House debates

Monday, 17 October 2016

Statements by Members

Newcastle Electorate: National Carers Week

4:25 pm

Photo of Sharon ClaydonSharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Last Saturday I was privileged to host of the launch of National Carers Week 2016 in my electorate of Newcastle, kickstarting a week that gives all Australians an opportunity to let Australia's 2.8 million carers know that they count. I especially want to thank Carers Australia for choosing the magnificent Merewether Beach as the site of this year's national launch. The restorative powers of the surf are well known to all, and I know that the carers present that morning really enjoyed the opportunity to have breakfast by a very stunning beach. I want to pay particular thanks to Teigan Power, one of the ambassadors for Carers Australia this year. Teigan had her life turned around when her fiance, Alex McKinnon, had a horrendous injury during a Newcastle Knights rugby league match and she became a full-time carer of her fiance. Her testimony on the morning of the launch was very powerful, reminding us all of the need to take time not only to thank our carers but also to check in and make sure they are well. I also want to thank Amber Nichols, a carer and a finalist in The Voice, for entertaining us, and to acknowledge the tremendous work of the NDIS and Life Without Barriers. National Carers Week is a timely reminder that we should all take the time to show that carers count.