Truss acknowledges Wide Bay’s Carers
16th October, 2009
Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss today thanked local carers for the valuable contribution they make to the lives of the individuals they support. “Carers Week and Carers Day 2009 provides the community with an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for the work that carers perform and the personal sacrifices they make, to improve the lives of others,” Mr Truss said.
There are approximately 2.6 million unpaid carers in Australia who give their time and energy, often 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide the care, love and support to family and friends.
“Without the dedication of the many unpaid carers providing support to family and friends who are frail, have a disability, terminal illness, chronic condition or mental illness many Australians would not be able to continue living at home and in their community” Mr Truss said.
“Carers strengthen families and reinforce friendships and help to grow stronger communities.”
Carers Week 2009 is from Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 October 2009.
The 2009 Carers Week theme, Anyone, Anytime across Australia reflects the unexpected and indiscriminate nature of the caring role and focuses on the geographical diversity of carers.
Carers Day 2009 is on Tuesday 20 October and celebrates the contribution that carers make in their community by encouraging people to show their appreciation through a simple act of kindness by doing something special for a carer you know.
“I encourage everyone who knows a carer to make the effort on Carers Day to spend some time, whether on the phone or by going for coffee with their friend, neighbour or colleague to show appreciation for the vital contribution they make to the community.”
For further information on Carers Week 2009 visit www.carersweek.com.au/09/
