Media release (Queensland):
Centrelink celebrates Carers Week
Friday, October 15, 2010
Centrelink staff on the Darling Downs will be joining local families and staff from Carers Queensland next week to celebrate Carers Week, which runs from 17 October to 23 October.
Events on the Darling Downs include lunches, visits to local wineries, sausage sizzles, information stands and entertainment.
As well, awards will be presented to local businesses that have assisted local carers and their families.
This year’s Carers Week theme is ‘Anyone, Anytime - Supporting our family carers in the community.’ The aim is to raise awareness of the valuable role carers play in our community by providing daily care for a relative or friend who has a serious disability or medical condition.
Toowoomba Centrelink Manager Louise Fitzgerald said Carers Week is the perfect time to remind the 2.6 million carers in Australia of the range of support available from Centrelink.
“Carer Payment can provide a carer with income support if the demands of their caring role mean they are unable to support themselves through paid work,” Louise said.
“Centrelink can also provide Carer Allowance, which is a supplementary payment for carers who provide daily care and attention to someone with a disability, medical condition or who is frail-aged.
“Carer Allowance is not means tested, and may be paid in addition to wages, Carer Payment or other income support payments.
“There have also been recent changes to the eligibility criteria for Carer Payment which means the payment is now more accessible to those caring for a child under the age of 16.
“Centrelink social workers can also provide counselling and other support, and can refer carers to other local services and programs in their community.”
For more information about payments and services for carers, visit your local Centrelink customer service centre, phone 13 2717, or visit the Carers section of this website.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.