Six Gippsland schools will each receive an Andrews Labor Government grant for some much needed protection from harmful UV radiation by installing sun shade around their school.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region today announced the Gippsland recipients of grants from the first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s School Shade Grants Program.

The Labor Government has committed $15 million for skin cancer prevention initiatives, including $5 million for SunSmart campaigns and $10 million in grants for shade in public places.

Gippsland schools will share in the $10 million worth of grant funds to use to build new shade structures, repair existing shade, purchase portable shade or create natural shade by planting trees.

The following schools are receiving a grant from the first round of the School Shade Grants Program, totalling $115,064.58.

• Ripplebrook Primary School                New Built Shade + Repair/replacement    $25,000.00
• Lakes Entrance Secondary College    New Built Shade                                              $7,808.47
• Mallacoota P-12 College                      New Built Shade                                            $25,000.00
• Baringa Special School                         New Built Shade                                            $24,885.00
• Lowanna College                                   New Built Shade                                             $25,000.00
• Maffra Secondary College                   Repair/replacement                                         $7,371.11

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and in 2014 melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria. It’s estimated that 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Victoria every year.

Childhood and adolescence are periods where over-exposure to UV radiation is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life.

Shade is a simple and effective way to protect ourselves from the sun and by doing so reduces the likelihood of deadly skin cancer.

It is important to balance the risks of skin cancer from over-exposure to UV radiation with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and spending time outdoors keeping physically active as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The Schools Shade Grant Program is complemented by the Community Shade Grant Program which provides grants for shade in community settings such as parks, sports clubs and playgrounds.

To apply for round two of the Schools Shade Grants Program visit www.health.vic.gov.au/school-shade-grants

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

Gippsland schools are increasingly sun smart – these grants will provide shade and create healthier and more comfortable places for students to enjoy.”

“Kids are increasingly aware of the importance of being sun smart and maintaining a healthy balance of UV exposure when playing outdoors.”

“Strong sun protection policies at school promote better health and reduce risk for kids now and later in life.”