23 Wimmera organisations are among the 323 groups from across Victoria who received funding under the Community Shade Grant Program.

St Arnaud Neighbourhood House ($11,586), St Arnaud Pony Club ($1,696), Stawell Tennis Club ($3,404) all received funding for shade while Stawell Golf Club was the big winner, receiving $35,000.

Stawell Golf Club president Ian Mitchell said the money is a big bonus for the club.

“We are a volunteer run club so it is a good reward for everyone who puts in so much work,” he said.

“It fits in really well with the heat and shade policies we have.

“We are really thankful to the state government for it.”

Mitchell said the funding will help the club continue its gradual improvement.

“This is part of a long term master plan to help improve the clubhouse,” he said.

“Our clubhouse is a community facility, not just for the golf club.”

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Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said the use of shade is one of many important ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

“Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent, yet largely preventable cancers affecting Victorians which makes it really important to be sun smart,” Ms Pulford said.

“Our shade grants are making a real difference to local communities and sporting clubs in placed like Horsham, Stawell, Murtoa and Warracknabeal,” she said.

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed by the age of 70.

It is estimated that 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Victoria every year. In 2016, 256 Victorians died from melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.