GRANDPARENTS Day was celebrated on October 30 and the NSW Government encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to show their grandparents how much they mean to families and communities.

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said grandparents play a significant role in supporting the family unit, especially for children.

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For some it is the grandparents that fill the role of after school care or even step in as parents.

“Grandparents are the backbone of NSW families, supporting parents, teaching values, and connecting to family history,” Mr Coure said.

“I know many of us can recall having special moments with our grandmother or grandfather, like going on outings together or visiting their house for the holidays.

“These are all incredibly cherished times for both ourselves and our grandparents.

“While we can celebrate grandparents every day of the year, Grandparents Day is a particularly special time to acknowledge and say thank you for all that they do for us.”

Grandparents Day is a chance to reflect on the special intergenerational bond between seniors and their grandchildren, and the special recipe for love that only they can offer.

“Everyone that takes on the role of a grandparent plays a vital role in family life, building special relationships across all age groups and cultures,” Mr Coure said.

Port Stephens Councillor Leah Anderson told News Of The Area, “I was recently invited to attend a meeting of the Rivergum Kinship Carers Group which are grandparents acting as parents; I was saddened to hear the individual circumstances of all of the Grandparents who are caring for their children’s children for varying reasons.

“These Grandparents should be enjoying their retirement years, but instead, they are parents all over again and facing many challenges and financial stress.

“The group itself is a wonderful organisation that supports each other.

“Any community support for them is greatly appreciated,” she said.

NSW residents can nominate a Local Grandparent of the Year, to recognise the grandparents that help make their community a diverse, active and inspiring place to live.

Contact your local State Member of Parliament for more information.

By Marian SAMPSON