Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Page MP Janelle Saffin have announced more than $127,000 in one-off funding grants for eight services that provide respite for carers across the Page electorate.

The funding is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to carers through the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) which this year will provide more than $200 million for respite services and programs in Australia.

Ms Saffin said local respite services provide valuable time-out for people who care for family members or friends with a disability, chronic condition or who are frail aged.

“This funding will help important local services continue to meet the needs of carers in our community.

“The one-off grants will support respite services by covering the costs of such things as office equipment and furniture, minor office refurbishments and online programs to support carers.

“Caring for someone full time is physically and emotionally demanding and it’s important that carers are supported to take deserved breaks.

“Respite can allow carers to go to work for a few hours, to socialise with friends and go shopping,” Ms Saffin said.

The organisations to be funded for projects in Page are:

Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated- Evans Head

Southern Cross Care -Casino

Community Programs Incorporated- Grafton

UnitingCare-Casino

St Andrews Village-Ballina

St Carthages Catholic Care for the Aged-Goonellabah

The Hills Shire Council (for the Working Carer Liaison Project)-Ballina

United Protestant Association-Alstonville

Information about respite is available by calling Carelink on 1800 052 222 or for emergency respite outside of business hours on 1800 059 059.plicants and more information on the Small Business Online program can be found at www.ausindustry.gov.au