Lights, camera, action! Young carers take time out at Movie World

More than 1,000 young carers got the chance to ride roller coasters and rub shoulders with their favourite Warner Brothers characters at Movie World on the Gold Coast today as part of the Australian Government’s $1 million Young Carer Festivals initiative.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas today welcomed carers to FESTofALL before joining them on the Green Lantern rollercoaster.

Senator McLucas said the event was one of nine Young Carers Festivals held across the country as part of the Government’s commitment to support and recognise the contributions carers make to individuals and the community.

“It’s important for young carers to feel supported and appreciated for their hard work and ongoing commitment to their caring role,” Senator McLucas said.

“These festivals give young carers an opportunity to connect with other young carers and share their stories in a fun and supportive environment.”

There are more than 300,000 young carers under the age of 25 years providing informal care to people with disability.

Their caring role requires them to take on a level of responsibility that is often well beyond their years for tasks like shopping, cooking, cleaning, budgeting finances, managing medication and assisting with personal care.

Senator McLucas said the Australian Government is committed to supporting carers in their valuable role.

“Last year, we launched our National Carer Strategy, which takes a national approach to better respond to the needs of carers, and will help to ensure carers have the same rights, choices and opportunities as other Australians.

“The strategy includes $1.6 million to deliver a national campaign to raise awareness and recognise the role and contribution carers make to individuals and the community. And through the Young Carers Program, we are providing $8 million each year to support young carers who are at risk of not completing Year 12.

“These are important investments happening now, but we know the disability support system today is not delivering the kind of care and support Australians expect for people with a disability, their families and carers.

“That’s why the Australian Government is investing $1 billion for the first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme, which will give people with disabilities their families and carers, control and choice over how they access services and supports.“

A consortium led by Porter Novelli Australia is working in partnership with Carers Australia and the Foundation for Young Australians to deliver the Young Carer Festivals.

For more information on festival events being held across the country go to www.festofall.com.au