NOMINATIONS are now open for the National Carer Awards, recognising the contribution of unpaid carers and foster carers around Australia.
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The awards are a partnership between Life Without Barriers and Carers Australia and will run in every state and territory, with nominations closing on September 6.
Anyone can nominate someone in their local area who makes a contribution by providing care and support to someone with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, brain injury, degenerative or terminal illness or a frail aged person.
Foster and kinship carers supporting vulnerable children and young people will also be recognised.
Australia has more than 2.7 million unpaid carers, of whom 770,000 are primary carers.
A further 9000 are foster carers and thousands more care for a child who is related to them but not their own.
Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs said carers often took on immense workloads.
"We recognise that unpaid carers and foster or kinship carers often go unnoticed in the community, quietly meeting the needs of the people they care for," she said.
"Their commitment deserves acknowledgement and these awards are a great way to show our appreciation."
Categories are Young Carers (under 26), Foster and Kinship Carers, Family Carers and Caring in the Country (remote and regional areas).
State winners will be announced in November and the national winner will be announced in February 2016.
- Nominate at www.carerawards.com.au
