Thursday, 19 July 2018
THE State Government’s Active Kids Program has been a raging success across the Northern Tablelands, with almost 5,800 families benefiting from the $100 rebate toward kids sport since January this year, according to local MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall said 5,790 Active Kids vouchers had been claimed in the Northern Tablelands since the program kicked off.
“I am really pleased with the take up rate across our region,” he said. “Active Kids is putting more money back in the pockets of mums and dads, helping reduce barriers to playing sport.
“With 564,529 Active Kids vouchers claimed across the State, families are finally able afford to pay fees for all of their kids, giving them a head start on lifelong healthy living.
“I would love to see more kids playing sport and the best way to do that is to make it more affordable for all local families.”
Top 10 sports for Active Kids across the Northern Tablelands so far are:
• Soccer
• Rugby League
• Netball
• Cricket
• Tennis
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• AFL
• Basketball
• Active recreation
Parents can apply for an Active Kids voucher through their local Service NSW Centre, at www.service.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 77 88.
“I am also pleased that a new $100 Creative Kids Rebate will allow young people to experience cultural and learning activities outside of school from 2019,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Creative Kids Rebate can be put towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition fees for creative and cultural activities such as music lessons, language classes, coding and digital, visual and performing arts.
“From 1 January next year, parents will be able to access both the $100 Active Kids voucher and the $100 Creative Kids Rebate each year for every school-aged child.
“Easing the cost-of-living pressures for parents and helping children learn and experience new activities is central to Creative Kids,” he said.
“I want to give encouragement and opportunity for every local child to try new things and have the best start in life. For a family with two children, Creative and Active Kids combined will save you $400 a year.
“More information about the rebate, including the eligibility criteria and providers, will be made available in the coming months.”