Sport is an undeniably beneficial thing for kids. Not only does it keep them active and healthy, it benefits their emotional and social development too.
However, registering your child for extra curricular activities can get expensive and for some families the cost can even be prohibitive. Particularly, at this time of year as we are all recovering from Christmas, school holidays and back to school costs.
Fortunately, state governments around Australia have stepped up with various initiatives to help out with the costs of kids’ participation in sport and recreation.
Here is a comprehensive guide to what is offered in each state.
New South Wales
Initiative: Active Kids Rebate
How much: $100 per child per calendar year
Who can claim: Any child 4.5 – 18 years old enrolled in school.This includes those who are home-schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW. The Active Kids Rebate is not means tested.
Where can the voucher be used: At any Approved Provider. The voucher can be used for registration or membership fees for structured activities that provide moderate to vigorous activity that are 8 weeks or longer. Eg. Dance, swimming lessons, club sports.
Important dates: Registration for 2018 opened January 31st.
To apply or get more information visit the Service NSW website.
Northern Territory
Initiative: Sports Voucher
How much: Urban residents 2 x $100 per child per calendar year. Remote residents $200 per child per calendar year.
Who can claim: Every school-enrolled child from preschool to year 12 and home-schooled children.
Where can the voucher be used: The Sports Voucher can be used for a wide range of sporting, recreational and cultural activities through registered providers. A full list of eligible activities can be found here.
Important dates: The first round of vouchers are available 29th January through your child’s school and must be redeemed by 31st May. Second round become available in July.
Note: Northern Territory also offer Learn To Swim Vouchers (2x $100) for children under 5.
Queensland
Initiative: Get Started Voucher
How much: $150 per child per calendar year
Who can claim: Health care card /Pensioner concession card holders OR children requiring financial assistance referred by a registered referral agent, such as a principal, community worker or police officer working with youth.
Where can the voucher be used: At any Registered Club.
Important dates: Get Started Vouchers are released in round and vouchers have an expiry date. Round 11 is now closed. Vouchers from this round must be presented to a registered club by 11 May 2018. Applications for Round 12 will open 25 July 2018.
To apply or get more information visit the Get In The Game website.
South Australia
Initiative: Sports Vouchers
How much: $50 per child per calendar year
Who can claim: All South Australian primary school aged children (Reception to Year 7), meaning if the child is attending or is eligible to attend primary school.
Where can the voucher be used: At any Registered Club.
Important dates: The Sports Voucher program is currently only funded to 17/18.
You can download the voucher to present to the club here.
Western Australia
Initiative: KidSport
How much: $150 per child per calendar year
Who can claim: Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card holders (aged 5 to 18)
Where can the voucher be used: At any Registered Club.
You can apply online here.
Other States
ACT does not have a sports club subsidy program. However, they do have assistance available for Social Housing Tenants and an Indigenous Sports Grants program.
Tasmania does not currently have any initiative to help contribute to the costs of kid’s sport or recreation.
Victoria does not have a sports club subsidy program. However they do have a Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to assist eligible families with the costs of school trips and school-based activity programs.
