MORE RESPITE SERVICES FOR CARERS LIVING IN FOUR CORNERS OF AUSTRALIA

Monday, 5 March 2012

Community based respite services in Mandurah will have their funding guaranteed for an extra two years, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler announced today.

Minister Butler was joined by Federal MP for Brand, Gary Gray to announce that more than $250,000 over the next two years would be provided to Mandurah Retirement Village for important respite services.

“This is welcome news for carers in our community and will mean that they can plan their needs for respite in advance and with certainty for an extra two years,” Mr Gray said.

“Caring for someone full time can be physically and emotionally demanding and carers need to be able to take time out from their caring responsibilities. The guarantee of funding will allow local carers to go to work, relax or catch up with friends and know that the people they care for are being looked after.

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said carers play an enormously important role in Australian society.

“This guarantee of funding will help community services continue to meet the needs of carers who dedicate so much to improve the lives of older people, people with a disability and people living with chronic or terminal illness,” Mr Butler said.

Nationally, Gillard Government is providing more than $293 million to guarantee the future of 650 respite services under the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) including Demonstration Day Respite Services until 30 June 2014