- Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers
Carers will now be able to enjoy more of what Victoria has to offer with half price weekday travel, free weekend travel and extra concessions, thanks to a massive funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced that more than 4000 discounts to tourist attractions, sports and cultural centres around the state have been added to the Victorian Carers Card, on top of year-round travel concession.
Mr Donnellan also announced a week of free travel for Victorian Carer Card holders from October 13-19 as part of Carers Week 2019.
One in five of our carers give up work to care for someone and young carers drop out of school at a higher rate than their peers – carers also tend to have lower incomes or chronic health conditions because they're often too busy caring for their loved ones to worry about their own health.
Carers can now get half-price travel year-round by showing their Victorian Carer Card at any staffed railway station to obtain a Victorian Carers concession myki card. Victorian Carer Card holders will also for the first time receive all the discounts available on Victorian Seniors Card.
With more than 4,000 participating businesses, carers can get free or cheaper entry to attractions like Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and MCG tours. The extra concessions also include entry to sports complexes, cultural centres and recreations centres.
The Labor Government has invested $49.5 million in the Victorian Budget 2019-20 to support carers with an extra 100,000 hours of respite for 5000 carers a year, as well as carer and carers organisation grants.
The Government is encouraging all carers to apply for a Victorian Carers Card today. To learn more about what support and discounts are available visit: carercard.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
"We acknowledge the hard work of these carers and they deserve our thanks and support, which is why we've invested almost $50 million for extra respite, transport concessions and grants for local carer groups."
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
"We're making our public transport system more accessible for every Victorian - and we're also making it easier for carers to continue the vital work they do day in day out."
As stated by Parliamentary Sectary for Carers and Volunteers Anthony Carbines
"We want carers in all parts of Victoria to be able to access support in their community and have the opportunity to connect with others and improve their health and well-being."
