Auraria Steele doesn’t spend her weekends shopping with girlfriends, nor evenings hanging out with friends. Instead, the 16-year- old shoulders the caring role for her younger sister, Imyjen, with her mother.
Imyjen, 15, was born with a rare genetic disease characterised by muscle and bone abnormalities.
“It’s similar to caring for a 10-month-old baby,” Miss Steele says. “She’s non-verbal, but I kind of know what she’s thinking.”
The Epping teenager said being a carer had forced other aspects of her life to take a back seat.
“Life gets put on the backburner a bit. I’ve missed out on the social aspects. I’ve struggled to fit in with my peers,” she admits.
“It has meant that on the weekends, when my friends are going shopping, I have to care for my sister.”
But the countless hours she has spent looking after Imyjen have not gone unnoticed.
Last week, Ms Steele was named Victoria’s winner in the ‘young carer’ category of the National Carer Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate unpaid carers for the extraordinary contribution they make to a community.
Miss Steele lives with her mother, Christine Stow, a Whittlesea councillor and a very proud parent.
“I’m in awe, still. She’s articulate, she’s caring and she’s an incredible sister,” Ms Stow said. “I’m not religious, but I think she was sent for a special reason; she’s been caring for Imyjen since she was a toddler.”
Miss Steele’s citation also recognises the support she has been for her mother.
“Auraria’s dedication to the needs of her sister has meant she often forgoes her own interests to spend time with her, which is a tremendous support to her mother, who is the primary carer,” the citation reads.
The year 10 student is planning a career in occupational therapy, law or teaching when she completes high school. When not looking after Imyjen, you’ll find Auraria on a netball court, at Girl Guides, or advocating for unpaid carers.
