National Carers Week events will be held across Tasmania to recognise and celebrate millions of Australians who provide care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour.

Now in its 30 years, the theme “Millions of Reasons to Care” aims to broaden the communities awareness of Australia’s 2.65 million carers providing unpaid care to a family member, friend or person in the community.

In Tasmania, over 80,000 people provide care to a family member, friend or neighbour.

“At 1:6, we have the highest ratio of carers in the country.”

“Anyone can become a carer at any time. You can become a carer gradually, by helping out more and more over time; or suddenly, after a health crisis or an accident,” said Carers Tasmania’s CEO David Brennan.

This year, Australian Icon Jean Kittson will be in Hobart to celebrate National Carers Week festivities with Tasmanian Carers in a special morning tea event, online forum and an outside broadcast. This week will also feature the launch of the new 1 in 6 podcast series featuring the stories of Tasmanian carers, as told to host Peter Gee.

Additionally, Wrest Point Hotel will be lit up in cyan to draw attention to carers and Carer Gateway, an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. While the Tasmanian Government will also light the Tasman Bridge in cyan to recognise and honour carers.

Read the full media release below –