Connecting our Carers

Carers Victoria recently hosted an Introduction to Carer Supports and Benefits Morning Tea in Mildura, with assistance from Mildura Rural City Council, bringing local carers together with organisations that provide support and services.

The morning was an opportunity for carers to learn more about the services, supports and benefits available to them, as well as connect with other carers and share their experiences.

More than 750,000 Victorians are unpaid carers, representing around one in eight people.

The Nationals' Member for Mildura and Shadow Minister for Disability, Carers, Ageing and Volunteers, Jade Benham, said having access to information about available services was important for carers and their families.

"Carers take on an enormous responsibility in looking after their loved ones, and it can be difficult to know what support is available or where to start," Ms Benham said.

"Having an opportunity to sit down with service providers and other carers can make that information much easier to access, but it's also important to have the chance to simply get together and talk with people who understand what caring can involve."

Representatives from Centrelink, Dementia Australia, Carer Gateway Bendigo Health and Sunraysia Community Health Services also attended the morning, giving carers the chance to ask questions and learn more about the services available locally.

Carers Victoria plays an important role in supporting carers across Victoria and in understanding the current and emerging issues affecting the care sector.

"Carers Victoria does a mountain of work supporting carers and making sure the experiences of people who provide unpaid care are understood," Ms Benham said.

"Creating opportunities for carers to connect, share their experiences and find out what is available to them is really valuable."