More shade on the way

Schools, community organisations and sporting clubs can now apply for government grants to erect sunshades to help with protection from harmful UV rays.

The sixth round of the School Shade Grants Program and the Community Shade Grants Program is taking applications and grants are also available to purchase sun protective items including hats and
sunscreen.

Last round saw primary schools in San Remo and Bass Valley receive funding.

Sun smart

When used alongside other sun protection measures such as sunscreen and clothing, shade structures are the best defence and can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent.

The program aims to help people keep active and enjoy the outdoors, while also helping them to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed by the age of 70.

In 2019, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 2841 new cases diagnosed and sadly 270 deaths. The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with invasive melanoma was at 92 per cent in 2014-2018.

To apply for a grant visit health.vic.gov.au/public-health/preventive-health/skin-cancer-prevention

School Shade Grant Program applications close on August 27 and Community Shade Grant Program applications close on September 10.