New round of FairPlay vouchers

A new round of FairPlay vouchers has opened to help eligible families of young Queenslanders with the cost of signing up with a local sport or active recreation club as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said FairPlay vouchers would deliver up to $150 for club membership, team registration, or participation fees.

“Many families are recovering from the financial challenges of Covid-19, but we don’t want the pandemic to be a barrier to young Queenslanders getting on the team or staying active,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is investing in a new round of $150 FairPlay vouchers, redeemable with participating clubs until 10 November 2021.

“Right now, we’ve seeing many young Queenslanders at Olympics Live sites around the State inspired by Team Australia’s medal winning performances in Tokyo.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s FairPlay vouchers could launch the elite careers of Queensland’s stars of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“FairPlay vouchers won’t put every young Queenslander on a medal podium at the Games, but we do know the physical, mental health, and social benefits of getting involved in sport or active recreation can’t be underestimated.”   

More than 95,000 FairPlay vouchers worth $14 million have been claimed since the program began in mid-2019.

The FairPlay initiative is part of Activate! Queensland 2019-2029, the Palaszczuk Government’s 10-year strategy to get more Queenslanders moving, more often.  

Joanne Hose from the Gympie Amateur Basketball Association said during the last round, 25 FairPlay vouchers were claimed through the club.

“The voucher system is fantastic,” Ms Hose said.

“It takes some financial pressure off families and gives more children opportunities to be active and play team sport.

“It also creates stronger competitions in clubs.”

Parents, carers, or guardians can apply for a FairPlay voucher if their child is aged 5 to 17 years and they have a valid Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with the child’s name on it.

Applications can be made through a referral agency for families without a Government concession card.

Mr Hinchliffe said a list of activity providers in local communities was on the FairPlay website where parents, carers and guardians could also check eligibility.

“From football, netball and canoeing to cheerleading and abseiling, there is a lot to choose from to keep young Queenslanders fit and make new friends,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

Round 5 FairPlay voucher applications close on 29 September.

For more information, go to: www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers

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