets kids moving and involved with others is so good for them, so it’s wonderful to know that mums and dads will be given help towards that.
“Physical activity keeps kids in good shape, it teaches them persistence, teamwork, and the value of dedicated hard work,” she said.
Active Kids will contribute $100 for every child towards the cost of sports registration, membership expenses and fees for physical activities such as swimming, dance lessons and athletics.
Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said parents can now register online with Service NSW to receive their $100 voucher to provide to their approved sport or physical activity club or organisation.
“Active kids are happy and healthy kids and this is going to make a difference to many families. This program means that every child in the State has the opportunity to be fit and active in their community,” Mr Ayres said.
“From today parents can visit the Active Kids website to see a list of approved providers. More organisations will be added in the weeks ahead.”
Active Kids is a key initiative of the 2017-18 Budget and will not be means-tested. It supports the Premier’s Priority to reduce overweight and obesity rates of children by five per cent over ten years.
Parents have until 31 December 2018 to claim and use their voucher.
More information: sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids or by phoning Service NSW on 13 77 88.
