Aberfeldie Primary School is marking two incredible milestones this year – 21 years as a SunSmart school and 100 years of educating local children – with a special visit of congratulations today from Victoria’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, the Hon Ben Carroll MP.
Across Victoria, 90% of primary schools and early childhood centres are now part of the SunSmart Schools Program, reaching an estimated 695,000 students and their families in 2024.
Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll MP, congratulated Aberfeldie Primary on making sun safety a priority for more than two decades.
“Aberfeldie Primary’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a SunSmart culture in their school community is incredibly inspiring. The school's dedication means that local kids are able to enjoy learning and playing outdoors, while lowering their risk of skin cancer later in life.”
“The Victorian Government is proud to support milestones in education such as the 100 years we celebrate here today. The SunSmart program is a big part of that legacy, ensuring generations of Victorians are equipped with the lessons to form lifelong sun protection habits.”
Head of SunSmart at Cancer Council Victoria, Emma Glassenbury, says she is pleased the program has reached families and children in the local community.
“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and the first two decades of life are critical for determining future skin cancer risk. That’s why protecting children from sun damage is so important.”
“When schools like Aberfeldie Primary and early childhood services educate and create cultures around sun protection, they’re not just keeping children safe today—they’re shaping lifelong habits that will help prevent skin cancer for generations to come.”
Aberfeldie Primary principal, Tyson Smith, said the school is proud to be a long-term SunSmart member school: “Keeping our whole school community safe from the harms of UV exposure is a priority, and we’re grateful to the SunSmart Program for giving us the tools and support to make that happen”
“A century of education and 21 years of it involving SunSmart is a proud milestone for us. Our school promotes sun safety by ensuring students and staff wear broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hats during outdoor learning and play. We also provide SPF 50+ sunscreen, maintain shaded areas, and encourage SunSmart behaviour through education, role modelling, and sending out community reminders.”
Established in 1988 by Cancer Council Victoria, SunSmart is one of the longest running and most successful skin cancer prevention programs in the world.
Membership to the SunSmart Program is free to for all early childhood services, primary and secondary schools in Victoria. Learn more and register your school today by visiting sunsmart.com.au
-ENDS-