Mr PEARSON (Essendon) — (Question 6741) My constituency question is for the Minister for Health. The latest round of applications for the community shade grants program closed last December. This fantastic initiative of the Andrews Labor government dedicated $10 million to assist local groups in providing SunSmart infrastructure to their communities. I know a number of wonderful local community groups, such as Essendon District Aquatic, have applied. These grants will fund important tools for fighting skin cancer and I know my constituents care deeply about this issue, particularly with skin cancer rates being so high in our country. I ask the minister: when can we expect the final outcome of this grants round for sunshades?

REPLY:

The Victorian Government is committed to reducing the burden of skin cancer, and as such has committed $15 million for skin cancer prevention initiatives and programs in the 2015-16 Victorian State Budget.

The new Community Shade Grants Program provides grants for shade development in community based settings, such as parks, sports clubs and playgrounds. The first application round of grants has seen tremendous interest, with many applications being received.

On Monday 15 February, I was pleased to announce that 323 shade grants were awarded to a range of community based organisations to fund much needed shade provision, including Essendon District Aquatic.

All applicants will receive written notification of their grant application outcome in the coming week.