SA families have saved more than $2.6 million so far this year with the Marshall Government’s popular Sports Vouchers Program, despite COVID-19 stopping sport across the State for several months.
As of the 29th of May, 26,257 vouchers have been claimed by families across the State.
With restrictions on training and competition set to ease on the 1st of June, the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard is reminding parents and carers to get their claims in.
“When we came into Government we doubled the value of the Sports Vouchers from $50 to $100,” the Minister said.
“Last year the program was extremely popular with more than 74,000 vouchers claimed, worth more than $6.75 million.
“Our beefed-up program is a winner for South Australian families and is easing cost-of-living pressures on households.
“Already this year, despite COVID-19, more than 26,000 vouchers have been claimed, and we’ve noticed an increase in recent weeks as decisions around easing restrictions have been announced.”
Australian Rules competitions haven’t even started for the year and already 4,552 vouchers have been claimed. More than 4,100 vouchers have been claimed for gymnastics, 4,005 for football (soccer) and 3,041 for netball.
The Marshall Government’s strong plan to support local jobs, businesses, organisations and the economy has seen the sporting sector receive more than $15 million in the past few months.
“To help keep our local clubs afloat and to protect jobs we continue to provide funding through the Community and Jobs Support Fund and via the $10,000 emergency grants,” Minister Wingard said.
“Sporting organisations across the State are also set to benefit from Water Relief Grants expected to be worth close to $2.2 million in total.
“Eligible sporting organisations will be able to receive a reimbursement of 50% of their water and sewerage charges for the quarter 4 (April to June 2020) billing period.
“On top of that we’ve brought forward Round 3 of the Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Facility Program which will see $5 million in grants allocated to club across the state for infrastructure upgrades and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing has provided financial support through rent relief to a number of organisations.
"Sport is a huge part of life here in South Australia and it’s vital to the health and well-being of everyone in the community and I look forward to seeing everyone back at it soon.”
