Hello everyone, 

I hope you’re all happy, safe and well and managing to find some peaceful moments in what can feel like a very turbulent world. Maybe it’s in the garden, maybe it’s listening to music. For me, it’s popping down to the beach for some sea air and a dip in the salt water. 

This past week, however, I had to pop down to Canberra for a quick dip into federal politics, as part of an annual Mental Health Expo for MPs. It’s a chance to explain to decision-makers how caring can impact all aspects of a person’s life, why carers need their own targeted support, and how Arafmi is working to provide that support and raise awareness generally of mental health carers. 

With Arafmi’s Senior Advisor Policy and Advocacy, Emma Griffiths, I managed to chat with a few new Queensland-based government backbenchers, including the Member for Dickson, Ali France, the Member for Bonner Kara Cook and the Member for Griffith, Renee Coffey.

Along with about 50 other organisations who had come to be part of the Expo from all over Australia, we also heard from Health Minister Mark Butler. It was very encouraging to hear the Minister emphasise the importance of having Lived Experience organisations involved in reforming the sector. Federally, this is Mental Health Carers Australia and the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance. 

We take the role very seriously, as your conduit to state and federal decision-makers and funders. Hopefully, trips like these help carry the voices of carers in Queensland to the people who really need to hear them. 

Have a great month, Irene.

Sunshine Coast Networking for Mental Health Professionals

Come along for a relaxed networking catch-up with Arafmi and Wellways Carer Gateway. It’s a chance to meet the local team, connect with other Sunshine Coast services and share ideas about supporting mental health carers.

When: Tuesday 10 March, 1pm
Where: Wellways Carer Gateway Hub,
24 Lowe Street, Nambour

Engaging with Families and Carers Network

Are you a mental health professional in Queensland? Our next session explores Working with Carers, Family and Kin – A Guide for Healthcare Professionals and how it can support everyday practice when working with families and carers. There will also be time to suggest topics for future meetings.

When: Tuesday 31 March, 11.30am–1pm
Where: Online

A lifelong carer supporting carers 

When Tracy  meets a carer for the first time, she asks a simple question: “And how are you going?”

“Most carers start by telling me all about the person they’re supporting,” Tracy says. “Then I ask about them. Sometimes that’s the first time anyone has.” For some, the question brings tears. For others, it takes a moment to find the words.

Tracy is Arafmi’s Carer Support Facilitator in Bundaberg. With eight years working in the local mental health sector, and a lifetime of caring experience herself, she understands how easy it is for carers to put their own needs last.

“I understand what it’s like when everything is about the person you’re supporting,” she says.

Through one-on-one conversations, peer support groups and coaching, Tracy walks alongside carers as they figure out what they need, sometimes for the first time in a long time.

In our latest blog, Tracy shares what she’s learned from supporting carers in Bundaberg, and why even small moments of support can make a big difference. 

Moments that matter for carers

It’s been a month of special moments at Arafmi events. At Create & Connect, one carer told us Tanya’s self-care workshop that had “changed her life.” There was also plenty of talk about the impact of Ben’s Boundaries workshop, and carers feeling more confident about sharing their experiences in advocacy spaces. As Marieke shared, “It was a beautiful morning with lots of chats about how positive Arafmi is, sprinkling positivity and making changes for the good in their lives.”

Culture Care joined celebrations at the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết) Festival, where Aynur connected with multicultural communities and shared that support is available for carers. The program is also growing, with a new Korean support group in Upper Mount Gravatt and a monthly group at Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, 45 carers gathered at the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens for massages, yoga, meditation and a peaceful forest walk, recognising the many women who are carers. Thank you to Good360 Australia for the skincare treats in the goodie bags, a small gesture carers really appreciated. 

If you’ve been thinking about coming along to an Arafmi event or group, maybe this is your sign.

Housing worries? What carers need to know

Housing questions come up for many carers, especially when thinking about the future. What happens if rental issues arise? Where can you turn if housing becomes uncertain?

At our recent Future Planning housing workshops, more than 40 mental health carers joined us in person and online to hear practical advice from housing experts.

Carers learned where to get free tenancy advice if rental problems arise, how housing services can help when someone is at risk of homelessness, and what support is available for older women experiencing housing stress.

Job opportunities for carers

Wellways Carer Gateway is recruiting for peer roles in Townsville, Upper Mount Gravatt, Gladstone and Mackay. These lived experience roles recognise the valuable insight carers bring to supporting others in the community.

Want to attend a major mental health conference in Brisbane?

The Queensland Mental Health Commission is inviting people with Lived or Living Experience to apply for funded places to attend the Leading Reform Summit on 25–26 May 2026 at the InterContinental Brisbane.

These places are aimed at people living in regional, rural and remote Queensland who may not otherwise be able to attend.

Applications close Sunday 22 March 2026.

Paid focus groups for carers

Have you supported someone who has used Queensland mental health or alcohol and other drug services since January 2024?

You’re invited to share your experience as part of the Better Care Together evaluation. You can take part in a short survey or join a paid focus group.