SYKES – WALKING SCHOOL BUS FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is encouraging Councils in the Benalla Electorate to participate and apply for funding through the Walking School Bus Program made available through Vic Health for Primary Schools in Victoria.

Vic Health has announced funding for The Walking School Bus Program with Grants of up to a maximum of $50,000 available to successful Councils to implement the program over a two year period.

“The program is primarily to establish changes in school travel patterns and physical activity habits of primary school age children” said Dr Sykes.

“This is a great opportunity for Councils to fund an active program in the community that can improve our children’s health and physical activity.”

Dr Sykes encourages Councils who are eligible to lodge their applications by 17 March 2006.

Guidelines and application forms can be obtained from the Vic Health website at www.vichealth.vic.gov.au or by contacting Dr Sykes Electorate Office on 5762 2100 or at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla.

Application close at 5.00pm on Wednesday January 25th 2006. Successful applicants will be notified in March 2006.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989