Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt congratulated Year 2 student Stephen Satrick who will receive a ‘Child of Courage’ certificate and medal from the Lioness Club of Cairns tomorrow for caring for his ill aunty.
Mr Pitt said Stephen is a courageous young carer who shows great responsibility at such a young age, in helping to look after his aunty.
“He lost his mother when he was two years of age and now lives with his aunty, he helps assist in looking after his aunty as much as she looks after him,” Mr Pitt said.
“Three days a week his aunty needs to go to the hospital for treatment and he assists to get her ready for her appointments, makes sure she has breakfast, washes the dishes, makes the beds, helps her into the taxi and ensures she can reach things she needs.
“Being a carer at such a young age is very demanding and he deserves the acknowledgment and congratulations the Lioness Club are awarding him.”
Mr Pitt said he came into contact with many young carers during his time as Minister for Disability Services in the previous Labor Government.
“Young carers are children or young people up to 25 years of age, who help care in families where someone has an illness, a disability, a mental health issue or who has an alcohol or other drug problem,” he said.
“Young carers might help out with cleaning or cooking, getting a relative or a friend about the house, helping with medicines, keeping them safe, showering or dressing them or just watching out to make sure they are okay.
“Many young carers say that caring can be very rewarding – that they’re proud of who they are and what they do and that they’ve built up a whole range of useful skills.
“Although sometimes young carers say that caring can affect how they feel, how much time they get to spend with friends, doing school work or holding down a job, and that often they need some help.
“Stephen should be congratulated and encouraged for the important role he is playing in his family’s life,” he said.
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