We are pleased to provide an update on our advocacy for all dance providers to be included in the Get Active Kids voucher program.
As previously communicated, the Victorian Government changed the eligibility requirements for Round 4 of Get Active Kids effective from 21 March.
Interim Measure Secured | Extension of voucher reimbursements Due to ongoing discussions around the eligibility changes to Round 4, Ausdance VIC has secured an extension of the reimbursement process to 31 May. This allows all eligible families attending Ausdance VIC Organisation member studios and programs to claim $200 reimbursements for costs incurred from 1 January this year.
Thank you to you, our members, for raising your concerns with us that the new criteria would exclude many dance studios and disadvantage many dance families. The main concern raised with us was the new criteria of being incorporated or having an ACN would exclude many studios who were eligible, and delivered the program successfully in 2021. We are advocating strongly to address your concerns and working for a positive outcome.
Ausdance VIC has sent two formal letters to the minister, resulting in four meetings with senior staff in the Department of Sport and Recreation, who oversee the Get Active Kids program. Our meetings were held on 21 February, 3 March, 10 March and 21 March.
In our recent positive and productive meetings, we have been assured that the government wants dance to be involved in Get Active Kids, and acknowledges that dance is an important activity for many Victorian children. We are working with the department to make it easier for dance providers to be involved.
Outcomes from our meetings
- The department has extended voucher reimbursements to give us a little more time to find a solution to the problems at hand. This is now on their website here. Select the pink Get Reimbursed option. The Voucher reimbursements have the same process and eligibility criteria as 2021.
- We have scheduled an in-person meeting to discuss longer term ways that we can ensure dance remains eligible for this program.
To make sure we are representing you accurately, let us know how you are affected via this form.
If you are a dance provider (eg dance studio) ensure you are a current organisational member. You must be a current member for your families to be able to claim reimbursement for your services. Log in to check and renew your membership here.