Member for Ballina, Don Page has paid tribute to Mrs Jann O’Connor who has been honoured with a NSW Carers Award at an official ceremony at State Parliament.
 
Mr Page said the NSW Carers Awards, funded by the New South Wales Government, were held to recognise outstanding individuals and groups, and help to raise awareness about the vital role carers play in our community.

“There are hundreds of carers in Ballina and they all deserve our recognition for their selfless work in supporting people with a disability, mental illness, chronic health conditions or people who are frail,” Mr Page said.

Mrs O’Connor was named one of 8 Ambassadors and has been recognised in the category of Senior Carer.

Mr Page has also paid tribute to Frank and Patricia Widows who have been honoured with Local Carer Awards in the category of Caring Family or Parent.

“There were two other nominees from Ballina, and I thank them for their immense contribution in supporting the most vulnerable in the community,” Mr Page said.

To commemorate NSW Carers Week, the New South Wales Government has also launched a new publication - Helping Service Providers to Identify Young Carers - designed to specifically support people up to 25 years of age who provide care to the most vulnerable in the community.

“Unfortunately, many young people do not identify themselves as carers and they do not get the support they are entitled to, which can affect every aspect of their life.”

For more information, go to the Ageing, Disability and Home Care website at: www.adhc.nsw.gov.au.

"The New South Wales Government is committed to ensuring carers are appropriately recognised and supported,” Mr Page said.

“The NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010, includes a NSW Carers Charter, established a Carers Advisory Council giving carers a say in policy affecting them and provides public sector employees who are carers support in their working lives."

Photo attached of Mrs Jann O'Connor receiving her Award from Don Page MP, Member for Ballina and the Hon. Andrew Constance, Minister for Ageing and Disability Services.