By Jena Carr
Geelong has been lit up with vibrant colours to recognise and support the efforts of unpaid carers during National Carers Week.
The Catenary Lights were illuminated over the Malop and Moorabool Streets intersection on Monday, October 16 and throughout the week to Saturday, October 21.
Geelong carer Dij Vriens looks after her daughter Zara, who has Down Syndrome, and said being a carer was challenging and rewarding.
“It’s like walking around with an extra appendage or like having two shadows,” she said.
“Zara’s independent, but she likes to be around other people and needs someone there to support her or be with her to play and talk with her.”
Ms Vriens said being a carer was a “role filled with love, sacrifice and resilience”, and this week allowed carers to come together, share their stories, and find strength in the community.
“You just have to keep going for your person, otherwise you break down,” she said.
“I chose to look after her rather than put her in a home because I feel that I give her the best support she needs, but that’s not always the best for me.
“National Carers Week is a reminder that we are not alone on this journey, and our efforts are truly appreciated.”
Carers Victoria chief executive Judith Abbott National Carers Week was a time to acknowledge unpaid carers and asked people to reach out to anyone they know in a caring role.
“A caring role can take up a lot of time, leaving people with little time and energy to maintain other interest and friendships,” she said.
