This is why for the fourth year running, the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort and Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House last Thursday put on a free luncheon for around 30 Yarrawonga Mulwala Carers and their families to celebrate the unpaid work they do during National Carers Week.
National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution unpaid carers make to our nation.
Anyone at anytime can become a carer with people of varying ages attending the luncheon.
In the latest statistics from the ABS, Australia’s 2.7 million carers make an enormous contribution to communities, with their caring roles being valued at $60.3 billion annually – more than $1 billion per week.
Each year, National Carers Week provides an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.
Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House Community Programs Coordinator Deb Cooper said it was great to give something back to those who give so much of themselves that also often goes unappreciated.
“There are a number of people in our region who require care but are wanting to stay at home or are not quite at the stage to be in other services yet so a lot of the time a family member will step up and assist in their relative staying healthy,” Deb said.
“Many of these are unpaid and they do a wonderful job so we just want to show them that they are appreciated and to give something back to them.
“I would also love to thank the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort for allowing us to hold this event and for the Golf Club Resorts Directors, Vice President Laurie Bridgeman and Don Presley to take time out of their day to come and see everyone and serve food, it was just fantastic and I thank them greatly.”
Deb also spoke of the Australian Government Carer Gateway which is a great educational resource for carers to access services.