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Melina Bath invites community to apply for CSEF Grants Open 2026, supporting eligible families with school camps, sports, excursions costs

Eligible families can now apply for the 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, helping cover costs of school camps, excursions, sports, and outdoor education through their child’s school.

By news@gippsland - 29th January 2026 - Back to News

Grants to assist local families can now apply for assistance through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) with the start of the 2026 school term. The Nationals’ Melina Bath said the fund provides support for eligible families to go towards the cost of school camps, sporting programs and excursions.

Melina Bath urges parents and carers to check CSEF eligibility, helping families manage costs and ensure children access valuable school activities

Support school activities

Ms Bath said, "Camps, sports and excursions are important educational experiences, yet their cost can place real pressure on families. These grants help to alleviate some financial pressure to enable children to take part in extracurricular activities alongside their peers." Eligible families will be able to apply through their child’s school, with funding paid directly to schools to support participation in the approved activities. Key information for families:

• Applications opened: 27 January 2026
• Who is eligible: Families holding a valid means-tested concession card, or those eligible under special categories, including temporary foster parents
• What it covers: School camps, excursions, outdoor education and school-organised sports activities
• How to apply: Application forms and guidance are available through your local schools once the program opens

Ms Bath is encouraging parents and carers to check their eligibility now with their child’s school. "Many household budgets are stretched thin with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, programs like this can make a difference for families and help open the door for young people," she said. For further information, families can contact their child’s school or visit the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund page.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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