MOYSTON Primary School will proceed with building a new shade shelter thanks to a $20,000 grant from the state government.
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Health Minister Jill Hennessy and Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford, announced on Wednesday that Moyston Primary School had been successful in the School Shade Grants Program.
The program provides grants to schools to build new shade, repair or replace existing shade structures, or create natural shade by planting trees.
Ms Pulford said grant will go towards building new shaded areas to improve the health and safety of Moyston students.
“More shaded areas at Moyston Primary School are a simple way to protect kids from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevent skin cancer,” Ms Pulford said.
Moyston Primary School principal Anthony Cain said the new shade shelter would be a permanent structure.
“It will be made out of steel but it is an open shelter to create an area of shade,” he said.
“We are lacking in shade ass we had to have large trees removed last year so we applied for a grant to help subsidise the shelter.
“It is going to cost more than $20,000.”
Mr Cain said the parents and the school also held fundraisers to help pay for the shelter.
“Hopefully the shelter will now be finished before the start of next year,” he said.
“We’re hoping it will be up for summer. With the grant, we’ll now contact the tradespeople with the successful quote.”
Ms Hennessy said as Summer approached, more Moyston Primary School students would be protected from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with extra shade to prevent deadly skin cancers.
“Skin cancer is a major health issue for Australians, yet it’s mostly preventable,” she said.
“Schools play a critical role in helping kids learn how to be sun smart early on.”