Intro
Version 3 August 2023
The KidSport Voucher Program is an initiative of the Western Australian State Government to support children aged 5 to 18 years of age (inclusive) from low-income families and at-risk groups to participate in community sport. The KidSport Voucher Program subsidises participation costs by providing $300 per financial year to each eligible child to join a KidSport Club.
The KidSport Voucher Program is administered by DLGSC with the support of Western Australian local governments.
The DLGSC strongly advocates involvement in community sport, not only for its physical benefits, but also the positive impact it has on the mental and emotional wellbeing of the community.
The primary objective of the KidSport Voucher Program is to reduce the financial barrier of participation in community sport for low-income families.
KidSport Voucher Program funding can only be accessed via approved KidSport vouchers. Vouchers should be applied for, and obtained prior to, registration at KidSport Clubs (being the only organisations where the vouchers are accepted).
The parent or guardian of a child is required to complete the application for a KidSport voucher on the child’s behalf. A representative of the child may assist with the KidSport Voucher Program application process, with the full consent of the parent and or guardian.
Applications will be assessed by the applicant’s local government of residence or by DLGSC to confirm the child’s eligibility and funding available within the voucher round, subject to available funds.
Applicants will be required to submit proof of child eligibility at the time of application.
To apply for a KidSport voucher, an applicant is required to:
To be eligible for a KidSport voucher the child must be:
Where a child does not meet the above criteria, the family may be eligible to access KidSport through a special consideration application as outlined in clause 5.0.
Eligible children may access up to $300 worth of KidSport vouchers per financial year.
KidSport vouchers can be used as payment towards registration, membership or participation fees at a KidSport Club. Where the nominated KidSport Club has opted in, vouchers may also be used for uniform and equipment costs.
KidSport vouchers are subject to the following conditions:
KidSport funding may be used to cover the costs of uniforms and equipment where:
In no circumstance can the KidSport Club provide a monetary refund of a KidSport voucher to the child, parent or guardian. Funds should only be exchanged between DLGSC and the KidSport Club.
KidSport voucher refunds for fees may only be considered for extenuating circumstances in accordance with the refund guidelines.
The DLGSC has the authority to determine whether a club or organisation is eligible, and meets the below mandatory criteria, to participate in the KidSport Voucher Program.
All KidSport Clubs must:
In addition, KidSport Clubs must meet the criteria outlined in the relative category for their organisation, as follows:
The following are not approved organisations or activities, and are excluded from the KidSport Voucher Program:
Any exceptions will be at the discretion of DLGSC.
All KidSport Clubs are responsible for the following:
KidSport Clubs may, at their discretion, opt in to accept KidSport vouchers as a form of payment for uniforms and essential equipment. These items must be purchased directly from the KidSport Club where the child is participating.
KidSport Clubs may opt in through the KidSport Club’s portal and, in doing so, agree vouchers will be accepted for eligible items only.
Eligible items include:
KidSport vouchers cannot be used for:
When validating Kidsport vouchers:
The DLGSC provides the KidSport Voucher Program in partnership with certain local governments who have entered into contracts with DLGSC to provide DLGSC support in assessing KidSport Voucher Program applications. Those contracts outline the relationship and obligations of the parties.
Local governments play a critical role in supporting DLGSC to deliver and promote the KidSport Voucher Program across Western Australia.
The primary responsibilities of local governments who have entered a contract with DLGSC are:
Special consideration applications are available to support identified low-income groups who may have difficulty accessing concession cards, or independently applying for a KidSport voucher.
This includes families who are experiencing financial hardship and may not have access to a Services Australia Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
To be eligible for Special Consideration, the child or family must meet one of the following criteria:
The child must also meet the following criteria:
Applications must be submitted through or supported by an approved KidSport Support Agent as outlined in clause 5.2.
Final approval of eligibility and issue of a KidSport voucher will be at the discretion of DLGSC.
Where the child is listed on and has access to an eligible concession card, the applicant must use the usual KidSport Voucher Program application process as outlined in clause 2.1
KidSport support agents are professional employees at agencies which provide support services to families. Agents are approved at the discretion of DLGSC.
The primary responsibilities of KidSport support agents are as follows:
The number of applications permitted from each agent will be pre-determined for each financial year. Approval may be revoked by DLGSC at any time.
Contact the KidSport team at DLGSC for further information or assistance.
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries246 Vincent Street, Leederville WA 6007GPO Box 8349 Perth Business Centre WA 6849Telephone 61 8 9492 9911Email kidsport@dlsgc.wa.gov.au