During the Christmas period, Carers WA and Carer Gateway services will continue to operate Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm, with reduced services during the public holidays.

If a carer is experiencing an emergency and requires immediate assistance, please direct them to 000.

National Carer Strategy Announced

On 10 December 2024, the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, released the National Carer Strategy 2024-2034. The Strategy delivers a national agenda to support Australia’s unpaid carers and will guide how the government can improve support for carers now, and into the future.

It is a positive step towards improving awareness of carers including:

• their roles
• the impacts of supporting others
• availability of carer supports and services

“The Strategy identifies the issues and challenges that carers grapple with every day and provides a blueprint for the future,” said Carers Australia Chairperson David Quilty. “The crucial next step is to build on this important work with concrete actions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of carers.”

To find out more click here.

Carers WA Conference 2024 - Recordings Available Now

Thank you to all the carers and service providers who attended in-person and online for the Carers WA Conference 2024. 

We extend our gratitude to all remarkable speakers, especially keynote speaker Heather Simmons, and to the courageous carers on our panels. Thanks also to Lotterywest, Department of Communities, sponsors, and expo hosts for making this event possible.

We are excited to let you know that recordings of all sessions are now freely available online for anyone who missed out or wishes to revisit a session.

To watch the sessions now click here.

Young Carer Program Evaluation

This report, conducted by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of Western Australia, evaluates our Young Carers program in Western Australia, highlights the pressing need for greater supports for all young carers, but especially mental health assistance for those under 14 years old, finding that many mental health support services have high fees, long waiting lists, or will not accept young carers based on strict criteria.

The research underscores the crucial role of the education system in recognising and uplifting school-aged young people, advocating for stronger identification processes and robust support mechanisms within schools.

This call to action emphasises the urgent responsibility to safeguard the well-being and future of our youngest carers.

To read more click here.

National Carers Week

A big thank you to everyone who participated in National Carers Week 2024. Carers WA was proud to facilitate 85 events across our state with more than 3,000 carers in attendance. Our flagship event for the year, the Carers WA Conference, was a huge success with 106 individual organisations represented on the day - thank you!

In the meantime, don't forget to save the date for National Carers Week 2025 (Sunday, 12th to Saturday, 18th October 2025).

2025 Community Activity Grants: Leading up to National Carers Week each year, Carers WA aims to offer not-for-profit organisations and community groups the opportunity to apply for a Community Activity Grant of usually $500 – $800 to host their own activity or event in WA.

Tentative Dates for Applications:       

• Applications open: June – July 2025
• Applications close: August 2025
• Outcome advised: Late August 2025

To express your interest in applying for a grant click here.

Earlier this year, Carers WA had the privilege of speaking with several carers who shared parts of their individual stories, including both the joys and the hardships of being a carer.

Their stories helped us highlight the remarkable contributions that each carer makes in sustaining and bringing the best quality of life to their loved ones. Their stories underscore the critical, though sometimes undervalued, role they fulfill in our society and the importance of accessing support.

A special thank you to Melinda, Emma, Stephen, Jensen, Starlene and Lorraine for sharing your story with us!

To watch the full video click here.

Carers are invited to use their experience to stand up for, and represent the voice of  carers in our community.

The Carer Representation Program allows carers to learn new skills, develop confidence and make a real difference to the way carers are treated in the health and mental health systems.

Carers who are interested can attend our upcoming Carer Representative Orientation, a half-day information session, which shows how their lived experience can influence change.

When: Monday, 17th February 2024 | 9.30am - 1.30pm
Where: The Carers Centre | 182 Lord St, Perth

To register click here.

Carers are invited to come share a cuppa and enjoy an easy watercolour art activity. They'll connect or reconnect with their creative side as local artist Michelle Penny guides step-by-step to create a watercolour artwork. The focus is on having fun so no experience or artistic skills required!

Places are limited and registrations are essential.

When: Thursday, 27th February 2024
Where: Dome Northam | 112 Fitzgerald Street, Northam
Cost: Free to participants registered with Carers WA | Complimentary refreshments provided.
 

To register click here.

The Carer Friendly Employer program works with organisations to create carer friendly workplaces. Supporting employees who are carers can result in increased engagement and productivity, as well as attraction and retention of staff. Carers WA has specific support services, resources and opportunities available to tailor a consultation session that fits your organisation. Formal recognition can also be achieved through the national Carers + Employers accreditation program.

Accreditations from the last two months include the Health and Disability Complaints Office (Level 1), Carers WA (Level 3) and Goldfields Women's Health Centre (Level 1).