Victorian councils are encouraged to showcase initiatives that help protect their communities from skin cancer by entering the 2007 SunSmart Shade Awards.

SunSmart manager Kylie Strong says councils who provide shade in their communities are helping to protect Victorians from over exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is an important way to reduce the high rate of skin cancer.

“Shade is as just as important in protecting against skin cancer as sunscreen, hats, clothing and sunglasses, and it’s an important component of a council’s responsibility to provide a safe, healthy environment for their community members," she says.
“Unfortunately, our research has indicated that some municipalities have a lack of shade structures and policies, especially at recreational facilities, which makes avoiding the sun very difficult.
“We know that while some local councils are working hard to provide shade so that their residents can enjoy the outdoors and be protected from the sun, many others are not providing appropriate shade to protect their residents from UV radiation and skin cancer."

Last year’s SunSmart Shade Award winners included  Melbourne City Council, for the best shade structure/design (built and/or natural) in the Melbourne metropolitan area and Whittlesea City Council received an award for its work in addressing shade provision at a policy and strategic level within council.

Entries for the 2007 SunSmart Shade Awards close on Wednesday, March 7, 2007. Winners will be
announced on Thursday April 19.

For more information or an entry form please contact Chantelle Miller at chantelle.miller@cancervic.org.au