Active kids rebate kicking goals across our region

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast has today announced that the New South Wales Government’s Active Kids Program has been a raging success across the Illawarra and South Coast with more than 28,000 families benefiting from the $100 rebate toward kids sport since January this year.

Mr Ward said that more than 8,329 Active Kids vouchers have been claimed in the Kiama electorate, 8,112 in Keira, 5,428 in Shellharbour, 3,667 in Wollongong, and 3,421 across the South Coast electorate since the program kicked off.

“I am really pleased with the take up rate across our region. Active Kids is putting more money back in the pockets of mums and dads, reducing barriers to sport,” Mr Ward said.

“With more than 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.

“We want more kids playing sport and the best way to do that is to make it more affordable for all local families,” he said.

Top 10 sports for Active Kids across the Illawarra and South Coast:

1. Soccer
2. Rugby League
3. Netball
4. Swimming
5. Dance
6. Gymnastics
7. AFL
8. Basketball
9. Active Recreation
10. Tennis

Parents can apply for an Active Kids voucher through Service NSW at: www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 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.

“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,” Mr Ward said.

“From 1st January 2019, 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.

“Parents will be able to access the rebate online or in person at a Service NSW centre.

“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,” Mr Ward concluded.