The valuable, selfless work of carers in our community should never be forgotten, according to Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea.
Carers provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail.
"Anyone can suddenly find themselves to be a carer," Mr O'Dea said.
"Conditions such as chronic illness, disability, mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction do not discriminate by age, culture or gender. This is particularly highlighted by the outstanding, self-sacrificial work of the two Davidson recipients of the 2010 Local Carer Awards," he said.
"Sue O'Reilly of Forestville cares for her son with a severe disability. In addition she is the founder of the Mad as Hell campaign for a better disability support system for people with a disability in Australia. She was also involved in lobbying for the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme.
"One of the most outstanding local awards goes to 9 year old Jameson Smith of St Ives. This young boy is a carer for his brother Jesse who has an intellectual disability and Aspersers' syndrome. He makes sure Jesse doesn't get picked on by other kids and leads him out of harm. He helps Jesse catch the bus to school and plays with him.
"Jameson shows great compassion to other people with a disability, including his cousin who has cerebral palsy and his disabled grandfather who has suffered a stroke. Jameson has problems with learning and concentration but is working hard to combat them while being an outstanding young carer and an amazing young man.
"I welcome the opportunity to acknowledge the work of these three outstanding local citizens and the many others like them in our community as we celebrate 2010 National Carers Week (17 – 23 October)," Mr O'Dea concluded.
