Department of Health

Shade Grants Program

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Key messages

  • Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed by the age of 70.
  • Shade used in combination with other sun protection measures provides the best protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure when spending time outdoors.
  • Early detection means most skin cancers can be successfully treated.

Skin cancer prevention

Skin cancer is a significant health and economic burden in Victoria. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer yet remains highly prevalent, with two in three Australians diagnosed by the age of 70.

The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight. Outdoor activity increases a person's risk of over-exposure to UV radiation.

The provision of well-planned and designed shade as a sun protection measure can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation. Shade used in combination with other sun protection measures, including protective clothing, broad brimmed hats, sunglasses and SPF 30+ or higher sunscreen provides the best protection from harmful UV radiation exposure when spending time outdoors.

Shade Grants Program

The Victorian Government is providing $15.1 million towards the prevention and early detection of skin cancer, including $10 million to the Shade Grants Program since 2019.

The aim of the Program is to reduce Victorians' exposure to UV radiation by increasing shade in public places across the state and by promoting the uptake of sun protective practices.

The Program is offered once a year, across two grant categories:

  • School Shade Grants Program
  • Community Shade Grants Program.

Funding under the Program is highly competitive with one in five grant applications successfully awarded a grant in previous rounds. Based on this, more applications have been received than can be funded.

The program commenced in 2015 and has awarded over 2,300 grants totalling over $20 million to date.

The Shade Grants Program (the Program) is administered by the Department of Health.

Applications are closed for Shade Grants Program Round 7 2022

The Department of Health invited Victorian government schools and eligible community groups to apply for a shade grant in April 2022.

Round 7 of the Shade Grants Program is now closed and applicants have been notified of the outcome of their grant application. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified should future funding be made available through the program.

Reviewed 02 November 2022

Health.vic

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Consumer information

Contact details

Shade Grants Program Department of Health

50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone 1300 547 596
shade.grants@health.vic.gov.au
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