The Allan Labor Government is helping more kids get active and fostering the talents of Victoria’s future sports stars. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas congratulated Thomas Chirnside Primary School, who have received a $30,000 Active Schools Grant as part of the Active Schools initiative. The initiative aims to ensure all Victorian students have the skills, confidence and motivation to be active for life. Up to 500 schools in disadvantaged communities have shared in over $20 million in Active Schools Grants and funding boosts since the initiative was launched in 2020. In previous years, schools have used their Active Schools Grants to upskill PE teachers, purchase sports equipment, build outdoor learning spaces, make upgrades to playgrounds, install sensory play areas and implement programs such as bicycle education or dance. The Labor Government has invested $87.8 million since 2020 to provide schools with much needed support and resources to enable students to be more physically active, including a toolkit for school leaders and teachers, expert Physical Activity Advisors as part of the Active Schools Expert Support Service and funding for schools. The Active Schools initiative focuses on finding opportunities to be active throughout the school day, whether in the classroom, at recess or lunch and getting to and from school. The Labor Government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people, to ensure they are healthy and active.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll “We want kids to learn healthy habits at school – even 15 minutes of physical activity can be all it takes to boost the overall wellbeing of our children.” “The Active Schools Program is a great program to help young people find an activity they love that helps them maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence “I congratulate the successful schools involved for their contributions to keeping young Victorians active and engaged with sport – fostering the next generation of Sam Kerrs or Patty Mills.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “Sports and physical activity help young people in Werribee thrive. The Active Schools initiative is making sure that our local students have access to healthy ways to improve their health and wellbeing and nurture a love for sport.”