Applications open: Funding to support Australia’s carers

The Australian Government is calling for applications from organisations across the country to deliver a campaign to promote the needs and rights of Australian carers and deliver a series of festivals for young carers recognising their contribution.

As part of National Carers Week (16 – 22 October), the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, today encouraged interested organisations to apply to deliver the National Carer Awareness Campaign and Young Carer Festivals initiatives.

Senator McLucas said the two initiatives are part of the Australian Government’s commitment to providing carers with every opportunity to take part in all aspects of society, community and family life.

“The Australian Government is committed to delivering reform that better responds to the needs of carers,” said Senator McLucas.

“Under our National Carer Strategy, we have committed $1.6 million over two years to fund a national campaign to raise public awareness of the role and contribution of carers, as well as $1 million to hold young carer festivals across the country.”

“The National Carer Awareness Campaign seeks to raise community awareness of the role of carers and the significant contribution they make to society.”

The successful organisation will develop a campaign that promotes the range of benefits, services and supports available to carers and encourages people who see themselves first as parents, partners, a child or young person, to recognise themselves as carers, and access support that can help them in their caring role.

The campaign will also aim to educate health and community care professionals about the role carers can play in developing and delivering treatment plans and education professionals about recognising and supporting young carers.

Applications are also being encouraged to deliver the Young Carer Festivals initiative. The successful organisation will develop and run Young Carer Festivals – one in each state and territory – for young carers aged between 5 and 25 years.

“The Festivals aim to bring young carers together to celebrate and recognise their contribution by providing an opportunity to participate, socialise and build networks with their peers in a safe and supportive environment,” Senator McLucas said.

“They will help reduce the impact of the social isolation that young carers can experience.”

The Festival events will be held between January and June next year.

Organisations interested in delivering the National Carer Awareness Campaign and/or the Young Carer Festivals canvisit www.fahcsia.gov.au for more information.

Applications open on Friday 14 October 2011 and close on Friday 11 November 2011.