A group of 60 bike riders has helped to connect isolated carers who are looking after some of the most frail and vulnerable people in our community by raising almost $500,000 to establish a carers network.
The cyclists raised the money for Carers Australia through the Pollie Pedal, an annual charity bike ride started by Tony Abbott. Since it began in 1998, cyclists have ridden 14,000 kilometres and raised nearly $2 million for charity. This year's ride started in Geelong on 25 March and finished in Canberra on 1 April.
CEPAR staff member, Kate Miranda, joined the bike ride, cycling more than 400km to help raise money for Carers Australia - the peak body representing carers. She rode alongside staff members from Medibank Private, one of the major sponsors of the event and one of CEPAR's partners.
Carers Australia CEO, Ara Cresswell, says there are 2.6 million carers in Australia and as with the Australian population generally, carers are ageing. In 1998 three in five primary carers were aged 55 years and over (60%). In 2009 this age group accounted for three in four primary carers (75%).
'It is imperative that we provide services and support for those who care for our aged. Carers provide a strong foundation to our aged care system, and without them the system would collapse,' Ms Cresswell said.
The funds raised will be used to establish a website to connect carers with support services and create a carers network, which will be particularly important for carers in regional and rural areas.