Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp announced the latest round of the School Shade Grants Program – and has encouraged local schools to apply.
The Community Shade Grants Program is also returning, for community groups including sports clubs.
The programs ensure more Victorians can access much-needed shade when the hot sun hits with new shade sails or newly-planted trees.
"Our grants programs have helped hundreds of schools and community groups provide the protection Victorians need to prevent cancer," Mr Gepp said.
"We were delighted to give students the shade they need so they can enjoy the outdoors – and now we’re encouraging more schools and community groups to follow suit."
The Government is providing an additional $10 million to the programs, paving the way for more than 1000 schools and community groups to install shade throughout the next four years.
As part of the programs, schools and community groups can share in $2 million for other protective measures such as hats and sunscreen.
Shade structures are the best defence from dangerous UV rays, but should always be used alongside other sun protection measures such as sunscreen and protective clothing.
Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed by the age of 70.
In 2017, melanoma was the fourth most common cancer in Victoria, with 2993 invasive melanomas diagnosed and 270 deaths.
The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with invasive melanoma was at 90 per cent in 2013-16.
The Government’s Victorian Cancer Plan 2016-'20 sets out an ambitious target of saving 10,000 lives from cancer over a decade.
To apply for a grant visit health.vic.gov.au/public-health/preventive-health/skin-cancer-prevention
The School Shade Grant Program applications close September 18, while the Community Shade Grant Program applications close October 2.
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