Discounts for foster and kinship carers

Queensland’s foster and kinship carers can now stretch their dollar further by accessing discounts at more than 4,500 businesses across the state, as part of the Queensland Government’s Carer Business Discount Card scheme.

Launching Foster and Kinship Carer Week on the Sunshine Coast, Child Safety Minister said approximately 4,700 foster and kinship carer families throughout Queensland had now been issued with the discount card, previously only available to eligible carers of people with a disability.

“Extending the discount card to foster and kinship carers was a way of acknowledging the hard work and dedication of these carers,” Ms Davis said.

“This is great news for foster and kinship carers throughout Queensland and is one of many ways the Newman Government is helping families by lowering the cost of living as promised at the election.”

Ms Davis said cardholders could find the latest offers from participating businesses via a searchable online directory, or pick up a printed copy of the 2013-14 Business Discount Directory from any library, government service centre, Centrelink office, Salvation Army Service Centre, or local members’ electorate offices.

“All carers need to do is show their card to participating businesses to save money on a wide range of goods and services, including restaurants and entertainment, mechanics, clothing stores, children’s products and much more,” she said.

Ms Davis said that foster and kinship carers played a crucial role in protecting vulnerable young Queenslanders.

“Foster and kinship carers do a great service in their communities around Queensland, looking after children and young people who, sadly, are unable to stay at home with their families,” she said.

“Becoming a foster or kinship carer is a great way to give back to the community, and I encourage more Queenslanders to consider if they had room in their hearts, their homes and their lives for one more.”

Foster and Kinship Carer Week held 9–15 March 2014, is an annual celebration of Queensland’s foster and kinship carers.

For information about the Carer Business Discount Card and Foster and Kinship Week 2014 visit: www.communities.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 9 March 2014

Media Contact: Katherine Fraser 0417 172 480