Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has joined Disability Services Minister, John Ajaka in encouraging the community to nominate a worth individual or organisation for the 2014 NSW Carers Awards.
Mr O’Dea said carers can be anyone including parents, partners, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters or friends.
“It is estimated that nationally, carers provide 1.32 billion hours of care each year, saving the Australian taxpayer $40 billion annually,” Mr O’Dea said.
“We need far greater understanding of who carers are and the important role they play. I encourage everyone to nominate a carer they know for a NSW Carers Award so we can show them the appreciation they richly deserve,” he said.
Mr Ajaka said the NSW Carers Awards gives the community an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions being made by unpaid carers.
“There are 850,000 carers in NSW – that means one in ten people have dedicated their lives to looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, chronic health condition or are frail and aged,” he said.
The 2013 NSW Carer of the Year Anne Naylor also urged the community to throw its support behind the awards.
“It is not always easy looking after people you love, which is why being named the NSW Carer of the Year meant so much to me,” Ms Naylor said.
“Nominating someone can really make a difference to someone else’s life because it lets them know they are important and valued. Being part of the NSW Carers Awards is uplifting and empowering which is why I encourage you to show your support by nominating a carer in your local community,” she said.
Nominations can be made for a Carers Award – Individual (for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to caring) and for Carers Award – Organisation (for community groups, schools, workplaces or other organisations which provide exceptional support to carers).
Nominations can be made online at www.facs.nsw.gov.au/carersawards until Monday 30 June 2014.
