“Without carers Young would be a different place” - this was one of the opening lines from mayor John Walker as he prepared to present this year’s local Carers Award on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Young woman Lorraine Martin was one of those people the mayor spoke of during a special ceremony held at the Department of Human Services (Centrelink).
Last week was Carers Week and every year for the past four years Young Shire Council and the Department of Human Services have joined forces to recognise one of the town’s carers for their vital job.
A very surprised, modest and emotional Lorraine was announced the 2014 recipient, being presented with her award and a bouquet of flowers by Cr Walker.
The perpetual trophy, with her name engraved alongside fellow outstanding carers in Young, will sit in the foyer of the council offices for all to see.
While she may not admit it, Lorraine has played a very big role in the lives of her mother, sister, late father and late mother-in-law for more than 20 years.
She cares for her mother Phyllis Summerfield and helps her sister Lyn Faulkner as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment.
She also cared for her mother-in-law who suffered dementia and her ill father until they recently passed away.
Those who nominated Lorraine described her as “only being a phone call away for anyone who needs help and is truly an angel to so many with a massive heart to care for so many”.
But Lorraine said she never expected recognition.
“You just do it because you want to, you don’t expect it,” she said.
Lorraine thanked her family, Department of Human Services Young manager Debbie Longhurst and Cr Walker for the award.
Her son Kyle Martin said his parents were always coming around to his nan’s house to mow the lawn and do the washing.
“She’s just trying to do what she can,” he said.
Debbie said she wanted to bring about a local award after a Young woman won the NSW award four years ago and realised how important it was.
“It’s to show our and the community’s appreciation because it’s very hard work. And there’s some who care for more than one person,” Debbie said.
“They’re valued people, and brilliant people.
“Anyone in the community can nominate a local carer for the award as long as they’re not getting paid for it, other than receiving a carers allowance,” she said.
General manager Peter Vlatko said the award was one way for them to celebrate what happened in the community on a local level.