The first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s School Shade Grants Program is now open to help Victorian Government schools provide much needed shade for students.
The School Shade Grants Program provides grants of up to $25,000 for shade development, including building new shade, repairing existing shade or creating natural shade by planting trees.
We know that childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which exposure to UV radiation is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life.
Schools play a vital role in encouraging sun smart behaviours from an early age, and that’s why our School Shade Grants Program also supports schools to review, improve and strengthen sun protection policies.
Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and in 2014 melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria. It’s estimated that 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Victoria every year.
Shade is a simple and effective way to protect from harmful UV radiation, and well-planned and designed shade can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent.
The Labor Government has committed $15 million for skin cancer prevention initiatives, including $5 million for SunSmart campaigns and $10 million in grants for shade in public places and government schools.
The School Shade Grants Program is just one component of this $10 million grant funding with future grants targeting sports clubs, parks, community venues and playgrounds.
To apply for the first round of Schools Shade Grants Program, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“These grants will protect our students and staff and provide more shade in school playgrounds across Victoria.”
“Melanoma is one of the most prevalent, yet largely preventable cancers affecting Victorians – that’s why it’s so important to remember to be sun smart.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We need to teach children as early as possible the importance of being sun smart when playing outdoors.”
“We’re supporting our schools to have strong sun protection policies in place to help reduce the risk of students developing skin cancer later in life.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020