26 Apr 2017 Mansfield Courier, Mansfield VIC (General News) MORE than 40 community groups in Northern Victoria have shared in nearly $600,000 of Andrews Labor Government funding to get some much needed protection from harmful UV radiation by increasing shade in public community places. The Community Shade Grant Program is complemented by the School Shade Grant Program, which provides grants for shade in Victorian Government schools. The Community Shade Grant Program provides grants for shade development, including building new shade, repairing existing shade, purchasing portable shade or creating natural shade by planting trees. Bonnie Doon is one of the recipients of the recent round of grants and will receive $3420 to provide natural shade (trees) to the community centre grounds. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced the recipients of grants from the second round of the Andrews Labor Governments Community Shade Grants Program totalling $540,913.16. Labor is supporting people in country Victoria to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer, while also embracing the outdoors and enjoying a more active and healthy lifestyle, Ms Symes said. Skin cancer is a major health issue for Victorians, yet its mostly preventable, thats why the people of Northern Victoria need to be sun smart. Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy lifestyle, and it is important shade is easily available where people come together. With nearly $7 million already delivered, our shade grants are making a real difference to country Victorians and supporting the fight against skin cancer. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence