An extraordinary 153,451 FairPlay vouchers have already been snapped up by Queensland families since the program opened at 9am on Monday 1 July 2024.
The FairPlay program is designed to address cost of living pressures that are resulting in young Queenslanders being unable to participate in sport and active recreation.
Each voucher is valued at up to $200 and aims to help reduce the rising costs associated with junior sports such as memberships, registration or participation fees.
“Having our kids participate in sport has always been really important to Kim and I and it’s clear that thousands of Queensland families share that value,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“Whether it’s basketball, soccer, swimming or hockey, I don’t want cost to be a barrier for kids who want to get involved in activities with their friends.”
“These $200 FairPlay vouchers are on top of a raft of cost-of-living measures I am delivering, like $1000 off electricity bills, 20% off car rego and 50c public transport fares, because it matters to Queenslanders,” he added.
Last month, the State Budget allocated $33.5 million to FairPlay for the 2024-2025 financial year to make it a $40 million program.
“The response from Queensland families to the FairPlay program has been nothing short of remarkable – to see this many vouchers already claimed, shows just how much Queensland kids love their sport and active recreation.,” Sport Minister Michael Healy said.
“It also means that there are more than 150,000 young Queenslanders who now have more affordable access to organised sport and active recreation, and ultimately, better health.”
“Playing sport and having an active lifestyle is an important aspect of who we are as Queenslanders, and it shouldn’t be limited to just those who can afford to take part,” he added.
In addition, the program was made available to every Queensland child between five and 17 years of age.
The Miles Government also increased the number of vouchers available to 200,000, including 50,000 vouchers for those children whose carer or guardian holds a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
Expanding the eligibility criteria has seen high levels of interest from families across Queensland.
Growing organisations such as Cairns Netball Association expect to see an increase in the number of participants as a direct result of more families having access to the FairPlay program.
“The FairPlay program has played an important role in a lot of girls being able to take part, where without the program, it may not have been possible,” Cairns Netball Association Programs Manager Sharon Massey-Chase said.
“We’ve also just started a men’s competition as well as fielding a senior boys’ representative side and we are encouraging more boys to play netball – we’re so pleased the program is now open to all kids, and we expect an influx of new participants, both girls and boys next season.”
The FairPlay program is part of the Queensland Government’s 10-year Activate! Queensland Strategy to get more Queenslanders moving more often.
For more information on FairPlay visit https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay
