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PO Box 20156 World Square NSW 2002 P 02 9280 4744 F 02 9280 4755 E contact@carersnsw.asn.au
13 October 2010
Celebrating carers* in Carers Week
2010 National Carers Week – 17 to 23 October 2010
*A carer is any individual who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend
who has a disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependencies, chronic condition,
terminal illness or who is frail.
This Sunday marks the start of National Carers Week – a celebration of carers and their
contribution to the lives of the people they care for and to the wider community.
This year over 200 carer support groups and organisations are holding events right across
NSW to give carers a break and a chance to socialise with other carers. These events assist
in recognising carers and raising awareness about their role.
“We know many carers have little or no social contact due to their caring role, so with funding
from the Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services NSW, we have
enabled carer support groups and organisations to arrange events for carers across the state
including picnics, morning teas, lunches and day trips,” Elena Katrakis CEO Carers NSW
said.
“This means carers get to take a break from caring, while at the same time celebrating the
valuable work they do,” she said.
Carers value these activities and the opportunity to take a break. A carer last year told
Carers NSW “I haven’t been out to dinner in over a year! THANK YOU!” This is an example
of the overwhelming impact that this recognition can make.
A key focus of events happening during Carers Week will be the National Carers Day Out
Activities on Tuesday 19 October 2010.
As part of National Carers Week Sydney will acknowledge and celebrate the role of carers
with a free event in the heart of Sydney.
Carers Day Out is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate those that
give their time, energy and love – unpaid - to care for a friend, partner or family member.
Everyone – including carers, their families and friends, and the general public – is invited to
join together with a range of government and non-government service providers for this day
of recognition, information and entertainment.
Conditions such as chronic illness, disability, mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction do
not discriminate by age, culture, sexuality or gender, therefore this year’s theme is ‘Anyone,
Anytime’, highlighting that anyone may find themself in a caring role – planned or unplanned
–
at any time in their life.
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PO Box 20156 World Square NSW 2002 P 02 9280 4744 F 02 9280 4755 E contact@carersnsw.asn.au
Thanks to a collaboration between Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group, Carers NSW, The City
of Sydney and Centrelink, guests will have access to a range of information and resource
stalls, free goodies and special appearances and performances including:
Arthur Beetson
The Shubies
Glen Doyle (Didg and Dance)
Simona Malki
Tansy Mayhew and Band
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir
This event is free, no registration is required and is open to carers, their families and friends,
and the general public.
There will also be other events across the state in rural and regional NSW.
“We hope that you will join us in celebrating National Carers Week in your local community,”
Elena Katrakis CEO Carers NSW said.
Useful resources:
For a full calendar of events happening across the state for Carers Week go to the Carers
Carers Week Fact Sheet attached
For further information or enquiries, or to arrange an interview:
Media contact: Jane Witcombe Carers NSW phone 9280 4744 or
Elena Katrakis CEO on mobile 0421 057 305
NEWS 
