More Tasmanian children than ever before are getting active through the Tasmanian Government's groundbreaking Ticket to Play program.
Minister for Sport and Events, Nic Street, said in the 2023-24 financial year, a record 12,465 Ticket to Play vouchers were redeemed by Tasmanian families to help with the costs of participating in sport and active recreation activities.
"That's increased from 10,799 in 2022-23, with AFL football, soccer and basketball at the head of the list of popular sports, followed by learn to swim, gymnastics and dance," Minister Street said.
"Ticket to Play provides two vouchers worth up to $100 each towards club membership and registration fees for children aged 5-18 years who are listed on a Services Australia Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card or are in Out of Home Care."
Minister Street said our young rugby players are at the front of the pack.
"Numbers in rugby have lifted from just five vouchers redeemed in 2022-23 to 49 in 2023-24, which shows the strong support for the program," Minister Street said.
"At Hobart Lions Rugby Club, the numbers have gone from zero to 14, with girls being the main beneficiaries."
The program is succeeding in making sport and active recreation more accessible.
"We know the benefits participating in sport and active recreation can have for health and wellbeing and we want as many Tasmanians as possible to be able to get out there and get involved in the activity that best suits them," Minister Street said.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we're going to expand the program to ensure even more families can benefit.
"Ticket to Play will soon be available to children of people who received the Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement in the previous financial year as well, which is expected to deliver an extra 2500 vouchers."
Minister Street said the Plan also included a commitment to trial a new Ticket to Wellbeing program for older Tasmanians.
"That program is expected to offer one voucher to older Tasmanians listed on a Services Australia Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card to encourage participation in health and wellness activities," Minister Street said.
Guidelines and eligibility will be announced later this year.
