FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has encouraged residents of the New England Electorate to mark Carers Week 2014.

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

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

Mr Joyce also said applications are now open for the Government’s Young Carer Bursary Programme.

The Young Carers Bursary Programme was an election commitment 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 Joyce 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."

"The Government wants to make study a little easier for young carers," he said.

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

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

“I also encourage all residents of New England Electorate to take the opportunity of Carers Week to consider participating in one of the many events taking place across the country 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