National Carers Week (October 16-22) this year focuses on the 2.8 million family and friend carers who provide 36 million hours of unpaid care valued at $1 billion every week.

MCCI's general manager Chris Lacey, said this national initiative raises the awareness of the diversity of carers in the community and the extraordinary contribution they make to the lives of the people they support.

"Our Multicultural Carers Luncheon provides an opportunity for carers to meet other carers and take some time to relax in a fun setting. There will be Zumba, tai chi, multicultural music, and a surprise activity,’’ he said.

Special guests include Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, Paul Scully representing the Federal Member for Cunningham, Sharon Bird MP and MCCI Chairperson Ken Habak OAM.

CALD carers will have the chance to obtain information and resources about the range of culturally appropriate services MCCI offers, including its CALD Carers Support Groups.

‘’Many of the people in our CALD Carers Support Groups do not actually identify themselves as being carers and therefore do not seek support services, including carers with complex caring responsibilities,’’ Mr Lacey said.

‘’With our long 41-year history of maintaining close ties with CALD communities in the Illawarra, MCCI is well-positioned to identify and support our 'hidden' unsung heroes.

‘’We want to ensure that carers know how valued their work is and where to go for help and support.’’

The Multicultural Carers Luncheon is funded by Carers NSW on behalf of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services.