2020 will see the return of the Active Kids program, an initiative by the NSW Government, to help families meet the cost of getting their kids into sport and active recreation.
WHAT IS ACTIVE KIDS?
The Active Kids program provides two $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children and can be used for registration and participation costs for sport and fitness activities.
The initiative aims to increase participation of school-enrolled children in sport and active recreation, support the delivery of the Premier’s Priority to reduce childhood overweight and obesity by increasing physical activity levels in children aged 4.5 to 18 years living in NSW, and help change the physical activity behaviours of children and young people in NSW.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM THE VOUCHER?
All children aged 4.5 to 18 years old, enrolled in school from Kindergarten to Year 12, residing in NSW with a valid Australian Medicare card will be eligible for a voucher. This includes students who are homeschooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW or equivalent.
It is not means tested and there are no limits on the number of applications per family, as long as every child is enrolled in school.
The voucher can be used for registration or membership fees for a structured program of at least eight weeks’ duration with an approved provider registered with the Active Kids program.
HOW LONG ARE VOUCHERS VALID?
2020 vouchers are valid for redemption during the current calendar year and commenced from 1 January and will expire on 31 December 2020.
It can only be used once with one provider and cannot be split between multiple clubs or activity registrations.
WHAT CAN THE VOUCHER BE USED FOR?
The voucher can be used for registration or membership fees for structured activities of no less than eight weeks’ duration that provide a moderate to vigorous level of physical activity, for example:
· sporting pursuits
· swimming lessons
· structured fitness program
· outdoor education programs
· approved active recreation (dance etc.)
· other structured programs of moderate to vigorous activity (approved by the Office of Sport)
Physical activity is defined as movement involving large muscles e.g. running, swimming, aerobic activity. Physical activity must be planned, structured and involve repetitive bodily movement which improves or maintains physical fitness. Physical activity programs must be at least eight weeks in duration.
WHAT CAN’T THE VOUCHER BE USED FOR?
Individual items such as jerseys, socks, boots, clothing or equipment that would usually be purchased from a retailer and paid for by the individual as part of participating in the activity separate to any membership or registration fees charged by the provider. Travel to and from competitions is also excluded.
HOW DO YOU DOWNLOAD A VOUCHER?
From 1 January 2020, parents, guardians or carers with legal responsibility of an eligible child resident in NSW will be able to download a voucher from Service NSW's online platform which can be accessed through our website.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD LIVES OUTSIDE NSW?
To be eligible for a voucher, each child must reside in NSW.
The club or activity provider where the child registers must also be located and operating in NSW.
Some examples are:
· My child lives in NSW and plays in a NSW club – the child is eligible to claim a voucher
· My child lives in QLD and plays in a NSW club – the child is ineligible to claim a voucher
· My child lives in NSW, goes to school in VIC – the child is eligible to claim a voucher
· My child lives in NSW but plays in a local club located in VIC – the child is eligible to claim a voucher but cannot use the voucher at a club operating outside NSW.
Parents, guardians and carers of children in rural or remote areas of NSW and/or children with disabilities who may not otherwise meet the above criteria may discuss their registration with the Office of Sport.
For more information, please click here
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