- Minister for Community Services recognises the vital role of Western Australia's more than 320,000 unpaid carers
- National Carers Week runs 15 - 21 October
- Cook Labor Government provides more than $1 million annually to Carers WA to support carers
More than 320,000 carers in Western Australia will be recognised for their valuable contribution as part of National Carers Week, which runs from 15 - 21 October.
National Carers Week is held annually to recognise the support unpaid carers give to those they care for and our community. The week aims to raise awareness and recognition of carers and their vital role.
Carers provide unpaid care to someone who needs help with their day-to-day living due to disability, impairment, mental illness, chronic health condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or drug issue, or who is frail and aged.
Nationally, unpaid carers are estimated to provide over 2.2 billion hours of unpaid care over 42 million hours every single week.
In supporting WA carers, the Cook Labor Government, through the Department of Communities, provides more than $1 million in funding to Carers WA to deliver care support services and programs, including counselling and training, social support, advice, respite, employment support and engagement activities.
Carers will celebrate Carers Week around the State with a range of activities, including the Young Carer Art Awards, yoga workshops, cinema experiences and carer morning teas.
Prominent buildings in Perth, Albany, Kalgoorlie, and the Kimberley will be lit up aqua blue in tribute to these unsung heroes.
For more information, visit https://carersweek.com.au/
As stated by Community Services Minister Sabine Winton:
"Carers are the selfless, often unsung heroes of our community who deserve to be acknowledged and thanked for the care they provide.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to continuing work to recognise and support carers through collaboration and engagement across Government and the community.
"Each caring role is unique with carers coming from all walks of life and age groups.
"Carers may not identify as a carer or be aware of the support available to them. Carers Week is a great opportunity to reach out to family and friends in caring roles to ensure they're accessing important and practical supports."
