17 Feb 2016 Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Wangaratta VIC (General News) BEECHWORTHS Montessori School has received a $50,000 sunsmart grant to build a new covered area in one of the schools activity grounds. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced more than 70 community organisations and facilities would receive funding from the Victorian Government to provide much needed protection from harmful UV rays by increasing the provision of shade in the community. Ms Symes announced the recipients of grants from the first round of the governments Community Shade Grants Program. Ms Symes said Australia had 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 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 for grants has been given to country areas with high rates of skin cancer and mortality and areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. At least one grant was awarded in each of the 79 local government areas. We all love spending time outdoors but it is important we are adequately protected from the sun, especially between September and April when UV levels are high, Ms Symes said. Skin cancer is a major health issue for Victorians, yet its mostly preventable. Thats why the people of country Victoria need to be sun smart. These grants will provide our community with more shaded areas so everyone can enjoy their time outdoors safely. Montessori president Karen Smith said the grant application was made in December. Yackandandah and Rutherglen also received funding through the grants. Caption Text: SUN-SMART: Young Sam Ritchie pumps out some cool water for Jaclyn Symes MLC (second from right), Montessori principal Browen Martin and school president Karen Smith after the grant announcement. PHOTO: Jamie Kronborg Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)