Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, says a new carer awards program is a great way for locals to honour and recognise the vital role of carers in our community.

“Carers are the unsung heroes in our society, who take on the challenging role of looking after friends or loved ones with a disability,” Mr Besseling said.

“Often, they make huge personal sacrifices so that the person they care for can stay in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights and memories.

“About 11 per cent of our community finds themselves in the role of full-time carer for a loved one or friend who is elderly, or has a disability, chronic illness or a mental illness – and their commitment is often 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“The Local Carer Awards Program is just one small way we can say thank you to individuals or organisations who make an outstanding contribution as a carer, and publicly recognise the vital social and economic contribution that carers make, not only to their own community but to the broader NSW community.”

Mr Besseling said anyone could nominate a carer for this special recognition by sending in a written submission to the Port Macquarie Electorate office at PO Box 1898, Port Macquarie.

Online nominations can be made at https://secure.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/OnlineForms/LocalCarerAwardsNominationFo..., by emailing completed forms to contact@carersnsw.asn.au, by faxing completed forms to (02) 9280 4755 (Attention: Carer Awards) or by posting completed nomination forms to Carers NSW Carers Awards, PO Box 20156 World Square NSW 2002.

Nominations close on September 13 and the winners will be announced during Carers’ Week celebrations in October. The awards comprise a certificate of appreciation and a cash prize of up to $2500.

Categories include:
· Primary Carer
· Older Carer
· Caring Family
· Local Carer Support Group or School
· Caring Workplace
· Caring Volunteer

For further information about the awards, contact the electorate office on 6584 0977.