New England encouraged to get behind National Carers Week 2017

16 Oct 2017

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has called on residents in the New England to show their support for National Carers Week which runs until October 21.

 

“Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers spend an incredible 36 million hours every week providing care and support to family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, or who are frail aged,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“Carers come from all walks of life, cultures and religions, and they provide care for a variety of reasons.

 

“Some are only children, while others are nearing 90. They may be spouses, parents, sons or daughters, siblings, friends, nieces or nephews or neighbours.

 

“And the very real fact is, anyone at any time can become a carer.”

 

Locals are encouraged to visit the National Carers Week website at carersweek.com.au to find out how they can join Mr Joyce in acknowledging the outstanding work of our carers.

 

You can also write a personal message on the online ‘Thank You’ wall and show your appreciation to the fantastic carers in our community.

 

Help make National Carers Week 2017 a week to remember and pledge your support for these tireless volunteers in our communities.

 

National Carers Week is an initiative of peak body Carers Australia with primary activities funded by the Australian Government.

 

Carer-related statistics:

  • There are 2.7 million carers in Australia who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail aged.
  • 272,000 carers are under the age of 25, which equates to around one-in-ten.
  • Around 856,000 carers (32%) are primary carers – those who provide the most informal assistance to another individual.
  • The weekly median income of primary carers aged 15 – 64 was 42% lower than that of non-carers.
  • Carers provide 1.9 billion hours of unpaid care annually.
  • The annual replacement value of that care (the cost were it provided by paid care workers) is estimated at $60.3 billion – more than  $1 billion per week.
  • 56% of primary carers aged 15 – 64 participate in the workforce, compared to 80% of non-carers.

(ENDS)

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