Members of the YarraMul Carers Support Group are joined by Yarrawonga Mulwala Community Learning Centre (YMCLC) President Jackie Smith, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Director Vivian Spilva and President Laurie Bridgeman alongside YMCLC Office Manager Kathy Fry and Executive Officer Julie-Anne Clarke enjoyed celebrating National Carers Week.
Carers are treasured individuals who often ensure that those who are struggling with ailments are able to remain in their own home.
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This is why each year National Carers Week is held from October 15 to 21 as a time for all Australians to recognise and celebrate the important contributions the 2.65 million unpaid carers make to their families and the community.
Last Thursday Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre (YMCLC) held a luncheon at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort in honour of local carers to show their appreciation to the work they do without recognition.
“Caring for others is a vital role in society that will touch all of us at some point in our lives, either because we will need to care for a loved one or we will find ourselves in need of care,” Ms Clarke said.
“This is why this years National Carers Week slogan is ‘Millions of reasons to care’.
“The theme aims to broaden the awareness of the 2.65 million Australians caring for their family members and friends who also represent a diverse range of cultures, ages, experiences and responsibilities.
“It paints an authentic picture of what caring is like in Australia.
“More than one in ten Australians are carers, making an enormous contribution to our community as well as our national economy.
“All carers balance caring responsibilities with other responsibilities like work, study and their physical and mental health, something we are internally grateful for.
“In less than three years, it is predicted that the number of carers in Victoria will rise from the currently over 700,000 to at least one million.
“In Yarrawonga we have the Yarra-Mul Carers Group so you, who do this amazing work know we have one another.
“It is a chance to learn and raise awareness of all that carers do and the further work that they could be assisted with.
“We hold this luncheon to show our appreciation, recognise and celebrate you all as we all need to ensure that carers are also looked after.
“It is also a great opportunity to take time out for yourselves with peers.
“We hope each of you will discuss the millions of reasons you volunteer and the millions of benefits it brings to so many lives.”
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort President Laurie Bridgeman also conveyed his appreciation to the carers for all of their selfless work.
“We’re rapt to put this luncheon on for you as we respect all that you do,” Mr Bridgeman said.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Community Learning Centre Executive Officer Julie- Anne Clarke presents Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort President Laurie Bridgeman with a certificate of appreciation for YMGCR’s assistance.
“We hope it is in someway rejuvenating for you all and it shows the appreciation the community has for the work that you do.”
YMCLC organise a Yarra-Mul Carers Support Group who hold monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 10am at the learning centre.
Coordinated and facilitated by YMCLC Office Manager Kathy Fry, the YarraMul Carers Support Group aims to provide a friendly environment for people who understand the impacts of caring for a loved one with a disability or frail aged illness.
Meetings aim to provide members with a social experience that encourage healthy lifestyles and allow them to give each other emotional support.
Newsletters and phone calls are also available through the support group which aim to provide members with information to assist with their caring role including information regarding, but not limited to, NDIS, My Aged Care, Carers Victoria and especially how to look after themselves.
The group actively promote the role of carers in the Yarrawonga Mulwala community and the benefits of joining the YarraMul Carers Support Group.
“Everyone has their own story and we thank you greatly,” Ms Clarke said.
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