The Western Australian State Government is highlighting the valuable role of grandparent carers on National Grandparents Day by providing a free family day out at Perth Zoo.
National Grandparents Day (October 27) is celebrated across Australia and recognises the important role that grandparents play in their extended families and the wider community.
For families where grandparents provide regular or primary care for their grandchildren however, the impact of that role is magnified.
Census data estimates that there are 4,324 households in metropolitan Perth, where grandparents provide care and supervision of children aged zero to 18 in the absence of a child’s parent(s).
In acknowledging the contribution of those families, the Department of Communities (Communities) is providing 400 passes – including up to two accompanying children – with free entry and refreshments at Perth Zoo.
The State Government is committed to ensuring that those grandparents and their grandchildren have the same life opportunities as other Western Australian families.
Communities provides support to grandparent carers through a range of services and programs, including almost $600,000 annual funding to Wanslea Family Services to deliver the Grandcare Service, Grandcarers Assistance Program, and Support Service for the Grandcarer Support Scheme. This is in addition to the annual cash payment made direct to grandcarers through the Grandcarers Support Scheme.
Further information about support available to grandfamilies through the State Government can be viewed on the Communities website: https://dlgc.communities.wa.gov.au
As stated by Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:
“The State Government recognises the important role that grandparents play in raising their grandchildren, and how they strengthen our community.
“For those grandparents taking on primary care of their grandchildren, the McGowan Government is committed to ensuring that they receive the support and recognition they deserve.
“Offering a family day out at Perth Zoo might seem a small gesture, but it is an opportunity for grandfamilies to enjoy a day out that might have otherwise been out of reach.
“I thank Wanslea for the continued role they play in partnering and delivering crucial support and services to grandfamilies.”
