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Gippslanders gets $68,620 funding for UV reduction in latest round of Community Shade Grants program

More communities will be protected from the sun's harmful UV rays, from the Andrews Labor government's Community Shade grants program helping communities to install shade in public areas such as sports clubs, parks, and playgrounds.

By news@gippsland - 18th October 2022 - Back to News

The Andrews Labor government's Community Shade grants program helps communities to install shade in public areas such as sports clubs, parks, and playgrounds. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced that three community organisations across Gippsland will receive a total of $68,620 in funding from the latest round of the Community Shade Grants program.

Through the Community Shade Grants program, communities in Gippsland will also help them to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer

Grants recipients

Community Shade grants program recipients include:

Sale Tennis Club

Sale Tennis Club will receive $34,130 to construct a permanent shade structure between their tennis courts to provide shade and shelter for spectators, players, coaches, and administrators.

Glengarry Primary School

Glengarry Primary School, who will receive $18,500 for a shade sail to cover their new playground area.

Buln Buln Netball Club

Buln Buln Netball Club, who will receive $1,559 to construct a marquee to provide additional shaded areas for spectators and community members to enjoy.

The Shade Grants Program is part of the Labor government's skin cancer prevention election commitment to provide $15.1 million over four years in skin cancer prevention initiatives.

The program provides grants to build new shade structures, repair existing structures, or create natural shade by planting trees. Funding is also provided to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen.

Preventing skin cancer

Good quality shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent, and offers the best protection against harmful UV radiation when used in combination with other sun protective measures such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Through this program the government is supporting communities in Gippsland to keep active and enjoy the outdoors, while also helping them to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer.

Halving the proportion

In 2019, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 2,841 new cases and sadly 270 deaths. The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with melanoma was 92 per cent in 2014-2018, compared to 69 percent for all cancers.

It forms part of the government's ambitious Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 which sets out a target to halve the proportion of Victorians diagnosed with preventable cancers by 2040.

Delivering shades

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "These grants mean that Gippslanders will be able to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably with the necessary shade to protect them from the sun."

"We're delivering these shades to schools and community groups in Gippsland because it is a simple and positive way of helping local communities to stay safe, enjoy their neighbourhoods, and stay protected from harmful UV rays." Ms Shing said.

Pictures from Harriet Shing MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
  Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects.
• Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
  Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Traralgon Netball Association scores $220,000 boost for new court lighting, creating more opportunities for players and night games
  Traralgon’s Agnes Brereton Reserve has received $220,000 for new LED lighting across 10 netball courts, helping more than 60 teams train, compete at night, expand development programs and create greater opportunities for players of all ages.