22 September 2021
COTA NT is urging all Territorians to get behind the first Grandparents Day to be formally celebrated in the Northern Territory on Sunday 31st October.
Grandparents Day is an opportunity to say thank you to grandparents, pseudo or adopted grandparents, older kin and carers and to publicly recognise and celebrate the role they have.
In 2020, it was estimated that the unpaid time spent by grandparents on providing childcare in Australia was worth more than $4.4 billion per year.* The impact of COVID highlighted what a significant, unpaid and free economic benefit grandparents can provide. Grandparents doing the school run and providing after school and holiday care alone can help parents save over $1200 a month.
“Grandparenting is one of the cornerstones of modern Territory life,” said Sue Shearer, Chief Executive Officer of COTA NT. “Many grandparents sacrifice their own lifestyles, needs and finances to care for children. And it can be tiring – emotionally and physically. Yet they do it, because it is about family, community and contributing; and it often brings joy and opportunity for shared learning. It’s time for us to recognise this contribution publicly and say thank you.”
COTA NT and community photographers have captured images which celebrate real Territorian grandies to create an online gallery; and over the last few months used an ‘I Love Grandie’ photo frame to create Grandie portraits which will unveiled in a new online gallery in November.
With the support of the Northern Territory Government, nbn, Netball NT and Life Without Barriers, COTA NT is marking Grandparents Day for the next 3 years starting with:
- A Territory-wide competition for children celebrating their Grandies (closes 30 September)
- A free Community Resource Kit full of event planning and promotional material.
- A free community event on Sunday 31 October at the CDU Marrara Stadium in Darwin offering free family photo portraits, as well as info stalls, kids’ activities and refreshments.
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Media Contact: Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT 08 8941 1004
COTA NT’s Grandparents Day Celebration 2021 Sunday 31 October 10.00am – 1.00pm Free entry for patrons and light refreshments provided.
CDU Stadium, Sitzler Netball Centre, 235 Abala Rd, Marrara NT 0812
Face painting, kids’ activities, free family photo portraits, information stalls and more.
Entry: COVID check in requirements must be met before entry is allowed.