The expanded Sports Vouchers program has delivered significant cost-of-living relief to families, with over $1.1 million in support provided in its first month of 2025. More than 11,000 vouchers were claimed in January alone, marking a 164% increase compared to the same time last year, when approximately 4,300 vouchers were used.
The most popular activities so far this year include soccer, gymnastics, swimming, Australian rules football, and dance, demonstrating the wide appeal of the initiative.
Expanded Benefits for Families
In 2025, the Malinauskas Government doubled the number of available $100 sports vouchers per child per calendar year. Additionally, for the first time, the program now includes music lessons and active recreation.
The expanded ‘Sports Vouchers Plus’ program represents a $54.6 million investment over four years, enabling more families to access a broad range of activities that promote physical and social engagement while reducing screen time for children.
Children from Reception to Year 9 are eligible for the subsidy, with over 1,900 organisations registered as Sports Vouchers providers. Strong interest from newly eligible music providers has already resulted in 18 providers joining the program, with many vouchers already processed.
Record Growth and Community Impact
The Sports Vouchers program saw its most successful year in 2024, with over 95,000 vouchers claimed over 12 months. Since the program’s inception in 2015, more than 707,000 vouchers have been issued, providing $60 million in support to local families.
Families can claim their Sports Vouchers at sportsvouchers.sa.gov.au.
Government and Community Voices
Emily Bourke – Government Representative
“Hitting the 10,000-voucher milestone in the first month of the expanded program highlights just how valuable this support is to families. We’re seeing record uptake and want to ensure more children have the opportunity to get active without financial barriers preventing participation.”
Andrew Cordery – Koorana Gymnastics Club Operations Manager
“We have supported the Sports Vouchers program since its launch in 2015, ensuring parents are aware of this valuable opportunity. In 2024 alone, we saved families over $40,000 in fees. With the program expansion in 2025, we’ve already been able to offer over $70,000 in discounts, thanks to the state government.”
Daniel Sherwood – Pathways Music School Owner
“We’re thrilled to see South Australia investing in music education, recognizing it as an essential part of a child’s development. Music is the universal language of human expression, connecting emotions, cultures, and milestones. By making lessons more accessible, this initiative ensures more children can benefit from creativity, confidence, and connection. This is a powerful step toward a richer and more inspired future for young Australians.”
Looking Ahead
The overwhelming success of the Sports Vouchers program’s expansion signals strong community support and increasing demand. As more families continue to take advantage of this initiative, the program is set to further enrich the lives of young South Australians through sport, music, and active recreation.
[Shared on behalf of the Government of South Australia: Sports Vouchers’ success more than doubles in first month | Premier of South Australia]