Extracurricular activities boost payment
Do you have a hobby or activity you love? Whether it’s sports, art, music or something else, there is now $1,500 available to make it happen.
Every child and young person in care can access this funding for extra-curricular activities. The money can be used to help you connect with your interests, gain new skills, and build confidence.
What you can use the funding for
You can use the funding for a variety of different extra-curricular activities. An extra-curricular activity is any activity that helps your health and wellbeing, lets you express your creativity, learn, connect with your culture, or helps your social, emotional or physical growth.
Examples include:
- art and creative arts activities, like painting, drawing and drama
- sport activities
- recreational activities, like camping and other outdoor activities
- music lessons and instruments
- cultural or citizenship programs
- On Country programs and camps
- participation in clubs
- outside school tutoring.
You don’t have to attend formal classes. The funding can also be used to buy equipment that helps you do what you enjoy.
How to access the funding
If you are in non-family based care, you can access the funding at any time.
The first step is to talk with your Child Safety Officer (CSO) or care worker about a hobby you’d like to do or an activity you love, and they will help you work out ways you can spend the funding available so you can do more of those things.
Be sure to start the conversation with your CSO or care worker before 30 June to ensure you make use of your allocation for the financial year.
If you are in family-based care, the payments will be provided biannually directly to your primary carer or guardian.