MyTime Kyabram held an event on Thursday, October 17 where over 15 carers and their loved ones gathered in Kyabram Community and Learning Centre for a day of celebration.
The special occasion was a national week dedicated to those unsung heroes: parents and carers.
National Carers Week, held from October 13 to 19, aims to honour and raise awareness for the invaluable contributions of more than three million carers across Australia, whose tireless efforts often go unnoticed.
The Kyabram MyTime group have been active for eight years, meeting every Thursday for a tea, coffee and good conversation.
MyTime is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with disability, chronic medical condition or additional needs.
Room 34 at KCLC serves as a safe haven where carers can openly share their challenges and experiences, fostering a supportive and judgement-free environment.
Theresa Heenan has been Kyabram’s MyTime facilitator alongside her work as a support officer for Down Syndrome Victoria.
She underscored the importance of recognising carers as important, yet sometimes hidden, figures in the community.
“Providing a space for carers to meet, and the conversations stay within the meetings and stay within the room – it’s very important,” Ms Heenan said.
“We’ve made friendships out of this group; we know what each person is going through, and we’re there to support them.”
Beyond their weekly gatherings, the group organises excursions, such as scenic picnics in local parks or visits to the donkey shelter in Tongala.
To celebrate another year of National Carers Week, a group of regular and visiting carers enjoyed an arts and craft activity and a morning tea organised by Ms Heenan with the help of Bunnings and a grant from the Victorian Government.
Bunnings generously provided materials for a craft project, allowing participants to transform ordinary flowerpots into fairy lights.
Each carer got their hands dirty with paint, glue sticks and popsicles, creating their own personalised masterpieces ready to go in the garden at home.
“I wasn’t expecting that many people … we got really good feedback from everyone – it was great to celebrate,” Ms Heenan said.