Creswick North Primary School is the third school in the Ballarat region to benefit from the state government’s $1.4 million shade grant program.
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Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford and SunSmart Ambassador Catherine Andrews on Monday announced a $25,000 grant for the construction of a much needed shade cloth over the school’s playground area.
Last month the Ballarat Specialist School and Ballarat Secondary College East campus also received grants. The program provides grants for shade development, including building new shade, repairing existing shade or creating natural shade by planting trees.
Ms Anderson delivered a talk to the school during her visit, warning them of the dangers of harmful UV radiation and advising them on how to stay sun smart.
The shading is likely to be erected over the playground during this summer.
Funding is part of a $15 million scheme targeted at skin cancer prevention initiatives – with $5 million allocated for SunSmart campaigns and $10 million in grants for shade in public places and schools.
Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and in 2014 melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria.
Michael Pollock
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
