Geraldton celebrates Carers Week
Western Australia Media Release
Monday, 18 October 2010
Geraldton Centrelink staff will be holding a free Carer Information Day and BBQ on Friday 22 October as part of Carers Week, which runs from 17 October to 23 October 2010.
On the day Centrelink staff and several local community support groups will be available to provide information and support to people who are care providers and receivers.
Centrelink staff will also hold a free BBQ lunch on the day, starting from 11am, to celebrate the contribution carers make.
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.
Geraldton Centrelink Manager, Kath Gadsden, 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," Kath 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 27 17, or visit the Centrelink website
Media Opportunity:
- What: Geraldton Centrelink celebrates Carers Week
- When: Friday, 22 October 2010 from 11 am to 2 pm
- Where: Geraldton Centrelink Customer Service Centre, Cnr Forrest St & Chapman Road, Geraldton
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.