The initiative was open to South Australian Department for Education schools and early childhood centres to apply for grant funding of up to $50,000 to construct or repair a permanent shade structure.
The earlier in life children start protecting their skin from harmful UV radiation, the greater their chance of avoiding skin cancer later in life. Research shows that well designed and strategically placed shade, that aligns with Cancer Council SA’s sun protection guidelines, can reduce UV radiation exposure by up to 75 per cent.
Cancer Council SA and Preventive Health SA will announce today the recipients of the eight Shade Grants:
- Hawker Childhood Services Centre
- Karcultaby Area School
- Lake Windemere B-6 School (Salisbury North)
- Park Terrace Kindergarten (Port Lincoln)
- Penong Primary School
- Peterborough Community Preschool
- Willsden Childhood Service Centre (Port Augusta)
- Willunga Preschool
Lake Windemere B-6 School Principal Michelle Lennox-Pavlovich said this grant will allow the school to move forward with the installation of a vital shade structure for their main playground.
"This funding does more than build shade – it builds peace of mind for our families, knowing their children have access to high-quality sun protection while enjoying our inclusive outdoor spaces," Michelle said.
"We thank Cancer Council SA for recognising the importance of sun safety and supporting Lake Windemere in providing a safe and inviting playground area for all children to enjoy. This grant has enabled us to include a shade structure as part of our new playground development later this year."
Cancer Council SA’s Senior Manager Prevention Christine Morris said this is the first time Cancer Council SA has provided grants like this in South Australia and the response was overwhelming.
“There is a clear need for more effective shade across the education sector, and we are thrilled to partner with Preventive Health SA to help these schools and early childhood centres build new shade structures or repair them to ensure children can remain safe from UV,” Christine said.
“With 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, it is vital we protect our young people from harmful UV to reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life.
“Effective shade, alongside best practice sun protection, is the best way to protect children from harmful UV radiation when the UV is 3 and above. That’s why it’s essential for schools to have practices in place to protect students in their care including providing adequate shaded play areas for recess and lunch.
“These grants complement our SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program, which is currently supporting over 1,100 South Australian schools, OSHC services and early childhood centres to embed sun protection in their day-to-day activities.”
Preventive Health SA Chief Executive Marina Bowshall said it’s fantastic to join with Cancer Council SA and take action to protect our youngest South Australians from UV.
“The more we can do to put preventive actions in place early in children’s lives, the better their health outcomes will be,” Marina said.
“We thank Cancer Council SA for their partnership in helping look at ways we can protect our communities and inform them on how changes to their lifestyle and environments can improve their health.”
Learn more about how Cancer Council SA supports the community to protect their skin, including schools and early childhood centres, at sunsmart.org.au.
