Show you care, get involved in National Carers Week

“Did you know that there are more than 2.7million unpaid carers in Australia? And that one in three Territorians will be become a carer in their lifetime?”

Carers NT are reaching out to the Territory community to show their support for carers and visit one of the many events held during National Carers Week, 15 – 21 October.

Chief Executive Officer Steve Vitone explained that carers make an enormous contribution to our communities as well as to our national economy.

“If all carers decided to stop performing their caring role, it would cost the country $60.3 billion per year to replace those supports – that equates to $1 billion per week or 3.8% of Gross Domestic Product,” he said.

“National Carers Week aims to create greater awareness in the broader community about who carers are, what they do and how valuable their contribution is to our society. Carers often go unrecognised, at Carers NT we are dedicated to supporting carers and educating the community on the necessary supports that are available to them.”

National Carers Week events include:

• Free Family Fun Day at the Leanyer Aquatic Park on Sunday 15 October
• The Carer Friendly Business Awards and celebration of 25 years of service to carers in the Northern Territory at Parliament House on Monday 16 October. These Awards recognise outstanding service by a business or individual who has made a positive impact to someone in their caring role.
• Free sausage sizzle and information stand atRoyal Darwin Hospital on Tuesday 17 October
• Palmerston and Rural Seniors Club Morning Tea at Palmerston Sports Club on Thursday 19 October
• Free sausage sizzle and information stand at Raintree Park, Darwin on Friday 20 October
• Special fundraising screening of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema on Sunday 22 October

“We are extremely grateful for the support and recognition of this activity from right across the Territory,” said Mr Vitone.

“Bendigo Bank staff will wear Carers Week t-shirts, while community groups will hold special morning teas in recognition of carers in Katherine, Alice Springs, Beswick, Numbulwar, Warruwi, Ngukurr, Mataranka, Gunbalanya, Ramingining and as far away as Mt Liebig in Central Australia.”

“We encourage all Territorians to show they care by hosting an event, attending one of our events or going online to pledge their support for carers.

“Nobody plans to become an carer, however, the birth of a child with a disability; an injury due to an accident or trauma; the onset of a chronic or mental illness; or the development of frailty means that anyone could become a carer at any time.”

Carers NT will promote community events through their website and social media channels. For more information go to: www.carersnt.asn.au/news-and-events/carers-week/

Media enquiries: Jeannette Button on 0407 727 080 or [email protected]