Kawana families are being urged to ‘get cracking’ with their applications for vouchers on offer through the latest round of the State Government’s Get Started sport and recreation program.

Get Started, which is part of the Newman Government’s flagship $48 million Get in the Game initiative, assists Queensland families by providing vouchers of up to $150 to help pay the cost of sport and recreation club membership or participation fees.

Member for Kawana, Jarrod Bleijie, said the initiative was aimed at lowering the cost of living for Queensland families as promised at the election.

He said the voucher program was again proving popular with Queensland families, and demand was matching that of previous summer rounds.

“Round four has opened strongly and I would definitely encourage eligible families to apply for Get Started vouchers as soon as possible,” Mr Bleijie said.

“More than 54,000 vouchers were issued across the first three rounds of Get Started and already in this fourth round more than 5,000 state-wide have been issued since mid-July.

“There aren’t an unlimited number of vouchers available, so I really encourage the people of Kawana to apply, and ensure their kids the opportunity to enjoy the fitness and fun that goes along with sport,” he said.

“So far, round four vouchers are being redeemed by clubs representing a range of sport and recreation activities, including rugby league, gymnastics, basketball, abseiling and surf life-saving.”

Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson said the Get Started program had been strongly supported by sport and recreation clubs, with more than 3,400 clubs across the State registered under the program.

“We have seen some great results from all three programs of our Get in the Game initiative, and I strongly encourage all Queensland sport and recreation clubs to get involved,” Mr Dickson said.

“With the Commonwealth Games spotlight now switching from Glasgow to the Gold Coast, there’s sure to be young athletes benefitting from these programs and who will emerge as medal contenders in four years’ time.”

“We have a strong plan for a brighter future that involves more kids playing sport, not missing out because of the expense,” he said.

“We want to see more Queenslanders, more active, more often.

For more information on Get Started, visit: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/funding/getinthegame/getstarted