CARERS from across the South East celebrated 20 years of carer services in the area at Chardonnay Lodge last Wednesday.
As part of National Carers Week, Carers SA staff, volunteers and dedicated carers attended a celebratory luncheon and reflected on years past.
South East Carers was formed in 1996 after Adelaide’s Dianne Schneider travelled to the area to meet with family carers, notably Mary Arthurson.
Together, Ms Schneider and Ms Arthurson recognised the need for carer services in the area and helped launch South East Carers in 1997.
Now 20 years on, Ms Schneider said a number of people have been involved since day one.
“I first came down and met with 36 carers and some of them are still doing the work today,” she said.
“The community said yes and made it happen, which is important because it means we are all caring for people together.”
Carers SA executive manager Anthony Fogarty said the service had developed over time.
“There have been many changes over the years and we are here to ensure we are constantly developing according to our carers’ needs and future needs,” he said.
“As we see more young carers coming through, our focus will ensure we have tailored services to help them help others.”
He said it was a privilege to operate carer services in the South East.
“When carers need support they turn to us and we are proud to be able to provide such services in the South East,” Mr Fogarty said.
