Fair play vouchers give bush kids a fair go

Families of sporting kids in rural Queensland can access vouchers of up to $150 to cover the cost of any sport or physical pursuit, including dance classes.

JUNIOR SPORT: Getting the kids in to sport now has one less barrier, with parents able to access up to $150 in vouchers to cover costs.

Round two of the Fair Play vouchers opened in late January, and will be available for all Queensland families to access for the next few months, as kids of the west get back in to their sport or active pursuit of choice, including dance classes.

This year, easier access to the vouchers has been promised by the state government's minister for sport, Mick de Brenni.

"Every young person deserves the chance to get out there with their mates and have a go, so we've worked hard to ensure that process keeps getting easier," he said.

"Since 2015, we have given the equivalent of 256,523 young Queenslanders who can least afford it the means to join their local club, pay registration and membership fees, and be part of something that's good for them.

"Queenslanders are famous for backing a fair go, and so are we, that's why we're breaking down the barriers so more kids get a go to kick a footy, swing a racquet, or dunk a basketball with their friends."

This year, the trialling of the fair play vouchers for both dance and membership to community-run gyms continues in regional Queensland.

"We responded to calls for easier access, as well as expanded eligibility for dance schools in remote Queensland as well as just being able to get fit at a local community run gym across the state," Mr de Brenni said.

"Later in 2020 we'll evaluate these initiatives, so I encourage families wanting to try them to have a go, or get in contact with us and tell us what they think."

Round two of the Fair Play Vouchers scheme closes on April 1, and the vouchers themselves expire on May 13.

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