Carers Day across Australia is today

Carers Day 2010 will be observed nationally today as part of Carers Week.

If you’re a carer, this day is especially for YOU! You deserve some time out. Make the time to give yourself a break.

If you can, ask a friend or neighbour, or a family member, to help you with your caring responsibilities so you can participate in something special for yourself – be it a Carers Day activity in your region, meeting a friend for lunch, getting your hair done or going on a favourite walk.

Carers Day is also a day for all Australians to reflect on the contribution of unpaid family carers in their community and to consider doing something in return for a carer they know – whether they are a family member, a neighbour, friend or work colleague.

People may wish to take a carer out for a meal or an activity, prepare a nice meal for them at home, or they may simply make the effort to spend some time with them, buy them a cup of coffee, or give them a call.

A simple bunch of flowers picked from the garden, a batch of home-made biscuits or a homemade frozen meal, a thank you card or a handwritten note – there are many ways to say ‘thanks for the job you do – I have noticed’ that are free or cost very little and yet the value of your simple gesture could be priceless in the eyes of the carer.

On Carers Day, all across Australia, celebratory activities will be taking place, from large events to small social gatherings.

To find out what events are happening near you, visit http://www.carersweek.com.au go to the ‘events’ tab and then go to your state or territory.

$2.55 million boost for Queensland carers to mark Carers Week 2010

The state government will provide Carers Queensland with an extra $2.55 million over three years to support Queensland carers.

Disability Services Minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk, made the announcement at the official launch of Carers Week 2010 (17-23 October).

Ms Palaszczuk said the extra funds would help to create new carers networks in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Warrego, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

“Carers need to know where to turn for services and support in their local communities, and that’s what these new networks are designed to do,” she said.

“They’ll help carers to access counselling, respite, training and advice in communities right across the state.

“This is about linking carers to the supports they need, where they need them.

Ms Palaszczuk said the state government provides Carers Queensland with $3.3 million a year through the Home and Community Care program for information, community development, counselling, support services and advocacy.

“Becoming a carer can happen to anyone, anytime – that’s the theme of Carers Week 2010,” she said.

“Carers are Queensland’s unsung heroes and we recognise the incredible sacrifices they make every single day in communities right across the state.

“For the first time next year, the state government will officially recognise the role of carers at the inaugural Queensland Carers Recognition Awards.

“The awards will pay tribute to carers from communities throughout Queensland at a special awards ceremony.

“It will be a great way to celebrate the contribution of Queensland’s 530,000 carers,” she said.