Backing Mackay Families And Local Sport

PlayOn! Vouchers Now Available

Families across the Mackay region have a new reason to get excited as the Crisafulli Government’s PlayOn! sports voucher program officially opened for applications at 9am on Sunday, 4 August. Designed to support grassroots sport and ease cost-of-living pressures, the program offers eligible families up to $200 per child to assist with registration, equipment, and uniforms.

Local Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, welcomed the launch, calling it “a win for families and grassroots sport.”

“From the 4th of August, everybody can get online and apply for the vouchers, where youngsters will be able to receive $200 to help with their winter or summer sports, covering sporting equipment, uniforms, boots, shoes,” Mr Dalton said.

“It’s a wonderful initiative that we’ll be carrying on for a couple of years.”

The benefits of encouraging children to participate in sport extend beyond the financial relief the vouchers provide.

“Once kids are out and about playing sport, they socialise better, learn how to win, how to lose, and how to deal with issues and problems. They think quickly, have better health outcomes from being active, and overall, their mental health improves significantly,” Mr Dalton explained.

According to the Australian Sports Commission, nearly 60% of children aged 5 to 14 participate in organised sport or physical activities, highlighting the critical role sport plays in young Australians’ lives.

The PlayOn! program aims to boost these numbers further, with a particular focus on regional communities.

“Whether it’s netball in North Mackay, footy near the Airport, or swimming in the Memorial Pool – this program is about giving every child in our region the opportunity to stay active and engaged,” said Mr Dalton.

The program also aligns with longer-term ambitions, including nurturing future sporting stars.

“It’s great to get youngsters active, and the LNP government is helping by providing these vouchers. This is also about preparing kids for the Olympics in the lead-up to 2032,” Mr Dalton added.

Highlighting local success, he said, “Someone from Mackay has hit the big stage just within the last 24 hours in Singapore. It’s all possible for regional youngsters as well as kids in the city, and it’s all available through these $200 vouchers.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasised the program’s broader impact.

“The Play On! Sports Vouchers program means more kids will be able to be part of a sporting team, joining their friends on the field, rather than watching from the sidelines,” he said.

“This new program is about better health and fitness but also for discipline and ensuring kids can be part of their community.”

Key details of the program include:

• One voucher per child, per year (applicable to either summer or winter sports rounds)
• Regional allocations to ensure rural and regional areas like Mackay receive support
• Dedicated funding pool available for children living with a disability
• Medicare card required to apply

All eligible families are encouraged to apply early and not miss out on this valuable support.

Applications can be made online via the Queensland Government Sport and Recreation website:
www.sport.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs/play-on

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton is encouraging Mackay families to apply for PlayOn! vouchers, getting up to $200 per child to support sport participation and ease costs. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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