Carers across Ballarat will now be able to enjoy more of what Victoria has to offer with half price weekday travel, free weekend travel and extra concessions, thanks to a massive funding boost from the Andrews Government.

Labor Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, today announced that more than 4,000 discounts to tourist attractions, sports and cultural centres around the state have been added to the Victorian Carers Card, on top of year-round travel concession.

Victorian Carer Card holders can also enjoy a week of free travel on V/Line services from 13–19 October as part of Carers Week 2019.

Carers Week is an opportunity to celebrate and thank the more than 736,000 Victorian carers who give up their time and effort to look after a partner, family member or friend who needs them.

Carers can now get half-price travel year-round by showing their Victorian Carer Card at any staffed railway station or V/Line bus to obtain a Victorian Carers concession myki card. In addition, they’ll receive their first one free.

Ms Addison said Victorian Carer Card holders will also for the first time receive all the discounts available on Victorian Seniors Card.

“We acknowledge the hard work of carers in Ballarat and they deserve our thanks and support, which is why we’ve invested almost $50 million for extra respite, transport concessions and grants for local carer groups,” Ms Addison said.

“Looking after carers is a key priority for us and these extra concessions will allow them more of an opportunity to engage and participate in their local communities and have some fun along the way,” she said.

With more than 4,000 participating businesses, carers can get free or cheaper entry to attractions like Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and MCG tours as well as dozens of businesses and leisure facilities across Ballarat including the Ballarat Art Gallery, Sovereign Hill, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Ballarat Leagues Club.

The Labor Government has invested $49.5 million in the Victorian Budget 2019-20 to support carers with an extra 100,000 hours of respite for 5,000 carers a year, as well as grants to carers organisations.

The Government is encouraging all carers to apply for a Victorian Carers Card today. To learn more about what support and discounts are available visit: carercard.vic.gov.au