Watergardens Centrelink celebrates Carers Week
Victoria media release
Friday, 22 October 2010
Watergardens Centrelink are reaching out to local carers with a special information morning tea next week to be held in recognition of Carers Week, which runs from 17 October to 23 October 2010.
Specialist staff from Watergardens Centrelink will join guest speakers at a special morning tea for members of the My Time Program - a group of mothers caring for a disabled child.
Watergardens Centrelink Manager, Michelle Bethune, said this year’s Carers Week theme is ‘Anyone, Anytime - Supporting our family carers in the community.’
"The event aims 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," Michelle said.
"We recognise the importance of groups like My Time and we want to ensure these groups are well supported. Ensuring they have easy access to the information they need plays a big part in this.
"A special carer will be there to play games and supervise the children so the mothers can take some time out, listen to the guest speakers and ask questions."
Michelle said that Carers Week was 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," Michelle 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 mean 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 27 17, or view the Carers section of this website.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.