Home » News » Budget help for disadvantaged school students

Budget help for disadvantaged school students

Next Tuesday’s state budget will include $152.3 million to increase the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund and $15 million to deliver the popular Get Active Kids Vouchers for another two years.

Currently, eligible primary school students receive $154 per year, while eligible secondary students receive $256 under the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

With an investment of $152.3 million, all payments will be increased to $400 from Term 1, 2026 – making sure every student gets the chance to join camps, attend excursions and play on a team with their mates.

The money is expected to help around 200,000 kids from families with a Health Care or concession card every year.

Families with multiple children at the same school can pool their allocated funding to use on one child or for one specific activity – helping in situations where the costs for activities in a certain year level are higher than others.

More support for sports, activities and equipment

The budget also delivers the popular $200 Get Active Kids vouchers for another two years, helping more than 65,000 kids who need it.

These $200 vouchers cover the cost of memberships, registration fees, equipment and uniforms for sports and popular activities, and are available to families with a Health Care or concession card.

The program covers more than 70 sports and more than 2,100 activity providers across the state – making sure every child across Victoria has the chance to take part.

Since the program launched in 2020, almost 190,000 vouchers have been provided to families. More than half of families who received vouchers reported their kids would not have been able to participate without them. 22 per cent of recipients joined a local sporting club for the first time thanks to the vouchers.

Digital Editions


  • Skate park takes air

    Skate park takes air

    The new Olivine Skate Park in Donnybrook has officially opened, offering a vibrant space for local young people and families to enjoy. The park’s opening…

More News

  • Hume’s unenforceable housing guide

    Hume’s unenforceable housing guide

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 336543 Hume council has adopted a new Medium Density Housing Design Guide – but it can’t be enforced. Adopted at the 23 February council…

  • Places of worship tour celebrates harmony

    Places of worship tour celebrates harmony

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535319 To celebrate Harmony Week, councils across the north have banded together to take community members on a bus tour to various places of…

  • Kavanagh returns to EDFL

    Kavanagh returns to EDFL

    Former West Coast Eagle Kayley Kavanagh will return to where it all began, becoming the latest former AFLW player to sign with an Essendon District Football League women’s club. Strathmore…

  • Cannons boys squad released

    Cannons boys squad released

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 471376 The Calder Cannons have revealed their under-18 boys squad for the Talent League season. Players from 20 clubs have been named in the…

  • $4.5 billion airport upgrade

    $4.5 billion airport upgrade

    A $4.5 billion expansion is on the cards for Melbourne Airport’s international terminal. Melbourne Airport said the expansion incorporates several projects, including an expansion of both international check-in and baggage…

  • Festival set to light up Craigieburn

    Festival set to light up Craigieburn

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535661 Hume’s iconic Craigieburn Festival is returning to Anzac Park again this year, promising a day of family fun and entertainment. The festival will…

  • Illegal dumpers to clean up their own mess

    Illegal dumpers to clean up their own mess

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 336543 Hume council will look to set up Community Clean-Up Corps through Work for the Dole and community work programs to tackle illegal dumping…

  • Timber gets a second life

    Timber gets a second life

    Timber from trees felled as part of the Yan Yean Road upgrade and other natural materials removed as part of the project have been donated to schools and community groups.…

  • Severe thunderstorm warning issued

    Severe thunderstorm warning issued

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 253047 A severe thuderstorm warning and shelter indoors now alert has been issued for suburbs around Melbourne’s north-west. Residents in Sunbury, Sydenham, St Albans,…

  • Council backs plan to ease school traffic congestion

    Council backs plan to ease school traffic congestion

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 336543 Hume council has supported a plan to invest in marked parallel parking bays at schools to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. Councillor…