The Wire

An estimated 51,000 Indigenous Australians take care of frail, aged, or chronically ill loved ones. But while carers maintain quality of life for their family and friends, they don’t always take up support and services available to help them. NSW Aboriginal Carer Program Co-ordinator, Sheree Freebourne, says this is partly because many Indigenous people don’t identify themselves as carers. In the lead up to National Carers week, from 17 to 23 October, Ms Freebourne discusses recognition and support for Indigenous carers.