Carers Australia CEO, Cresswell, said "This National Carers Week we're asking all Australians to make a free pledge in support of Australia's carers and a more carer-friendly Australia.
"Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to our country, not just through the 1.9 billion hours of care they will provide in 2015, but in the considerable savings that unpaid care makes for the nation - $60.3 billion annually, or more than $1 billion per week.
"National Carers Week will help us raise awareness of this incredible contribution to our nation, as well as awareness of carer issues more generally."
Australians are also encouraged to organise a 'Take a Break' event where they can get together with friends and colleagues at a morning tea or some other activity to discuss carers and caring in Australia.
The official launch of National Carers Week will take place on Tuesday 13 October at Government House, Canberra and will be launched by His Excellency General the Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
There are more than 2.7 million carers across Australia who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are aged.
You can make your free pledge in support of a carer-friendly Australia by visiting the National Carers Week website at www.carersweek.com.au
