active kids, creative kids, NSW, state government, childhood obesity, health, community, port stephens
According to health experts 44 per cent of children are now spending more than two hours a day on sedentary leisure activities. More than three-quarters of them are not meeting the recommended level of 60 minutes of physical activity each day and 22 per cent of children aged five to 16 are considered overweight or obese. In a bid to make it easier for parents to involve their children in organised sport and physical activity the NSW Government launched the Active Kids program in 2018. The premise is simple. Twice a year families can access a voucher worth $100 which goes directly to an approved provider and helps offset the cost of ensuring their child takes part in some form of physical activity. Voucher one is valid January to December and voucher two is valid July to December. The list of providers is lengthy and encompasses everything from traditional sports such as rugby league, netball or gymnastics, right through to such diverse activities as martial arts or circus skills. For Alison, the mother of 11-year-old Bella, the Active Kids voucher was a welcome bonus when her daughter developed an interest in aerial silks. "The lessons were $400 a term, which is quite expensive, but she was really keen to give it a try," she explained. "The studio owner told me I could claim the $100 Active Kids voucher, as well as the $100 Creative Kids voucher, as the classes fell into both categories. That brought the cost for me down to $200 which made it a lot more affordable. "And the process was so easy to complete. Just a few minutes online and then the voucher was able to be printed and emailed directly to the studio. "And the best part is once you are in the system you get a reminder to let you know you are eligible for the next one, six months later." For details go to the website at service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-active-kids-voucher
SPLASH OUT: The Active Kids voucher offers children the chance to pursue healthy activities. Picture: Shutterstock
According to health experts 44 per cent of children are now spending more than two hours a day on sedentary leisure activities.
More than three-quarters of them are not meeting the recommended level of 60 minutes of physical activity each day and 22 per cent of children aged five to 16 are considered overweight or obese.
In a bid to make it easier for parents to involve their children in organised sport and physical activity the NSW Government launched the Active Kids program in 2018.
The premise is simple. Twice a year families can access a voucher worth $100 which goes directly to an approved provider and helps offset the cost of ensuring their child takes part in some form of physical activity.
Voucher one is valid January to December and voucher two is valid July to December.
The list of providers is lengthy and encompasses everything from traditional sports such as rugby league, netball or gymnastics, right through to such diverse activities as martial arts or circus skills.
For Alison, the mother of 11-year-old Bella, the Active Kids voucher was a welcome bonus when her daughter developed an interest in aerial silks.
"The lessons were $400 a term, which is quite expensive, but she was really keen to give it a try," she explained.
"The studio owner told me I could claim the $100 Active Kids voucher, as well as the $100 Creative Kids voucher, as the classes fell into both categories. That brought the cost for me down to $200 which made it a lot more affordable.
"And the process was so easy to complete. Just a few minutes online and then the voucher was able to be printed and emailed directly to the studio.
"And the best part is once you are in the system you get a reminder to let you know you are eligible for the next one, six months later."
