Organised by the Music Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the 2024/25 School Care Subsidy Scheme is now inviting applications from schools. The deadline for applications is September 25.

     The scheme aims to encourage student music groups from kindergartens and primary, secondary and special schools as well as tertiary institutions to care for the community, and extend their good wishes to the elderly, special school students and the beneficiaries of registered social welfare organisations through free music performances, thereby enhancing social integration and harmony. Through the activities, students can not only gain experience from performances and serving the community, but also develop stronger team spirit as well as better organisational skills.

     Each performance is eligible for a maximum subsidy of $2,200 to cover costs including transportation, allowances for professionals and miscellaneous items.

     Successful applicants must complete their performances between this December and March next year. Outstanding teams will be invited to perform at the Gala Concert to be held in April or May next year. All participating teams will be awarded certificates of commendation during the concert.

     Applications will be evaluated according to the feasibility, ingenuity and interactive elements of the proposed programmes, as well as the music groups' experience in organising and performing at community events. Interested schools can download application forms from the Music Office's website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/musicoffice). Completed forms must be emailed to the Music Office (cnc@lcsd.gov.hk).

     Over 400 school music groups have participated in the School Care Subsidy Scheme since its launch in 2009. The scheme is sponsored by the Sino Group. For enquiries, please call 2598 8335 or 3842 7775.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 5) that Argyle Street Playground in Kowloon City District will be closed from September 16 for drainage improvement works. During the closure period, the public may use the facilities and soccer pitches at Carpenter Road Park, Fat Kwong Street Playground, Junction Road Park, etc, in the same district.
 
     For the most up-to-date closure schedules of the above leisure and sports facilities, the public may refer to the notices at the venue.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 5) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, Silver Mine Bay Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

Attention TV/Radio Announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 5) that as lifeguards are unable to go to Hap Mun Bay Beach and Trio Beach in Sai Kung District by ferries due to inclement weather, lifesaving services at these beaches have been suspended.  Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches until further notice.

Attention TV/radio announcers:
 
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
     The Civil Engineering and Development Department today (September 5) announced that as the Strong Wind Signal No.3 has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Mui Wo Temporary Public Fill Reception Facility has been closed at 8.30am until further notice.