Organisations have until Friday, November 11, 2011 to get their applications in for new project funding to support carers.

The Australian Government funding is for two new carer initiatives.

One is the National Carer Awareness Campaign and the other is the Young Carer Festivals initiative.

The government has called for applications from organisations across the country that are interested in helping to deliver the campaigns to promote the needs and rights of Australian carers, including working carers.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas said: “Under our National Carer Strategy, we have committed $1.6 million over two years to fund a national campaign to raise public awareness of the role and contribution of carers, as well as $1 million to hold young carer festivals across the country.”

The successful organisations will develop a campaign that promotes the range of benefits, services and supports available to carers and encourages people who see themselves first as parents, partners, a child or young person, or a worker, to recognise themselves as carers, and access support that can help them in their caring role.

The campaign will also aim to educate health and community care professionals about the role carers can play in developing and delivering treatment plans, and education professionals about recognising and supporting young carers.

Applications are also being encouraged to deliver the Young Carer Festivals initiative. The successful organisations will develop and run Young Carer Festivals – one in each state and territory – for young carers aged between five and 25 years.

The Young Carer Festivals aim to bring young carers together to celebrate and recognise their contribution by providing an opportunity to participate, socialise and build networks with their peers in a safe and supportive environment.

“They will help reduce the impact of the social isolation that young carers can experience,” Senator Jan McLucas said.

The Festival events will be held between January and June next year.

Organisations interested in delivering the National Carer Awareness Campaign and/or the Young Carer Festivals can visit www.fahcsia.gov.au for more information. Applications close on Friday, November 11, 2011.