Speeches
Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Grandcarers SA Thank you Breakfast
Rod and I as joint patrons of Grandcarers SA and Carer and Community SA are pleased to be here at this thankyou breakfast.
It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child, and today brings together the village that is, and supports, Grandcarers SA and Carer and Community SA.
The theme of today’s breakfast - Stronger Together – the Power of Collaborative Impact - not only speaks to Grandcarers SA and Carer and Community SA but is relevant to many organisations that seek to help others.
When Rod and I meet with various community groups, or bring organisations together at Government House, we seek to encourage the exploration of ways to collaborate and to share resources, expertise and learnings.
We know many organisations who manage to do a lot with not very much.
But the power of collaboration provides not only better outcomes through both sharing and contestability, but reduces duplication, thereby reducing costs and enhancing services.
To that end, we congratulate Grandcarers SA and Carer and Community SA on their partnership with a view to sharing resources, solutions, and events for the benefit of clients.
In speaking with grandparents and those who came to the Grandcarers SA reception at Government House in February last year, and later in the year, the Big Village Conference, we are aware of not only the rewards of raising grandchildren but also the challenges.
These may arise for many reasons: parents who are unable to care for their children themselves through sickness or other personal challenges, including mental health or substance abuse; or simply facing the financial and burdens imposed by challenging economic circumstances.
Thankfully, in many cases, grandparents or kinship carers are able to step in.
Friends
You may know the Grandcarers SA story well, but it is worth reiterating that it had its genesis 22 years ago in a lounge room with a small group of concerned grandparents who were struggling to be full-time carers of their grandchildren and wanted to support each other.
Now there is an office in Pitt Street and 12 peer-group villages in various centres.
Now there are 1,300 registered clients who care for more than 2,200 children across South Australia.
Now Grandparents SA can provide peer support, information workshops, a telephone helpline, face-to-face consultations, and some limited financial assistance supported by philanthropic donations.
And behind this is the small team of 11 volunteers and three part time employees.
Rod and I congratulate everyone who is part of the Grandcarers SA and Carer and Community SA family.
We wish you all well in your important roles and thank you for ensuring that carers are seen, heard, and supported.