Alister Henskens SC MP for Ku-ring-gai today encouraged Ku-ring-gai carers to apply for a position on the NSW Carers Advisory Council.

The NSW Carers Advisory Council advances the interests of carers and provides advice to the NSW Government. The Council meets a minimum of three times a year in Sydney. Members may also contribute time to working groups and attend other events and consultations.

Unpaid carers provide ongoing unpaid support to people who need it because of their disability, chronic illness, mental ill-health, dementia or frail age. It is estimated it would cost over $40 billion to replace the hours of care provided by unpaid carers in Australia. 

“Carers in Ku-ring-gai do so much to help loved ones live more independent and fulfilling lives,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Carers Advisory Council provides a strong voice to the more than 857,000 unpaid carers right across NSW.

“These four Council vacancies are an opportunity for someone with relevant experience to advocate for and speak on behalf of other carers.”

Aboriginal carers, ageing carers, carers of people with dementia, carers from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI) carers and carers from rural and regional areas are particularly encouraged to apply.

The NSW Government launched the NSW Carers Strategy 2014-2019 to better support and recognise carers. Key priorities include increased employment and education opportunities for carers, improved carer health and wellbeing, raised awareness in the community about carers and improved ways carers can be involved in the design and delivery of services for the people they care for.

For information about the NSW Carers Advisory Council and how to apply, please visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/reforms/carers/nsw_carers_advisory_council or contact the Council’s Secretariat on phone (02) 8753 9380 or email [email protected].

Applications close at 5pm on 7 October 2016.

For more information about the NSW Carers Strategy, visit https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/reforms/carers/nsw_carers_strategy