Teen who cares for mum awarded

Ellie Moir (19) became Lynette Hallam’s carer in July 2009 when she was hospitalised after becoming suddenly ill, unable to walk, speak or otherwise take care of herself.

The National Carer Awards presentation on February 26 recognised individuals in caring roles for families, foster children or as young carers.

Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs said foster carers and unpaid carers were often unrecognised but had a significant impact on the lives of the people they support.

“The National Carer Awards have been developed to raise awareness and understanding of carers in regional, remote and metropolitan communities,” she said.

Carers Australia chief executive Ara Cresswell said anyone, at any time, could become a carer.

“Unpaid carers are an integral part of Australia’s health system and are the foundation of our aged, disability, palliative and community care systems,” she said.