MEDIA RELEASE: State Government Announces Funding to progress Victorian Carer Strategy

Carers Victoria welcomed the Hon. Luke Donnellan, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Ms Lizzie Blandthorn to Carers Victoria today.

Carers Victoria will receive $160,000 to address priorities of the Victorian Carer Strategy to create meaningful change for carers.

This announcement comes after the release of the first Victorian Carer Strategy last year. Carers Victoria played a pivotal role in the development of the strategy, which highlighted the unique and specific needs of carers across areas such as employment, health, education and financial security.

Further commitment to the strategy is significant in the lives of carers like Mel Spencer, who spoke on the day.

Mel’s experience, as a mother to three children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), speaks to the isolation faced by many carers.

Carers Victoria CEO Scott Walker says the government’s ongoing commitment to the priorities of the Victorian Carer Strategy is critical to ensuring carers get the support they need.

“On behalf of the board and staff of Carers Victoria, I’d like to thank the Andrews Labor Government for their commitment to supporting carers in our community and their acknowledgement of the diversity of carers including rural and regional carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers and carers who identify as LGBTIQA+” he said.

“A highlight of the event was the staff walk around by the Minister prior to the announcement, as well as the significant time he made available to listen to carers, in particular young carer Hue-Man, a representative on the Victorian Young Carer Action Team.”

Mr Walker also acknowledged representatives from DHHS, president of Carers Victoria board Sue Peden, local MP Katie Hall, Tandem CEO Marie Piu , and Little Dreamers founder and CEO Maddie Buchner and their associates.