The first ever state-wide day to celebrate grandparents will be held on Sunday, October 30.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said grandparents were the ‘unsung heroes’ in our community, and it was appropriate they were recognised with a day in their honour.

“The NSW Government is fulfilling this commitment to the people of NSW because we understand the invaluable role grandparents have in families, enriching the lives of their grandchildren and other children in the community by providing care, mentoring and stability,” he said.

The NSW Government has committed $1 million over four years for the introduction of this important initiative.

The role of grandparents is now more varied and diverse than ever before, with an increasing number providing informal care and formal out-of-home care as well as being primary carers and working carers.

Minister for Ageing Andrew Constance said the NSW Government was committed to ensuring that the community viewed its older citizens in a positive light.

“NSW Grandparents Day will be just one way in which we strive to achieve that aim,” he said.

Clubs NSW are willing partners and will facilitate some of the events and activities that will form part of the inaugural Grandparents Day, while the government is also looking at appointing Grandparent Day Ambassadors.

The Premier and Minister made the announcement at an Ageing Roundtable at State Parliament last month, as the NSW Government works towards the development of a ‘Whole of Government Ageing Strategy’

NSW Grandparents Day will be held annually on the last Sunday of October in years to follow.