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A free carers’ lunch on Monday, October 13 will be the chance for the city’s carers to get together, all thanks to the organisation of a very dedicated 17-year-old.
Keegan Bringolf regularly volunteers his time at Bathurst’s Disability Information Advocacy Service (DIAS) during the school holidays.
“There hasn’t been a carers’ lunch for the last two years, so I thought I’d do it ... it’s a nice feeling to help,” he said.
Keegan, a year 11 St Stanislaus’ College student, said he was lucky enough to grow up in a family where nobody needed a carer, so his experience at DIAS was a new one.
“I knew that people had carers but I never knew what they had to do as a carer,” he said.
“Carers pretty much give up their own lives to enrich the lives of others.
“I was surprised how they pretty much just drop everything they’re doing to help and they save the government billions.”
During his time as a volunteer with DIAS, Keegan has helped put together a community guide as well as do phone surveys to help with providing services into the future.
Sue Smith of DIAS said the lunch has been organised by Keegan with their support.
“I’ve been at DIAS for 10 years and we’ve never had a young person like Keegan,” she said.
“He’s an inspiration really and it’s good to see.”
The carers’ lunch – which will be held at the Bathurst City Community Club – is open to all Bathurst carers, but with a maximum of 100 people, Keegan has asked people to be quick to ensure their seat at the event.
Entertainment at the lunch will be provided by bands from St Stanislaus’ College and MacKillop College, but Keegan said there if room for more if other musical acts want to join in.
With the luncheon still three months away Keegan has asked the community for contributions of goods that will be given away to carers on the day or funds to help buy prizes for carers.
Email Keegan Bringolf at bathurstcarerslunch@gmail.com or contact the DIAS on 6332 2100.