In a move aimed at easing the financial burden on families and promoting active recreation, the South Australian State Government has announced the expansion of the successful $100 Sports Voucher program.
Starting in the 2024 calendar year, Scouts and Girl Guides will now be eligible to receive the subsidy, in addition to children from Reception to Year 9.
Previously, the Sports Voucher program allowed children to apply the subsidy towards the cost of sport, dance, or learning to swim fees. With the inclusion of Scouts and Girl Guides, as many as 3,000 families are expected to benefit from the program in 2024.
Adequate funding has been allocated to accommodate the expanded rollout and ensure a seamless implementation.
The program was initially established by the previous Labor Government in 2015, with the aim of reducing the financial strain on families and encouraging greater participation in sports and community activities. The 2022 program was hailed as the most successful to date, resulting in South Australian families saving over $8.3 million.
The impact of the Sports Voucher program continues to be significant, with families already saving $5.4 million in the first half of 2023 alone. More than 53,886 vouchers have been redeemed from 891 participating providers, further underscoring the popularity and effectiveness of the initiative.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard says that Scouts and Girl Guides offer children a chance to get outdoors, be active and be connected with community.
“They include young people in communities across our state, giving many a sense of belonging and purpose.”
“For many families across the country, cost of living pressures can be a challenge. This initiative will help more South Australian families, ensuring they won’t need to make a decision that sees their child miss out on being active and spending important time with their peers.”
“The Scouts and Guides community have been calling for this expansion. I am so proud that we are listening and positively responding.”
Member for Gibson Sarah Andrews says she has worked closely with local organisations and has long advocated for the inclusion of Scouts and Guides in the sport voucher program.
“This will allow children who may not be involved in organised sport to be supported in their chosen active recreation.”
James Sellers, CEO Scouts SA, welcomes the announcement from the State Government in its adoption of Scouting into the Sport Vouchers Scheme.
“This exciting development will ease the financial burden on many of our existing Scouting community and allow our organisation to further develop our new youth program and infrastructure that surrounds it. Being part of the Sports Voucher Scheme also opens Scouting to new members who are keen to build real life skills and resilience to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Scouts SA prides itself on developing the skills, character, and leadership abilities of young people through outdoor activities, adventure, and community service across South Australia. Scouts SA thanks the South Australian Government, especially through Minister Hildyard for their support in ensuring Scouts remains the preeminent youth organisation in South Australian.”
Tina Brown, State Commissioner Girl Guides SA, thanked the State Government for ‘hearing our voices’.
“I know that this will be a very welcomed resource for several of our families to be able to access and this will help to ease some of their financial pressure so that their daughters can engage in our program.”
“This is truly exciting, and I know will help out many families across our State for so many Youth to be able to assist them in engaging with our organisation.”
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