The latest news from Arafmi
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Irene Clelland
CEO Arafmi
Hello everyone,
It’s easy to feel cynical and tired about federal election time – they’re kissing babies, travelling about and making promises. However, this time, we’ve got some ideas to help you turn it to your advantage.
Why not turn the tables on that candidate knocking on your door and, instead of just listening to their spiel, have a spiel of your own.
You can tell them all about the challenges faced by mental health carers. Why not try some of these conversation starters?
- Are you aware that on average mental health carers lose $175,000 in superannuation by age 67? (from a Carers Australia report, March 2022)
- Did you know 75 per cent of mental health carers in Queensland experience financial hardship because of their caring role (from Arafmi’s At What Cost? Report 2023-2024).
Superannuation and carer payments both fall under the federal government’s remit, so you could also ask them:
- What are your policies on carer payments?
- Will you commit to paying superannuation on carer payments?
And then pop in a question about what they plan to do to provide better mental health services for the people you care for:
Do your policies on mental health create greater accessibility, in terms of both location and cost?
That’s one way to make the most of this great democracy of ours!
Aside from all the campaign ads, there’s another reason you may want to take time away from the news and socials in the next couple of months, and that is increased media attention on the tragic events at Bondi Junction last year (there’s a coroner’s hearing on April 7, the anniversary on April 13, and the inquest from April 28 to May 30).
If you do see or hear anything in the media you feel is discriminatory or stigmatising regarding mental health, you can report it to Stigma Watch, a program run by Sane https://www.sane.org/get-involved/advocacy/stigmawatch.
If the coverage also raises any concerns for you remember Arafmi's Carer Support Line (1300 554 660) is there for you 24 hours a day. Taking time to look after ourselves is so incredibly important. This could be cuddling your cat, patting your dog, running yourself that bath or enjoying something peaceful. Please take care of yourself and stay in touch with Arafmi if you need, we are here for you.
I’m off to hug my dog,
Irene
What's in the News
Each month explore a selection of articles we've curated especially for you.
New Home for Arafmi’s Peak Office
February has seen some big changes at Arafmi, with the Advocacy, Marketing and Carer Support Team settling into a new office on Montague Road, West End.
There’s still a bit of decorating to go, but the space is coming together—with some great team bonding over IKEA furniture along the way.
We’ll share more soon and we’re looking forward to welcoming you to the new space.
Highlights from the Disability Connection Expo
What a great two days at the Brisbane Disability Connection Expo 2025! Sarah, Ben and Alex were there sharing information about Arafmi’s programs—connecting with carers, clients, service providers and raising awareness about the supports we offer.
A highlight was catching up with Claire, a carer peer worker in West Moreton. She and Alex discussed ways to work together so carers in the region stay connected with the supports they need.
Visitors also contributed to our Arafmi Care Tree by sharing how they care for themselves or connect with others. The thoughtful messages were a beautiful reminder that small acts of care really do matter.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by—we loved meeting you.
Spotlight on Self-care
Caring for yourself after a disaster
If the recent cyclone and floods have left you feeling drained, you’re not alone. For many carers, it’s brought back the same exhaustion and uncertainty we felt during COVID. The pressure to keep everything together—especially when you're caring for someone—can be overwhelming. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Here are a few small ways to refill yours:
- Acknowledge the stress: Even if you feel like you’re “coping,” your body and mind have been under strain. Feeling scattered, tired or flat is completely normal. Let yourself feel it.
- Find small moments of control: Little routines—like a cup of tea, a walk, or 10 tech-free minutes—can bring calm when life feels chaotic.
- Lighten your mental load: Write down your to-dos, worries or reminders. Getting it out of your head creates breathing space.
- Say yes to help: If someone offers support, take it. You’d do the same for them. Let others care for you, too.
- Make time to rest: Rest doesn’t have to mean sleep. Music, fresh air or something that makes you smile can help your nervous system reset.
- Talk it out: Disasters can resurface old emotions. Chatting with someone you trust—friend, support group or professional—can make all the difference.
Recovery isn’t just about rebuilding homes or replacing lost belongings—it’s about caring for yourself too.
Advocacy Team Update
Worried about the future of the person you care for?
It's a question many carers ask: “Who will look after my person when I can’t?”
Our Policy and Advocacy team is working on a new project to explore exactly that. We’ve partnered with the Mental Illness Caregivers Association (MICA) in Canada to look at solutions to help carers plan for when they can no longer care.
We’re running two online focus groups to hear directly from people like you—unpaid carers across Queensland supporting someone with mental ill-health.
A stronger voice for mental health carers
Did you know over 1 million Australians care for someone with mental ill-health—playing a vital role in their recovery and daily life?
That’s why Arafmi’s Sue Goodwin and Alex Tyson met with the Productivity Commission at our Carer Respite Hub, advocating for carers to be properly recognised and supported in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Agreement, which is currently under review.
The Commissioners were impressed by the hub, interested in our model, and shared ideas—like how GPs and peer workers could better support carers.
The conversation also highlighted the urgent need for better data, stronger support for young carers and whole family and kin groups, and solutions for the 92,000+ Queenslanders with moderate or severe psychosocial needs who are missing out on care. Gaps in after-hours and rural services were also raised as critical issues for carers.
Carer reflection on the Lived Experience Workforce Summit
Last month, Arafmi sponsored two members of our Systems Advocacy Community of Practice—Heidi Höynk and Roy Hanfling—to attend the Powering Up – Lived Experience Workforce Summit.
The summit brought together over 200 carer and mental health peer workers from across Australia to share insights and spark change. Now, Heidi has written about what the experience meant to her, and how it’s shaping her advocacy journey.
Carer Support Update
Celebrating carer voices for International Women's Day
Last week, Arafmi hosted our rescheduled International Women’s Day event at the beautiful Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens—and it was well worth the wait.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” focused on fast-tracking gender equality—something that really resonates in the carer community, where women make up the majority of unpaid mental health carers.
We were thrilled to welcome De Backman-Hoyle, National Community Engagement Manager for Mental Health Carers Australia, as our guest speaker. De’s powerful message about amplifying the voices of families, kin and chosen supports inspired us all to think about how we can drive real change—together and care for ourselves.
Carers also explored opportunities to get involved in Arafmi’s advocacy initiatives, followed by a relaxing wellbeing activity.
A huge thank you to De, Mobile Healing Hands and the team at the Botanical Gardens Café for helping us create such a meaningful, recharging morning.
Volunteering with heart: Arafmi at UQ
We had a great time at the recent Volunteer Expo at the University of Queensland, chatting with students about what it means to support mental health carers.
Many shared personal reasons for wanting to get involved—whether it was to give back, upskill, or support others going through what they’ve been through.
Arafmi is always looking for new volunteers to help with our 24-hour Carer Support Line or to facilitate carer support groups. It’s a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.
Culture Care Update
Honouring multicultural women: Arafmi at the Women's Ethnic Network (WEN) Breakfast
Arafmi’s Culture Care worker, Aynur Goss, recently attended the Women’s Ethnic Network (WEN) International Women’s Day Breakfast, hosted by the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ).
Held at the Greek Club in Brisbane, the event brought together women from across the state to celebrate culture, community, and progress. This year’s theme, “March Forward: Turning promises into progress,” was a powerful reminder of the important role multicultural women play—not only in families and communities, but in driving real change.
Guests heard from Hon. Minister Fiona Simpson and keynote speaker Karina Hogan, who shared powerful reflections on equity and inclusion. The room was also brought to life with beautiful performances from the Queensland Guangxi Multicultural Communities, Tazamul Salvadoran Dance Group, and Srikandi Indonesian Dance Group.
Aynur represented Arafmi’s commitment to supporting carers from all cultural backgrounds, and the importance of making space for every voice in the conversation. Thank you to ECCQ and everyone involved for such a meaningful and inspiring morning.
Regional Carer Update
Morning tea for Carer Peer Workers and Supporters
Yesterday, more than 20 carers working as carer peer workers and supporters in Queensland came together for morning tea at the Arafmi Carers Respite Hub.
Carers travelled from across rural and regional areas—including Mackay, Wide Bay, Maryborough, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Southern Moreton Bay Island, Ipswich, Cunnamulla and Charleville.
It was a valuable opportunity to connect, share experiences, and talk about common challenges—such as isolation, not feeling heard by health professionals, and the financial impact of caring.
Carer events headed to regional Queensland
We’re planning some exciting events across the state for Mental Health Week and Carers Week in October—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
We’re hoping to host Carer Galas in Cairns (with Carers QLD and Carer Gateway) and Ipswich (with Carer Gateway), as well as two Arafmi Carer Forums—one in Cairns and the other in Brisbane.
Got ideas for speakers, topics or entertainment you'd love to see? Let us know.
Rural carers: help improve healthcare access
If you care for someone with mental ill-health and live in a rural or regional area, you probably know how hard it can be to get the right physical health care—like seeing a doctor, specialist or other services—for them and for you.
Equally Well wants to hear your experience. What’s working? What’s not? Your feedback will help improve support for carers and the people they care for.
Setting healthy boundaries: Ipswich workshop
Last Friday, carers at the Ipswich Support Group got together for a free workshop on how to set healthy boundaries while caring for someone with mental ill-health.
It was a chance to talk honestly about how hard it can be to say no, put your own needs first, and set limits. Everyone left with some helpful tools, new ideas, and a bit more confidence.
Want to come to a future session? Click on the What's on button below to see what's coming up.
Arafmi Carer Event Calendar
Explore Arafmi's free support programs. Our calendar includes tailored
support groups, workshops and events for mental health carers.
Opportunities and Resources
Free home internet for families with
school kids
If you’ve got a school-aged child at home and no current nbn connection, you could be eligible for free home internet until June 2028.
It’s easy to check—just call the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or visit
anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet
They’ll help you apply and, if eligible, give you a voucher to get connected through a participating provider.
More flexibility for carers on the carer payment
Good news! If you receive the Carer Payment, you can now do paid work with more flexible hours.
From 20 March 2025, the previous limit of 25 hours per week has changed to 100 hours over a four-week period.
This change aims to make it easier for carers to stay connected to the workforce while continuing their caring role.
Supports for grandparents raising grandkids
The Time for Grandparents Program may be able to help with the costs of things like sports, school camps, school holiday care, or even activities for grandparents.
They also offer free online and in-person peer support groups across Queensland—giving you the chance to connect with other grandparent carers, share experiences, and find support.
Need help with school transport costs?
If distance, income or isolation is making school travel tricky, you might be eligible for help through Queensland’s School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS).
Support includes help with bus, ferry, train travel, or an allowance if there’s no public transport nearby.
Now live: the Women’s Wellbeing Line
The Women’s Wellbeing Line offers free, virtual mental health support and therapeutic counselling for women, girls and gender-diverse people across Queensland.
Open: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm and Sat 9am–5pm.
Call: 1800 4 WOMEN (1800 496 636) or use the link below to access WebChat.
Always here for you
You can call Arafmi’s 24-hour Carer Support Line to share your feelings, receive support, find new resources and learn helpful coping skills to help you in your caring role. It’s comforting to know that when you need to talk— someone who understands will be there— at any hour.
Call us on 1300 554 660 (Brisbane) or 1800 351 881 ( Regional QLD)
Arafmi acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations peoples of Australia and recognises their continuing connection to country, waters, kin, and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future and are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples voices are heard and respected across Queensland.
