Northern Territory invests $6 million in swimming and sport voucher scheme

The Northern Territory Government is investing $6 million under the Sport Voucher Scheme to provide affordable access to sport for school-enrolled children and core aquatic skills for children under five.

Since the Sport Vouchers Scheme opened on 1st July, 2023, more than 9,150 Urban Sport Vouchers and more than 2,000 Learn to Swim vouchers have been redeemed. So far 36 remote schools have been supported with funding to provide sport and recreation programs.

Under the Urban Sport Vouchers, $100 vouchers are available to every child enrolled in an urban school from transition to Year 12, including home-schooled children, twice a year.

The vouchers can be used at over 350 registered sport, active recreation and cultural activity providers.

Parents/carers of children under five, or who have turned five but will not be enrolling in transition or primary school that year can apply for two $100 Learn to Swim Vouchers each year per child.

Children living in remote areas will also be able to access vouchers. Remote and regional schools will work with their communities to determine the most appropriate use of the voucher scheme to suit the needs of students and their families.

NT Minister for Sport Kate Worden shared “Playing sport is an important part of a young person’s development, both mentally and physically and gives them a connection to an activity they can enjoy.

“The Sport Vouchers Scheme helps families better manage the cost of these activities. Territory kids shouldn’t miss out on participating in an activity they love.

“A sport like gymnastics benefits from the scheme with an average of 1,500 vouchers redeemed to participate in the sport each year, providing $150,000 in financial support.”

Applications close for the Sport Vouchers and Learn to Swim vouchers 23rd May 2024.

Apply online at www.grantsnt.nt.gov.au