14 October 2021
Article credit: ANMJ
National Carers Week 2021 is a time to recognise and celebrate Australia’s unpaid carers who provide care and support to a family member or friend.
This year’s theme, Millions of Reasons to Care, aims to bring attention to the 2.65 million carers around the country.
Carers Australia CEO Liz Callaghan said carers need the ongoing support of all Australians – from government to businesses, classrooms to families, and medical professionals to communities.
“Anyone at any time can become a carer and National Carers Week is a time to raise awareness among all Australians of the enormous contribution carers make to our nation.”
Now in its 29th year, National Carers Week is more important than ever before as carers around the country continue to experience significant stress and caring responsibilities as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Even before the effects of the pandemic had been accounted for, unpaid carers were estimated to be providing 2.2 billion hours of unpaid care last year – over 42 million hours every single week. The replacement value of that care was estimated at almost $78 billion, or almost $1.5 billion every week.
“Carers have been doing a tremendous job throughout this difficult time, not only maintaining their caring roles in trying circumstances, but often going above and beyond to ensure the safety of those they care for,” said Ms Callaghan.
This year, Carers Australia is asking everyone to visit carersweek.com.au and join the Millions of Reasons to Care. People are encouraged to watch Ambassador videos, download the Caring for Carers resources, and explore the online and physical events taking place near them.
Carers Australia will be hosting a range of online events during National Carers Week to celebrate Australia’s unpaid carers and the Millions of Reasons to Care.
For more information visit
carersweek.com.au.