WITH an estimated 30,000 carers in the Northern Territory, nearly everyone knows someone who's a carer or relies on one, and it's inevitable that each of us will be a carer at some stage of our life.
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Held annually in the third week of October, National Carers Week recognises and celebrates carers within our community, increases public awareness of the valuable role of carers and the issues affecting them.
Throughout the week, Carers NT hosts events which provide a platform to highlight the significant, but often unheard, roles of carers, an opportunity to recognise achievements of carers in the Northern Territory and promote services available to carers.
National Carers Week 2019 will be held from October 13-19, this year's events include:
- Family Fun Days on Sunday 13 October at the Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs water park and aquatic centres.
- The Carer Friendly Business Awards
- The Carers NT Art competition
- Community sausage sizzles, information stalls and lunches across the NT
- Auspice Grants
Carers NT Chief Executive Steve Vitone explained that carers often go unrecognised for the enormous contribution they provide for loved ones, family members and the broader community.
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"If all carers decided to stop performing their caring role, it would cost the country $60.3 billion per year to replace those supports - that equates to $1 billion per week or 3.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product," he said, adding Carers NT is the voice that represents the needs and interests of carers in the Northern Territory.
"National Carers Week is dedicated to supporting carers and educating the community about the diversity of carers and the contribution they make."
Operating from offices in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and Ramingining, the role of Carers NT is to work in active partnership with carers, persons with care and support needs, health professionals, service providers, government and the wider community to achieve an improved quality of life for carers.
"We encourage all Territorians to show they care by hosting an event, attending one of our events or going online to explain "Why you care" at carersweek.com.au/tell-us-why-you-care."
Nobody plans to become a carer, however, the birth of a child with a disability; an injury due to an accident or trauma; the onset of a chronic or mental illness; or the development of frailty means that anyone could become a carer at any time.
Carers NT will promote all events through their website and social media channels.
For more, visit: carersnt.asn.au/events/national-carers-week
