SWAN Hill and Woorinen students will be protected from the Mallee’s harsh sun thanks to Victorian Government funding.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that Swan Hill Primary School and Woorinen District Primary School would share in more than $1.3 million from the latest round of the Shade Grants program.
The program provides grants to build new shade structures, repair existing structures, or create natural shade by planting trees.
Funding is also provided to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen.
Swan Hill Primary School will receive $4247 for the replacement of three damaged shade structures, enabling the school to conduct outdoor learning activities.
Woorinen District Primary School will benefit from $17,404 to erect permanent shade for an outdoor learning and play area.
Ms Symes said childhood and adolescence were critical periods during which exposure to UV radiation was more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life.
In 2018, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 3096 new cases diagnosed and 291 deaths.
“These grants mean local school children can still enjoy the outdoors while having the necessary shade to be protected from the sun,” Ms Symes said.
“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer in Australia.
“The Mallee region experiences extremely hot, dry weather and high UV ratings over summer time – therefore it is important we give local children the protection they need to stay sun smart.”
