Supporting Carers in Bonner During Carers Week 2014

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged local residents to mark Carers Week 2014 and recognise the important part carers play in the community.

“Providing care to a loved one in need – whether it be due to age, disability or mental illness – is a role that many Australians will take on at some stage during their lives,” Mr Vasta said.

“Almost 2.7 million Australians fulfil a caring role, and Carers Week is a great time to stop and reflect on the role carers play in our society.”

Mr Vasta also said that applications are now open for the Government’s Young Carer Bursary Programme, which will support young carers to complete or return to education while continuing their caring role.

“There are over 300,000 young carers in Australia who look after people with disability, people with medical conditions, or older people in need of care,” Mr Vasta said.

“Young carers often have to juggle part time work, caring responsibility and study. Too often, when they are pressed for time, it is their education that is pushed aside.”

“With the new Young Carer Bursary Programme, the Government intends to make study a little easier for young carers.”

The Programme is being delivered with the support of Carers Australia.

“I encourage young carers in Bonner to consider applying for the Young Carer Bursary, which will provide up to $10,000 to 150 young carers annually for three years,” Mr Vasta said.

“I also encourage all residents of Bonner to consider participating in one of the many events taking place across the country as part of Carers Week, and to take some time out to discuss and learn more about unpaid carers and the role they play in our society.”

Carers Week 2014 runs from 12 to 18 October, and will feature morning teas, fundraisers and workshops across the country. For more information on Carers Week events, visit www.carersaustralia.com.au.

For more information on the Young Carers Bursary Programme, visit www.youngcarers.net.au.