A HUGE exodus from sport is feared when the Active and Creative Kids voucher programs are combined and become a means-tested scheme from Term 1 next year.
Families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A – almost half in NSW – will be able to access the vouchers reduced to $50 twice a year.
The $100 vouchers for after-school activities – equalling $400 a year ($200 for Active Kids and $200 for Creative Kids) were facing the axe at the end of this month when funding expired but the Minns Government has instead trimmed the scheme.
However, sporting groups and dance operators feel the changes have not been thought through properly and will greatly impact on families already struggling with rises in mortgage rates, rent, food and power.
North Bankstown Soccer Club President Catherine Kearns has slammed the change as an ill-thought out move.
“This is going to have a huge impact on families as so many will receive nothing and $50 twice a year for the lower socio-economic group, will not go very far,” she said.
“This shouldn’t be about the Government saving money, we’re talking about how sport improves the mental and physical health of our children, that’s what’s important and with the rising cost of living families need more help than ever.”
Bankstown District Amateur Football Association (BDAFA) Leanne Millar said it was disappointing the program could not be continued.
“I hope we do not see an exodus from sport as it is so important for the wellbeing of children but I think families will be reviewing how they spend their money,” she said.
East Hills Baseball Club Vice President Jill Archer says it feels like a kick in the guts.
“It’s going to effect our numbers this summer that’s for sure,” she said.
“Like with other sports, parents have been able to get their kids into sport playing at lower entry level for free and now that will stop.”
Dance Theatre Network’s Carol Dimoski says everything is going up and parents will have to think twice about their spending.
“The extra curricular activities will be the ones hit hardest,” she said.
