Hotel offers respite to carers

MERCURE Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre is part of a new movement to provide support to unpaid carers.

The Accor Pacific accommodation group has partnered with advocacy body Carers Victoria with an aim to raise awareness of unpaid carers at home and in the workplace, and to sustain the work of local carers by providing opportunities for respite and social connection.

Under the new initiative, Carers Victoria members will be able to book a hotel room at Mercure Ballarat for any reason at any time, and they will have access to financial relief, discounts, and carer-specific offers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Carers Victoria to support and empower unpaid carers in Victoria,” Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry said.

“Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our DNA at Accor and this partnership strengthens the essential role we all play in contributing to an inclusive society.

“By addressing some of the social limitations carers may face, and by providing opportunities for respite, we hope offer some support to carers and express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions.”

Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott said the initiative is an opportunity to acknowledge and show their appreciation for carers, while catering to their unique needs, and boosting their health and wellbeing.

“Through joint ventures and shared expertise, we will develop digital learning resources and raise awareness about carers in the workplace and broader communities,” she said.

“We look forward to building a lasting partnership that positively impacts the lives of carers across Victoria.”