People providing ongoing, unpaid care to those with disability, chronic illness, frail age, or dementia in Wollondilly could benefit from a $3 million NSW Government investment.

Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the Carers Investment Program (CIP) would assist services in the area to empower carers with information to help them get the assistance and support they need to provide care.

“The Carers Investment Program ensures that all people in Wollondilly enjoy opportunities to participate, contribute to and be included in their communities,” Mr Smith said.

The two year Carers Investment Program will fund projects to be delivered from June 2023 to June 2025 and support the NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030 which focuses on four priority areas:

  • carers have better access to information, services and supports
  • carer are recognised, respected and empowered
  • carers have improved financial wellbeing and economic opportunities
  • carers have better health and wellbeing.

This round of CIP grants will focus on service providers such as GPs, psychiatrists, hospitals, neurologists, allied health, dentists, education professionals and government agencies that carers come into contact with.

They will be trained and educated about the role of carers, carer rights, supports available, and the benefits of including carers as partners in care.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the funding would empower carers with information to help them get the assistance and support they need.

“This funding boost will support carers to access the help they need, improve their economic opportunities and achieve better health and wellbeing outcomes,” Ms Maclaren-Jones said.

“Those who care selflessly for loved ones are unsung heroes, and we want to ensure they have the support and services they need to thrive.”

Interested organisations and providers should apply here: https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/grants.html