Local Community Hero Honoured in Geelong

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4 May 2009

Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot and Member for Corio, Mr Richard Marles today honoured local community hero Mrs Jenny Dew with a Community Service Award in Grovedale.

The award recognises individuals or organisations that provide outstanding service to older Australians.

Mrs Elliot and Mr Marles made the announcement at an official visit to meet a newly formed choir for carers and carer recipients with dementia at the Community Hall at Geelong Grove Retirement Village. The award recognises individuals or organisations that provide outstanding service to older Australians.

The choir is an initiative by Best of Care, which provides respite care programs funded under the Australian Government’s National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP).

The Rudd Government is providing $194 million in 2008-09 to more than 600 community-based respite services under this national program to deliver services in a variety of settings – including carers’ homes, day centres and overnight cottages.

Mrs Elliot said: ”Carers are the backbone of our nation and Jenny Dew is a wonderful example of a dedicated and committed carer. Jenny has achieved so much and has been supported by Career Angels, which helps her help others.

Jenny has been a full-time carer since her husband had a stroke four years ago and has used her experience to benefit others in the community, becoming heavily involved in providing and encouraging support for other carers.

“Jenny Dew is a very worthy recipient of the award and is an inspiration to the local community.

“The award is an Australian Government initiative designed to recognise the contribution of people whose efforts might otherwise go unremarked.

“I also commend the hard working staff at Best of Care,” Mrs Elliot said.

Jenny is part of a group of carers that in 2007 produced a book about their experiences (Brain Storm – 7 Stories of Love, Support and Courage After Brain Injury).

Member for Corio, Mr Richard Marles said he was proud to see such a remarkable local resident recognised for their hard work and effort.

“Jenny is an inspirational woman, dedicated and devoted to the job of caring and giving of her time to help other people in similar circumstances,” Mr Marles said.

“Jenny has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of people in our community.

“She is an asset to our community. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her on her tremendous achievements and thank her on behalf of our community,” Mr Marles said.

For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on 02 6277 7280