News and events for unpaid family and friend carers in WA.
No images? Click here
Caring Matters E-Bulletin | August 2023
Inquiry into the Recognition of
Unpaid Carers
Inquiry into the Recognition of Unpaid Carers
Over the last month, Carers WA has been forming our response to the Federal Inquiry into the Recognition of Unpaid Carers. Our response already includes feedback from more than 200 carers in WA who have completed an in-person consultation with us or the online survey.
We continue to welcome feedback from unpaid carers in WA until Friday, 11th August 2023. Please take a moment to share your thoughts as soon as possible. Your feedback will be essential in raising the recognition and awareness of the unpaid caring role, as well as obligations on public service agencies.
To find out more, click here.
Carers Week
Carers Week: Save the Date
Carers Week is Australia’s celebration of carers and is held annually in the third week of October. Run by Carers Australia and the network of Carers Associations, National Carers Week 2023 will take place from Sunday,15th to Saturday, 21st October 2023.
Carers WA will be hosting a number of events and activities to recognise carers in our state. Details about some of our upcoming activities are included below. To stay up to date with other Carers Week activities in WA, click here.
Carers Week Activity Grants
Applications are still open for non-profit organisations and community groups to apply for a Community Activity Grant to participate in National Carers Week by hosting an activity or event in WA.
We are offering $500, $700 or $800 each (excluding GST), pending the number of expected carers attending. Regional or remote organisations, together with those supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or culturally and linguistically diverse carers will be prioritised and encouraged to apply.
Applications close on Friday 4th August 2023.
To find out more or apply, click here.
Carers Week Kalgoorlie-Esperance Road Trip
Our Community Capacity Development Team are thrilled to be on the road with their mobile van, Priscilla, for the duration of Carers Week (Sunday,15th to Saturday, 21st October 2023).
They will be making pop-up visits in a range of locations between Kalgoorlie and Esperance with the aim of engaging the community and bringing Carers WA resources to you.
Stay tuned for visits near you!
To find out more, click here.
Young Carer Art Awards
Building on the success of previous years, the 2023 Young Carer Art Awards invites young people aged 8 - 25 years who are caring for a sibling, parent or loved one with disability, physical or mental health challenges to submit an artwork that reflects this year’s theme: ‘Being a young carer is like being a superhero’.
The awards are proudly supported by Lotterywest and the Department of Communities and aim to increase the awareness of young carers in the community as well as to create opportunities for them to engage with creative mediums, building their skills, confidence, and capacity in their caring role.
Participant entries will be open from today, Tuesday, 1st August - Sunday, 10th September 2023.
For more information or to apply, click here.
Regional and Online Events
Carers WA in the Regions
Practical and emotional support for family carers is available in every region of WA. Support services include counselling, tailored support packages, emergency respite and online supports. In Western Australia, Carers WA delivers Carer Gateway services and other services alongside our regional partners Helping Minds and Goldfields Women’s Health Care Centre.
To stay up to date with events and supports available in regional WA, click here.
Albany: Carers Lunch
Carers WA invites you to join us for lunch in Albany this August.
This lunch is free to attend and will give you an opportunity to take a short break from your caring role and connect with others in your region.
When: Wednesday, 16th August | 11.00am – 1.00pm
Where: The View Restaurant, Albany Entertainment Centre
To find register your interest, click here.
North Yunderup: Pop-Up
Carers WA is excited to be visiting North Yunderup this August.
Come and join us, the Carers WA team, and other members of our community to find out about the helpful services and support we offer.
When: Thursday, 17th August | 9.30am - 11.30 am
Where: CWA Hall | 45 Culeenup Road, North Yunderup, WA 6208
To find out more, click here.
Perth Metro Events
Boundaries Workshop
Why are boundaries important in your relationship? This workshop, hosted by registered Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, Louisa Holmes, will help you understand the significance of setting boundaries when needed. Having strong personal boundaries can boost your confidence and improve your overall wellbeing.
During the workshop, you’ll explore ways to build your capacity and overcome limitations, allowing you to make time for yourself while still connecting and sharing with others.
We will provide a complimentary light lunch for all attendees.
Thornlie Workshop
Tuesday, 8th August 2023 | 10.00am – 12.00pm.
Thornlie Park Meeting Room | 50-60 Thornlie Ave, Thornlie 6108.
Cost: Free to participants registered with Carers WA.
To register and find out more, click here.
Carer Representative Orientation Session
The Carers WA Carer Representation Program empowers carers to speak up for each other, raising awareness in the community and enhancing services for those in a caring role.
You have the ongoing chance to connect with other carers, discuss important issues, learn new skills, and gain confidence.
Join us for a half-day information session where we’ll demonstrate how your lived experience can bring about positive change. RSVP is essential for catering purposes and room capacity (morning tea and lunch will be provided).
When: Friday, 25th August |9.30am - 1.30pm
Where: The Carers Centre | 182 Lord Street, Perth
To find out more and register, click here.
External Event: Melodies and Memories
Do you ever wonder how music can help with memory? This is a special experience where you will explore the magic of music and learn how it can unlock memories through song.
This choir is specifically designed for people with dementia and their carers. A lovely morning tea will also be provided for everyone to enjoy.
This event is made possible by Music Director and Conductor, Margaret Grubb, and is generously supported by the Baskerville Community Singers. .
When: Thursday mornings | 10.00am – 12pm
Where: West Swan Hall | Lot 1 (W. Swan Rd, Henley Brook 6055)
For more information and registrations contact Margaret Grubb on grubb.margaret@gmail.com or 0432 105 245.
Policy and Advocacy
Reforming WA Disability Legislation Discussion Paper
Recently Carers WA provided feedback on the Department of Communities’ (DoC) Consultation Paper on Reforming WA Disability Legislation. We continue to advocate for carers and carer recipients in the disability sector.
In line with the significance of these reforms, Carers WA consulted widely with carers on the questions in the Reforming WA’s Disability Legislation Discussion Paper, as well as on related legislative and other issues. This included two hybrid carer-focused consultation sessions with the Department of Communities; an
online survey that attracted 138 responses; individual feedback from carers; and feedback resulting from business-as-usual practices.
As a result of these consultations, Carers WA has ascertained that carers are deeply concerned with the lack of translation of disability legislation to practice in WA, as well as the severely limited penalty and application of this penalty for ill-treatment of people with disability, and the lack of recognition and support for the carer a person with disability has nominated to be involved in their care.
To find out more, click here.
Get Social With Us
News & Updates
WA Carers Advisory Council
If you want to make a positive impact on the lives of WA carers, consider applying for the open position on the Carers Advisory Council.
The Carers Advisory Council are appointed under the Carers Recognition Act 2004 (the Act) and meet regularly throughout the year, including hosting regional forums to hear directly from carers.
Members provide advice to the Minister for Community Services on issues affecting carers.
The Department of Communities provides executive support to the Council.
To find out more and apply, click here.
Education and Employment Support for Carers
Have you been wanting to explore options to gain paid work? Carers WA have launched a new program that provides support with education and employment pathways for carers.
What is included?
- Career guidance to assist with identifying skills and potential barriers
- Ongoing coaching
- Assistance to select and enrol in accredited training
- Access to a financial assistance package
- Support with resume building and interview skills.
To find out more or register, click here.
Young Carers Bursary Program
The Young Carer Bursary Program is designed to support young carers in continuing their education while reducing the need for paid work alongside their study and caring duties.
If you are a young carer, you may be eligible for a $3,768 bursary to help with your education needs and resources. Your application will be carefully reviewed and assessed, and the approval process may take up to 16 weeks.
Please remember that the application deadline is on Tuesday, 12th September 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for the bursary and get the assistance you need to pursue your education!
To find out more, click here.
Your Way Toolkit and Short Storybooks
'Your Way' toolkit is a resource designed to support high school leavers, parents, and teachers with crucial information for young adults venturing into independence. Topics range from living away from home to financial matters. To find out more or order click here.
Additionally, explore inspiring short story books authored by young people with diverse abilities, highlighting their challenges and triumphs.
Reprinted hardcopies of Zac's Game Plan and Naomi's World are reprinted and available to order or read online. To find out more or order, click here.
Carers WA Youth Advisory Group: Register Now
Are you aged 16 to 25 caring for a sibling, parent or loved one? We are recruiting young people just like you to join our new Youth Advisory Group.
Meeting once a month, this paid position will help shape what youth engagement looks like at Carers WA. Youth Advisory Council members will:
- Meet monthly (approx.)
- Get paid $30/hour plus travel costs
- Receive training and support
- Applications close this Friday, 4th August 2023.
To find out more and apply, click here.
Social Impact Report: Be Job Ready Program 2023
In 2021, Carers WA partnered with Huber Social, an organisation specializing in developing frameworks for measuring the global social impact of programs. Results found that:
- Carers have a +24% increase in their wellbeing after completing the program compared to when they first began.
- By the end of the program carers experienced a 78% increase in a sense of belonging and feeling part of a community.
- 3 months after participants completed the course they experienced a 48% decrease in mental or emotional health barriers that were making it difficult to find and/or maintain a job or study.
To find out more or to read the report, click here.
Swimming on the Spectrum: 'Care for the Carers' Morning Tea
Last week, Swimming on the Spectrum organised a special ‘Care for the Carers’ morning tea. It was a lovely event where carers got a chance to meet and connect with other parents in the program. It was all about taking some time for yourselves and having fun.
We enjoyed talking with all the carers and sharing about the importance of self-care and having a positive support network. During the event, we had a painting workshop by Art Jam, relaxing hand massages, and even hair braiding. Let’s not forget Sunnie, the therapy dog, who brought much joy to the morning!
Cuppa and Art Workshop
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this month’s Cuppa and Art Workshop.
Participants were able to connect or reconnect with their creative side as local artist, Michelle Penny, guided them step-by-step to create their very own watercolour artwork. Look at how well they turned out!
To find out more, visit our events calendar here.
Digital Health Online Learning
Discover the realm of digital health with these self-paced online learning sessions. Brought to you by the Australian Digital Health Agency, delve into the functionalities of My Health Record, the My Health App, and electronic prescriptions.
Why Join?
- Learn at your convenience from any location.
- Access the sessions entirely online.
- Catch up on your own time with recorded sessions.
- Auslan interpreted sessions available.
To see the calendar of events for this month and to register, click here.
Fee-Free TAFE courses
Are you leaving school, looking for work, or wanting to have a meaningful career that can make a difference? The Australian Government, along with states and territories, is offering 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education places in 2023.
If you are an unpaid carer, you can study accredited diplomas, certificates, or short courses in areas with shortages, like technology, support workers, tourism, construction, and agriculture.
This is a great opportunity to improve your skills and pursue a fulfilling career!
For more information on courses available and eligibility, click here.
Got a question?
Call 1300 227 377 or email info@carerswa.asn.au
If you are feeling overwhelmed or are seeking help with mental or emotional stress, we encourage you to contact Australia's helpline specialists that operate 24/7, built to support everyone, all year round.
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service:
1300 659 467
Immediate Risk of Harm:
Triple Zero (000)
