Crook encourages public to be 'Care Aware'

O’Connor MP Tony Crook is joining the call from Carers Australia for all Australians to be ‘Care Aware’ during Carers Week, which began on the 14th October and will finish on the 20th October 2012.

Carers Week 2012 aims to increase recognition, support and appreciation of the 2.6 million carers across Australia and encourages people to get to know more about carers.

A carer can be anyone and these people often find themselves providing unpaid care to family members and friends who may have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or drug problem, or are frail aged.

Mr Crook said that providing adequate support to carers was essential, especially in regional communities.

“2.6 million people act as carers to their loved ones across Australia and this is in no way an easy role to take on.

“I support this campaign as ensuring the general public are aware of the work that carers do is a step in the right direction. In regional communities there isn’t adequate support for carers, or enough respite options.”

Mr Crook has recently thrown his support behind Grandcarers in his O’Connor electorate, seeking better financial assistance for grandparents who take on the primary care giver role to their grandchildren.

“I will continue to lobby on behalf of the Grandcarers in my community. They take on this role due to many and varied reasons but ultimately do it for the love of their grandchildren. They need further financial assistance to help them along the way.

“Carers Week is an opportunity for all of us to consider the different caring roles within our community and show our appreciation for the invaluable work they do.”

Further information can be found at www.carersaustralia.com.au or www.careaware.com.au