It’s clear Australia counts on unpaid carers, so it’s time to let carers know how much they count!

The official launch of National Carers Week 2017 takes place today in Brisbane in preparation for a week of activity and events throughout Australia encouraging all Australians to recognise and celebrate our 2.7 million unpaid carers.

Carers Australia CEO, Ara Cresswell, said, “This National Carers Week we’re asking all Australians to let carers know they count by saying thanks to them for all they do, and to show their support for a carer‑friendly Australia.

“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to our country, and not just through the more than $1 billion per week value of the unpaid care they provide. This week, and every week, carers will spend a total of 36 million hours caring for family members or friends.

“National Carers Week helps us raise awareness of the issues faced by unpaid carers, so that caring may be seen as a shared responsibility of family, community and government.”

The official launch of National Carers Week, which runs from 15 to 21 October, will take place in conjunction with the Carers Queensland Carer-Friendly Business Awards. The Hon Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, will formally launch National Carers Week 2017.

There are more than 2.7 million carers across Australia who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged.

Visit www.carersweek.com.au to find out how you can get involved in this year’s campaign.