Today I rise to reflect on the enormous contribution Australia’s informal carers make to our nation. I’d also like to inform the House on how Bonner will be celebrating its local carers this National Carer’s Week.

National Carer’s Week is a time to celebrate and honour our unpaid carers. More importantly, it’s a time to raise awareness of the work carers do and the huge difference they make. There are over 2.8 million unpaid carers in Australia. The unpaid work they put in represents close to 2 billion hours a year.

Carers deserve our appreciation and support. That’s why I’m pleased to have partnered with FSG Australia to host a Carers Morning Tea in Wynnum this Friday. Carers from the Wynnum-Manly community are invited to attend. This will be a great opportunity for local carers to learn more about the support services available to them.

As one of my constituents Gillian has put it to me, it’s important to let carers know they’re not alone and that there’s help out there for them. Gillian had to give up full-time work to care for her father for five years, while also caring for her multiple handicapped son. She tells me people often struggle to understand just how difficult it is for carers in her position. 

This is why I continue to be a proud supporter of National Carers Week. The amazing contribution our unpaid carers make can’t be stated enough. I thank FSG for giving me the chance to personally acknowledge local carers and the vital role they play in our society.

This Friday, 21 October, FSG Australia (FSG) and Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP, will be coming together to host a Carers Morning Tea at the FSG Café in Wynnum during National Carer’s Week, to celebrate Australia’s more than 2.8 million unpaid carers.

“Unpaid carers are often performing this role for a loved one or family member, and it can often lead to levels of social isolation, as well as personal and financial stress. An estimated $1.9 billion of care is provided by this group and without them, aged and disability care would simply be unaffordable. It is therefore important to recognise the work they do. Events like this during National Carer’s Week are a small gesture from our community to say thank you,” says Ross Vasta MP.

FSG Australia provides supports to Australians who care for parents, children, relatives, partners and friends, through workshops, courses, respite services and information provision.

“Carers come from every area of our community. Not many people know that more than 300,000 of Australia’s unpaid carers are younger than 25. The role is often performed without support or recognition. We wanted to come together in our local community to demonstrate community support for our carers and let them know what they do counts,” says Sharon Munn, FSG Senior Coordinator, Aged and Carer Services.

“It’s important that people understand how difficult and isolating being a carer can be. I had to give up work to look after my late father for five years, while also caring for my multiple handicapped son. I’m glad we have events like this in our local area that let carers know they’re not alone and that there’s support out there for them,” says Gillian Dowling from Wynnum West.

FSG and Ross Vasta have invited carers from the local Wynnum/Manly community to attend the morning tea to acknowledge the vital role they play in our society.

Event details:
10am, Friday 21 October
FSG Café, 70-72 Edith Street, Wynnum