Young Mayor John Walker said “Without carers it would be a different place” Mayor Walker was commenting on the effort put in by local carers especially this year’s local Carers Award Recipient Lorraine Martin.
The ceremony held at the Department of Human Services (Centrelink). Last week highlighted a four year program between Young Shire Council and the Department of Human Services to recognise one of the town’s carers for their vital job.
Lorraine, from Harden, was presented with her award and a bouquet of flowers by Mayor Walker as well as having her name added to the perpetual trophy. While she may not admit it, Lorraine has played big roles in the lives of her mother, sister, late father and late mother-in-law for more than 20 years.
Lorraine cares for her mother Phyllis Summerfield and assists her sister Lyn Faulkner as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment. Lorraine has also cared for her mother-in-law who suffered from dementia as well as her sick father until they both recently passed away.
Those who nominated Lorraine described her as ‘only being a phone call away for anyone who needs help and that she is truly an angel to so many with a massive caring heart.’
Lorraine said, “When you care for someone you never expect recognition,you just do it because you want to, you don’t expect thanks.”
She thanked her family, Department of Human Services Young manager Debbie Longhurst and Mayor Walker for the award.
Her son Kyle Martin said his parents were always coming around to his nan’s house to mow the lawn and do the washing. “She’s just trying to do what she can,” he said.
Debbie said she wanted to bring about a local award after a Young woman won the NSW award four years ago and realised how important it was. “It’s to show ours and the community’s appreciation because it’s very hard work. There are some people who care for more than one person,” Debbie said. “They’re valued people, and brilliant people. Anyone in the community can nominate a local carer for the award as long as they’re not getting paid for it, other than receiving a carers allowance,” she said.