Stawell Archers and Northern Grampians Shire Council will receive money out of a $125,000 state government funding plan to help communities across the Wimmera provide shade protection.
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Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green visited Stawell on Sunday to announce the recipients of grants from the second round of the government’s Community Shade Grants Program.
Northern Grampians Shire Council will receive $40,636 and Stawell Archers $4000.
Ms Green said shade in outdoor public spaces, when used along with other sun protection measures including sunscreen and protective clothing, formed the best defence against UV over-exposure.
“We are supporting people across the Wimmera to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer, while also embracing the outdoors and enjoying a more active and healthy lifestyle,” she said.
Other grant recipients included Ararat Archers, St Arnaud Kindergarten, Halls Gap Botanic Garden, St Michael and St John Catholic Church in Horsham, Kaniva Bowls Club, Nhill Bowls Club, Green Park Kindergarten Horsham and Coughlin Park Bowls Club Horsham.
Ms Green said she was delighted so many organisations had been proactive and applied for funding.
“Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy lifestyle and it is important shade is easily available where people come together,” she said.
Skin cancer is a major health issue for Victorians, yet it’s mostly preventable.
- Danielle Green
“Our 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 and government schools.
“Skin cancer is a major health issue for Victorians, yet it’s mostly preventable. That’s why the people of the Wimmera need to be sun smart.”
Ms Green also said after nearly $7 million was already delivered, the shade grants would make a real difference to the communities across the Wimmera and beyond.
“The Community Shade Grant Program provides grants for shade development, including building new shade, repairing existing shade, purchasing portable shade or creating natural shade,” she said.
Up to 40,000 new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in Victoria every year, and in 2015, 421 Victorians died from skin cancer.