SunSmart Shade Creation Initiative – Permanent Shade
Shade is critical to help protect children from the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Research shows that shade alone can reduce UV radiation exposure by up to 75%.
To help shield young people from excess UV radiation , Cancer Council Queensland and Queensland Health are working in partnership to deliver the SunSmart Shade Creation Initiative.
In 2024, not-for-profit organisations in the Townsville, Cairns and Hinterland, and North West Hospital and Health Services (HHS) regions of Queensland, who cater to children aged 0 – 18 years, can apply for full funding of up to $25,000 to purchase permanent, hard roof fixed shade structures.
Eligible organisations include state primary and secondary schools, early childhood education and care facilities and junior sporting clubs.
Check the map below to see if you are located in the Townsville, Cairns and Hinterland, or North West Queensland HHS regions. This covers 21 Local Government Areas in the north and west of Queensland from Douglas Shire down to Burdekin Shire and out to Mount Isa.
If your organisation meets the eligibility criteria and located in one of the listed HHSs, we encourage you to apply.
Important dates
| Applications Open | 9am Monday, 23 September 2024 |
| Closing date | 11:59pm, Friday, 22 November 2024 |
| Successful recipients notified | Early 2025 |
| All projects completed | June 2025 |
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
| Not-for-profit organisations and facilities in the Townsville, Cairns and Hinterland, and North West Hospital and Health Services (HHS) regions of Queensland that provide services for children aged 0-18 years: • State schools (primary and secondary) • Early childhood centres • Junior sporting organisations Applicants must not have received funding from us in the last two years. |
How long does it take to fill out the application form online?
| The application form should take about 20 minutes to complete. However, it may take a few weeks to collect and organise all required documentation for your application, such as building quotes and supporting letters. |
What support does the initiative provide?
| The initiative provides full funding of up to $25,000 to purchase permanent, hard roof fixed shade structures. |
I live in a regional town and only have one available supplier to source a quote from. What should I do?
| We understand that sourcing two quotes in regional towns can be difficult. Please submit your application with the one quote attached and provide a detailed explanation for why only one quote could be obtained. Additionally, email sunsmartapplications@cancerqld.org.au to notify us of this situation. |
Can I apply for more than one shade structure?
| No, only one application per premises is allowed. |
When will applicants be notified of their success?
| We will contact both unsuccessful and successful applicants via their registered email in early 2025. |
Can I apply for funding for a replacement shade structure, such as a new roof?
| No, funding is only available for new fixed-roof shade structures. |
What type of shade structures are eligible for funding under this project?
| Only permanent hard roof fixed shade structures are eligible for funding under this initiative. This excludes all types of non-permanent structures such as retractable awnings, temporary tents, umbrellas, and shade sails. |
What expenses are covered by the Grant funds?
| The Grant funds cover specific costs directly related to the construction of permanent hard roof shade structures. Eligible expenses include labour costs that relate directly to construction, i.e., that of the construction team only, freight, council approval fees, and the purchase of materials necessary for the shade structure’s construction, such as metal or wooden beams and roofing materials. Other allowable costs may include design and engineering fees, site preparation expenses (like clearing and leveling), permits, inspections, and utilities connection associated with the installation of the shade structure. Ongoing maintenance costs are not covered by the Grant funds. |
Successful Application Tips
| • Ensure all correct documentation is attached. • Make sure your sun protection policy is up to date. For policy assistance, please email sunsmartapplications@cancerqld.org.au or visit our National SunSmart Program webpage for a policy guide – National SunSmart Program. • Provide as much detail as possible for all answers. • Ensure that you are a current member in our National SunSmart Program (Eligible organisations include Queensland primary schools, OSHC (Outside School Hours Care), and early childhood centres). Renew your membership if it is lapsed. Membership in the program requires renewal every three years. Find out if your school or centre is a member of the National SunSmart Program here – National SunSmart Program. |
How will I know if I have successfully lodged my application?
| Once you have successfully lodged your application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive this email, please check your spam/junk folder or contact us via email (sunsmartapplications@cancerqld.org.au) to ensure your application was submitted successfully. |
Will my organisation need to participate in any surveys after receiving funding?
| Yes, as per Terms and Conditions, your organisation is required to participate in the post-funding survey to help Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ) measure the impact of the funding on improving sun safety activities in your organisation. |
What is the deadline for completing our project, and what should we do if we encounter difficulties with suppliers or materials?
| Your project must be completed by 30 June 2025. If your organisation experiences difficulties with suppliers or materials, you must inform CCQ as soon as possible. CCQ will consider extension requests at its discretion. |
What responsibilities does our organisation have in dealing with the supplier of the shade structure?
| Your organisation is responsible for all dealings with the supplier of the shade structure, including ensuring that the project is completed on time. |
What is an acquittal template, and when must it be submitted?
| CCQ will provide your organisation with an acquittal template, which must be completed and submitted by COB 30th June 2025. If this is not completed, CCQ reserves the right to recall the funds at its discretion. |
Where to get more information?
| If you have any questions about the SunSmart Shade Creation Initiative, please email sunsmartapplications@cancerqld.org.au or call Cancer Council Queensland on 13 11 20. |
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