Registrations Open

Registrations are open for the Carers WA Conference 2024, the premiere event celebrating National Carers Week. It is free to attend online or in-person (waitlist) for all service providers, or carers registered with Carers WA.

This year's theme, 'Empowering the unpaid carer: Navigating identity, belonging and change', will explore and discuss the current and emerging issues for caring across WA.

When: Thursday, 17th October 2024 
Where: Online | In-Person
Cost: Free

Up to two staff tickets per service provider organisation, and one ticket per registered carer are provided.

This event is proudly supported by Lotterywest and the Department of Communities WA.

To register, click here.

Carers Week Activity Grants 

There’s a still a chance for your organisation to apply for a grant, supported by Lotterywest, to participate in National Carers Week by hosting an activity or event in WA. Grants of $500, $700 or $800 will be offered, pending the number of carers expected to attend. 

Regional organisations, together with those supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or culturally and linguistically diverse carers, are encouraged to apply. 

Applications close on Monday, 12th August 2024 with the outcome advised in late August.

To find out more, click here.

Carers WA Reaches Level 2 of its Carer-Friendly Workplace Accreditation

We're excited to announce that as part of the Carers + Employers program, Carers WA has achieved Level 2 accreditation as a carer-friendly employer!

Elena Katrakis, Carers NSW CEO, who oversees the accreditation process, has said:

“The team at Carers WA has done an excellent job demonstrating its ongoing development as a carer-friendly workplace. Carers WA's initiatives for carers within their workplace, which is evident through their policies, procedures, carer network group and activities, is commendable.

Carers have access to flexible work arrangements to balance their caring responsibilities with work, and activities that support health and wellbeing. Notably, the Carer Survey and the actions resulting from it are praiseworthy. This illustrates a commitment to consult with carers in the workplace, both to acknowledge carers and to seek their views on supports that will have a positive impact in the workplace”.

Your organisation can also express interest to be onboard in becoming a carer-friendly workplace! To find out more, click here.

Carers WA Added to the Multicultural Health Services Directory

Our Community Engagement Officers at Carers WA play a vital role in spreading awareness about Carers WA services. They work diligently to reach various groups, including culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers, ensuring everyone has access to the support they need. This includes building relationships with stakeholders and networks. 

We are proud to say that our team has reached out to the Cultural Diversity Unit and has become a part of the Multicultural Health Services Directory. The directory is a very useful and easy to use tool, especially if making referrals for CALD carers. 

To visit the directory, click here.

Lancelin Health Services Open Day

Our Regional Coordinator in the Northern Wheatbelt, Sophie S, brilliantly organised with DADAA, a Health Services Open Day event in Lancelin last week. The morning kicked off with a welcome morning tea catered by local legend 'Scotty K’s Kitchen', followed by a successful DADAA Art workshop. Service providers including Advocare, Dementia Australia, Avivo, Silverchain, and others, set up market stalls for information sharing. Post lunch, each provider gave a brief presentation on their community role and services.

Attendees received an information pack and engaged in insightful discussions with providers. We are thrilled with the positive feedback received, and plans are already in motion to make this an annual affair. 

We thank all those service providers and community members who attended and look forward to bringing similar activities around the regions. To find out more about Carers WA in the regions, click here.

Carer Friendly Employers Event in Bunbury

In Australia, 70% of working age carers are employed and are combining paid work with caring for someone. If you want to be an employer of choice, it is important to be able to acknowledge carers in your workplace and know what resources are available.

Our team will guide your organisation in defining the best practice standards for supporting your staff with their caring responsibilities, and help you become an ‘Accredited Carer Employer’, through our information session.

When: Wednesday, 28th August | 10.00am - 2.00pm

Where: Symmons Room | Best Western Hotel Lord Forrest

What will the information session include?

• Definition of an unpaid carer and background on Carers WA, delivered by our Community Engagement team.

• An experiential learning activity, ‘Through the Maze’, to increase awareness of the issues, experiences, and needs of people with disability and unpaid carers through the maze of service providers, allied health professionals, their families, and community.

• A complimentary light lunch and networking opportunity.

• Carer Friendly Employer presentation covering how organisations can support carers in the workplace and become an Accredited Carer Friendly Employer.

To find out more, click here.

Young Carer Art Collab – Exhibitor Expressions of Interest

Carers WA is excited to be hosting an event for young carers, supported by Lotterywest, as part of Carers Week in October. This free community event aims to bring together local organisations to engage with young people through expo stalls and interactive activities. It's a fantastic opportunity for young people and local stakeholders to connect, raise awareness, and foster engagement.

When: Saturday, 12th October 2024 | 12.00pm - 2.00pm
Where: The Y HQ | Leederville

Exhibitor Information:

• Cost: Free

• Provided: A table and two chairs

• Recommendations: Exhibitors are welcome to bring promotional materials and are encouraged to offer interactive art activities.

If you wish to participate as an exhibitor, please complete an expression of interest. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee participation. All applications will be reviewed by the event organiser, and you will be notified about the status of your application.

Exhibitor applications close: Friday, 6th September.

 To register your interest, click here.

Service Agreements

The following updates are important for all service providers who work with Carer Gateway to deliver services in WA and currently hold a service agreement or business registration agreement.

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative for family carers in Australia. It provides a mix of free online, telephone and in-person supports, services and advice. For Western Australia, Carers WA is leading the delivery of these services.

To connect with Carer Gateway and submit a business inquiry, please reach out to  carerservices@carerswa.asn.au or call 1800 950 440.