Around $3 million in support and more than 30,000 vouchers were provided in regional SA last year – a nine per cent increase on 2023 figures, when just under 28,000 vouchers were claimed.

Significant rises in 2024 were recorded in Murray and Mallee (up 10 per cent to 3,924 vouchers), Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island (up 10 per cent to 2,944 vouchers) and Yorke and Mid North (up 7 per cent to 4,193 vouchers).

Adelaide Hills (up 12 per cent to 5,666 vouchers) along with Barossa, Light and Lower North (up 8 per cent to 5,118 vouchers) also had big jumps year-on-year.

This year the Malinauskas Government announced it would double the number of $100 Sports Vouchers to two per child per calendar year, in addition to including music lessons and active recreation for the first time.

Records in regional South Australia have been smashed in the first month of the expanded ‘Sports Vouchers Plus’ program, with massive growth in:

• Nuriootpa (138 vouchers claimed in January 2025 compared to 13 in January 2024, a ten-fold increase)
• Mount Barker (153 vouchers in January 2025; 120 in January 2024)
• Mount Gambier (70 vouchers in January 2025; 7 in January 2024)
• Hayborough (44 vouchers in January 2025; 25 in January 2024)

The $54.6 million investment over four years allows more families to access sport and recreational activities through the boosted program – getting young people engaged in the community and away from screens.

Children from Reception to Year 9 can receive the subsidy with more than 1,900 organisations registered as Sports Vouchers Plus providers.

Since the program’s inception in 2015, more than 717,000 vouchers have been claimed, providing more than $60 million to local families to put towards eligible activities. Families can find more information at sportsvouchers.sa.gov.au

The State Government has also committed $500,000 per year for the Connected and Active Communities Project, further strengthening regional communities through sport and recreation.

The initiative – now operating in the Limestone Coast, Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Riverland – partners with local organisations to improve participation rates in young people and better connect communities.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Junior Sport Participation Rhiannon Pearce

Our government is serious about getting kids off-screen and active in their communities – no matter where you are in South Australia.

As a country kid at heart, I understand firsthand the important role sporting clubs and groups play in our regions. We know that sport helps young people to live healthy, active lives, all while fostering that all too vital connection to their communities.

With the expansion of the Sports Vouchers program, more country kids are taking up sport and recreation, showing just how valuable this program is to regional families.

Our government is committed to reducing barriers to participation and ensuring that active and healthy lifestyles are within reach of all South Australian families.