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2,600 Extra Hours Of Respite For Shepparton Carers

22 August 2019

Carers in Shepparton and surrounding areas will be able to recharge and get the support they need, thanks to 2,600 additional hours of respite provided by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced funding of almost $260,000 for the Shepparton-based provider Goulburn Valley Family Care.

The investment is providing extra hours of respite to an additional 130 carers across Greater Shepparton and the nearby Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi and Strathbogie shires. It builds on $620,000 in annual recurrent funding that Goulburn Valley Family Care receives from the Labor Government’s Support for Carers Program.

Support for Carers Program eligibility has also been extended to include all carers regardless of their age.

One in five carers give up work to care for someone and young carers drop out of school at a higher rate than their peers, meaning carers tend to have lower incomes or chronic health conditions because they’re too busy caring for their loved ones to worry about their own health.

That’s why providers across Victoria are now receiving extra funding through our Carers Package, which includes $42 million for respite. This means an extra 100,000 extra hours of respite for almost 5,000 carers across Victoria each year.

The Carers Package also includes public transport concessions year-round and free travel in Carers Week for Carer Card holders, as well as community and state-wide grants to support the health and wellbeing of carers.

Victoria has more than 736,000 carers giving their time and effort to look after a partner, family member or friend who needs them.

For information on respite state-wide visit: carersvictoria.org.au/resources/regional-respite-carer-support

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“Looking after our wonderful carers is a key priority for us, which is why we’re investing more in respite, carer health and well-being and travel concessions across the state.”

“These thousands of extra respite hours for Shepparton and surrounds will help carers across the region get the rest, recharge and support they need.”

Quote attributable to Goulburn Valley Family Care CEO David Tennant

“We’d like to thank the Victorian Government for this additional funding, which will provide a huge boost to respite options for carers in Shepparton and the surrounding areas.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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