Australian carers, often underappreciated and socially isolated, provide vital care and support to family members and loved ones facing disabilities, chronic health conditions, mental illness, or age-related challenges. To shine a spotlight on their experiences, Vinay Nair, Kintsugi Heroes board member and project lead, has partnered with Carers Victoria and co-host Kerrie Atherton to launch the Kintsugi Heroes Australian Carers podcast, a limited series dedicated to sharing the powerful stories of unpaid carers. This initiative aims to highlight the critical contributions these carers make and the challenges they face, including social isolation, mental health struggles, and the pressures of caregiving.
Carers Victoria’s recent projections estimate that by 2025, one in seven people in Victoria will be unpaid carers, a number driven higher by the increased demands on carers since COVID-19. Vinay Nair emphasises the toll this takes, with around 40% of carers dealing with mental health issues, often without adequate support. Through this podcast series, Nair hopes to not only raise awareness but also encourage carers to seek the help they deserve. “By sharing these individual stories, we aim to let carers know they are not alone and that it’s okay to ask for support,” he said.
BOOKS AND EVENTS
Alpine Bushfire Recovery Stories
The series contains accounts from different perspectives, such as author Janich Newham who fought to save her property (house and cattle farm) which was in the direct line of the fire, with her son and husband.
Other stories include the president of the Myrtleford Bowling Club, and the pivotal role played by this club and other not-for profit community organisations in connecting people during times of crisis. There are also stories from the Rotary District 9790 Bushfire Recovery Committee in supporting farmers and the community in the immediate aftermath.
