Lake Marma Gardens Reserve Committee of Management is one of almost 500 schools and community organisations that are throwing shade at skin cancer with the help of the Victorian Government’s Shade Grants Program.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed by the age of 70. Yet skin cancer is also mostly preventable.
The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. To combat this, the Victorian Government is increasing shade provision in the places where people spend their time.
To date, over $5 million has been awarded to community organisations and schools for a range of new built shade, repair of shade, natural and portable shade.
The Lake Marma Gardens Reserve Committee of Management is one of these recipients, receiving over $20,000 to build shade sails over a children’s playground.
And they, and the broader community, are delighted with the results.
“The new shade sails are a big improvement to the playground, not only aesthetically but also as a much needed source of protection from the sun. Overall, it is a win-win situation for the whole community,” said Mark Schache, Secretary of the Lake Marma Gardens Reserve Committee of Management.
A third round of Community and School Shade Grants will open later this year. For further information please visit skin cancer prevention.
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