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Carers Australia We are the national peak body representing Australia’s 3 million family and friends carers, advocating to influence support policies and services.

National Carers Week 2026 brought communities together across Australia to recognise and support carers through this yea...
17/10/2026

National Carers Week 2026 brought communities together across Australia to recognise and support carers through this year's theme, Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible.

From community events and morning teas to workplace forums, webinars, awards programs and landmark light-ups, every state and territory has found its own way to celebrate carers. Whether it's carers connecting over coffee in WA, workplace recognition initiatives in SA and Tasmania, teal-lit landmarks in the ACT, community celebrations in the NT, or events bringing carers together across Queensland, NSW and Victoria, the week has highlighted the vital role carers play in every community.

Thank you to everyone who has shared stories, attended events, supported campaigns and helped make carers visible. Together, we're shining a light on Australia's 3 million unpaid carers.

"Caring is a big part of my life, but it's not my identity." At 25, Sara cares for her younger brother, who has a visual...
16/10/2026

"Caring is a big part of my life, but it's not my identity."

At 25, Sara cares for her younger brother, who has a visual disability, while also supporting her mother and other siblings with complex health needs.

Alongside her caring role, she's studying, advocating for carers in education, and pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

Sara says one of the biggest challenges of caring is balancing your responsibilities with your own hopes and ambitions.

"We have ambitions in life too. Just because we're carers doesn't mean we should have to sacrifice those ambitions."

Her advice to other carers?

You don't have to do it alone. There's nothing wrong with asking for help.

Build a life beyond your caring role. Be proud of yourself.

"You think what you've done is nothing, but it's a lot."

This National Carers Week, we're sharing real stories from carers across Australia to help others feel seen, recognised and supported.

Read Sara's story: https://carersweek.com.au/carer-story/sara/

The latest findings from the Carer Wellbeing Survey show fewer than 40% of carers report healthy wellbeing, with carers ...
16/10/2026

The latest findings from the Carer Wellbeing Survey show fewer than 40% of carers report healthy wellbeing, with carers providing 40 or more hours of care each week experiencing some of the lowest wellbeing outcomes.

This National Carers Week, we're highlighting the realities many carers face: loneliness, exhaustion, disconnection from their communities, and increasing caring responsibilities, while continuing to provide vital support to loved ones.

Despite these challenges, carers continue to find meaning and purpose in their caring roles. Their contribution to Australia's families, communities and economy cannot be overlooked.

If you know a carer, take a moment to check in, offer support, or simply acknowledge what they do.

Read more:https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/15102026_carerssurvey_FINAL.pdf

"I don't know if it's part-time care. I think it's just a very different dynamic." Michael has cared for his brother Dav...
16/10/2026

"I don't know if it's part-time care. I think it's just a very different dynamic."

Michael has cared for his brother David for most of his life.

As a young carer, he helped with personal care, medication, meals and advocacy. Today, his caring role looks different, focusing on things like finances, medical appointments and ensuring David can continue living life on his own terms.

One of the biggest lessons Michael has learned?

Ask for help and accept it.

"If you don't accept help, you can't help the person that you care for."

This National Carers Week, we're sharing the stories of carers across Australia and the many different forms caring can take.

Read Michael's story: https://carersweek.com.au/carer-story/michael-2/

As a proud supporter of National Carers Week, Vicinity Centres is helping make carers visible during National Carers Wee...
16/10/2026

As a proud supporter of National Carers Week, Vicinity Centres is helping make carers visible during National Carers Week by displaying campaign content on digital screens in shopping centres across Australia.

The campaign is currently featured on approximately 135 large-format and 940 small-format screens nationwide, helping raise awareness of Australia's 3 million unpaid carers and the vital contribution they make to families, communities and the economy.

By bringing National Carers Week messages into busy community spaces, Vicinity Centres is helping ensure more Australians recognise the important role carers play every day and encouraging conversations about how we can better support carers in our communities.

Thank you, Vicinity Centres, for helping shine a spotlight on carers and supporting this year's theme, Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible.

"I didn't know I was a carer. I thought I was just helping my brother." For Adela, caring began in childhood. Growing up...
15/10/2026

"I didn't know I was a carer. I thought I was just helping my brother."

For Adela, caring began in childhood.

Growing up, she helped care for her younger brother, who has severe autism and is non-verbal. Alongside school, homework and growing up, Adela was also helping with personal care, navigating government systems, translating documents for her family and advocating for her brother's needs.

But she didn't realise there was a word for what she was doing.

"It felt very isolating."

As part of her journey, Adela wants other young carers to know something she wishes she'd heard earlier:

It's okay to talk about what you're experiencing. It's okay to ask for support.

"It's not performative to need support. It's not cringey to be vulnerable."

This National Carers Week, we're sharing carers' stories to help others feel seen, understood and less alone.

Read Adela's story: https://carersweek.com.au/carer-story/adela/

Carers' voices were heard in the heart of Parliament House during National Carers Week.Carers Australia brought together...
15/10/2026

Carers' voices were heard in the heart of Parliament House during National Carers Week.

Carers Australia brought together MPs, Senators, their staff and other stakeholders for a special Parliamentary Friends of Carers event, co-hosted by Parliamentary Friends of Carers Co-Chairs Leon Rebello MP, and Alicia Payne MP, to hear directly from Australian carers about the difficulties they face, the challenges, the joys and the very real impact being an unpaid carer has on every aspect of carers lives – from work to relationships.

Carers and past carers joined the gathering, taking the opportunity to share their experiences directly with parliamentarians in attendance.

Politicians had a chance to hear a wonderful performance by the Canberra based Alchemy Chorus, a choir of people living with dementia and their carers. And also heard from lived experience speakers, Chorus Director Brian Triglone, documentary maker Dr Dalanglin Dkhar and author Dr Kim Huynh, all of whom have used their creative talents to amplify the voice of carers.

By bringing carers' voices into Parliament House, we're helping make carers more visible, elevating their experiences in national conversations, and strengthening awareness of the support carers need and deserve.

Thank you to everyone who attended, shared their experiences and helped shine a spotlight on caring.

14/10/2026

This National Carers Week, we're sharing the stories of two remarkable young carers, Adela and Ankith, whose experiences shine a light on the realities faced by thousands of young people across Australia.

As we recognise National Carers Week 2026 and this year's theme, Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible, take a moment to listen, learn and help raise awareness of the vital role young carers play every day.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Tf_NoTtrSeo

"Carers are not superheroes. Even superheroes have support teams." For nearly three decades, Janelyn has cared for her s...
14/10/2026

"Carers are not superheroes. Even superheroes have support teams."

For nearly three decades, Janelyn has cared for her son Rudy, who lives with cerebral palsy.

From navigating disability supports and medical appointments to fostering independence and ensuring his voice is heard, caring has shaped every part of her journey.

But one lesson stands above all others:

It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to accept support. And it's okay to look after yourself too.

"My son taught me the meaning of unconditional love. He taught me resilience, courage and kindness."

This National Carers Week, we're sharing the stories of carers across Australia and the powerful lessons they have learned along the way.

Read Janelyn's story: https://carersweek.com.au/carer-story/janelyn/

"The caring role doesn't stop. It changes." Jenni has cared for her son Flynn for 23 years. While Flynn has become more ...
13/10/2026

"The caring role doesn't stop. It changes."

Jenni has cared for her son Flynn for 23 years.

While Flynn has become more independent over time, caring remains part of every aspect of family life, from coordinating support workers and medical appointments to helping with transport, finances and daily routines.

As a full-time teacher, Jenni knows firsthand how difficult it can be to balance work, family and caring responsibilities.

One thing she wishes more people understood?

Caring is complex. Caring is ongoing. And sometimes carers need practical support, not just praise.

"Sometimes carers don't just need someone to say they're doing a good job. They need someone to ask, 'How can I help?'"

This National Carers Week, we're sharing the stories behind caring and the experiences that often go unseen.

Read Jenni's story here: https://carersweek.com.au/carer-story/jennis-story/

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