Carer friendly businesses go above and beyond the call of duty

Three Territory businesses have been recognised in a formal Award ceremony for their help and understanding of the needs of carers in the Northern Territory.

The Carer Friendly Business Awards recognise outstanding service that has made a positive impact and difference to someone in their caring role or for employers who demonstrate an understanding of the needs of a carer.

Recipients of the 2017 Carer Friendly Business Awards announced tonight at Parliament House are:

• Carer Friendly Employer – Stuart Park Primary School
• Carer Friendly Service – Casuarina Village Hair Studio
• Carer Friendly Employee – Jane McCarthy, Darwin Private hospital

Nominations for the Awards were received from Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.

Mary McAlpine Director of Area 9 and a member of the judging panel said that it was a challenge to select just one recipient from such an impressive and diverse range of nominations.

“The nominees in all categories were exemplary in their support and empathy towards the carer. Tonight’s recipients were selected for demonstrating the highest level of understanding and empathy for the carer’s situation, having the greatest impact on making the carer feel supported and making the greatest difference to the carer’s life,” she said.

Carers NT CEO Steve Vitone said that all too often unpaid carers go unrecognised.

“By recognising carer friendly businesses and individuals, we are encouraging all businesses in the Northern Territory to do more for carers – to be more understanding, more accommodating, and more flexible than they are in their normal day-to-day operations. These Awards focus on the businesses and people that provide wonderful employment support or service to carers.”

“And with an estimated 30,000 unpaid carers in the Territory, being a carer friendly workplace or service provider makes business sense,” Mr Vitone said.

“Carers NT has provided support services to help improve the lives of family carers living in the Northern Territory for 25 years – but we can’t do it alone. In National Carers Week, all Territorians are urged to consider the valuable role carers play in our community.”

Media enquiries: Jeannette Button on 0407 727 080 or Kim Farrar on 0417 646 512