17 Feb 2016 Myrtleford Times, Myrtleford VIC (General News) ALPINE childrens service along with Mt Beautys cricket club and mens shed are among the beneficiaries of a Victorian Government program paying for shade sails. Alpine Childrens Services are a notfor-profit organisation that provides early childhood services to families throughout the Alpine Shire with centres in Bright, Mt Beauty and Myrtleford. The groups were among 70 to receive funding this week under the Community Shade Grants program. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria)said Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and in 2014 melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria. Its estimated that 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Victoria every year. Shade is a simple and effective way to protect ourselves from the sun and by doing so reduces the likelihood of deadly skin cancer, Ms Symes said. The Labor Government has committed $15 million for skin cancer prevention initiatives, including $5 million for SunSmart education campaigns and $10 million in grants for shade in public places. Organisations throughout the Northern Victoria electorate will share in more than $200,000 worth of grant funds to use to build new shade structures, repair existing shade, purchase portable shade or create natural shade by planting trees. The grants can also be used to purchase hats and sunscreen to further protect the community from the harsh rays of the sun. Priority had been given to country areas with high rates of skin cancer and mortality, and areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)