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Caring Matters E-Bulletin | August 2025 |
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Meet Lorraine a proud First Nations grandmother, great-grandmother, and carer who has spent her life supporting her family and community.
After years of putting others first, Lorraine felt lost and emotionally drained. Her turning point came through a Carers WA yarning circle, where she rediscovered connection, confidence, and herself.
“I felt like I was in a situation where I didn’t know who I was or where I was going, and it all boils down to the deep depression that I was in, and it was really hard to come out of it” Lorraine shares.
To read more about Lorraine’s story and watch her video, click here.
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National Carers Week 2025
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National Carers Week 2025 is just around the corner. We invite you to join us in this important celebration, which will take place from Sunday, 12th October to Saturday, 18th October 2025.
This year’s theme, “You are one, know one, or will be one,” highlights that caring touches us all. With more than 3 million Australians providing support to a family member or friend with disability or physical or mental health challenges, chances are you’re either a carer, know a carer, or will become one at some stage in your life.
We’ve organised activities such as a sector breakfast, Scitech family event, and men’s day out, with more to come.
Registrations will open soon, so save the date and stay tuned for updates.
To find out more information click here. |
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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, 11th August 2025 with the outcome advised by Friday 29th August 2025
To apply for a grant for National Carers Week 2025 click here.
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Augusta: Carers WA Information Session with AdvoCare
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Carers WA and Advocare are hosting an information session in Augusta for carers.
Join us for a relaxed morning tea, connect with other carers, and learn about services and supports to assist you in your caring role.
When: Tuesday, 5th August | 10.00am – 11.30am
Where: Augusta Community Resource Centre | 66 Allnut Terrace, Augusta
Cost: Free to participants registered with Carers WA.
For more information, email the South West Regional Coordinator SouthWest@carerswa.asn.au
To register click here.
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Carer Representative Orientation
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Use your experience as a carer to stand up for, and represent the voice of carers in your community. Benefits of the Carer Representation Program include the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with other carers, learn new skills, develop confidence, make a real difference to the way carers are treated in the health and mental health systems.
When: Tuesday, 12th August | 9.30am – 2.00pm
Where: Carers WA | 182 Lord St, Perth (online for regional carers)
For more information, contact the Carer Representation Team on 1300 227 377 or email Carer.Rep@carerswa.asn.au
To register click here.
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Perth: Chair Yoga Workshop |
Looking to slow down and reconnect with yourself?
Join experienced yoga teacher Sally Riddell for a gentle, restorative chair yoga class focusing on movement, breathing, and stillness. Suitable for all levels, this session includes mindfulness, meditation, and simple seated and standing postures.
When: Monday, 25th August | 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Henderson Environmental Centre, Groat St, North Beach 6020
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register your interest click here.
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Perth: Stress and the Body Workshop |
Carers WA invites you to an interactive workshop exploring how trauma, stress, and tension affect the body. Learn exercises and strategies using movement, breathing, and imagination to release tension and promote well-being.
This workshop will not require any agility or physical fitness and participation is optional.
When: Tuesday, 2nd September 2025 | 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Thornlie Park Centre Meeting Room
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register your interest click here.
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Carer Representation Updates |
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The Policy and Systemic Advocacy team at Carers WA conducted a targeted survey to carers on the consultation on the NDIS Supports Rule.
The report includes feedback and recommendations.
To download a copy of the report
click here. |
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Carers WA is proud to share that our Systemic Advocacy and Policy Team has submitted critical feedback to the NDIA following a recent consultation in WA.
Our submission calls for the needs of carers and families to be made a priority within the NDIS.
To download a copy of the submission
click here. |
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Did you know that there is a survey page on the Carers WA website available for your use. By participating in these surveys, you're contributing to vital research and assisting systemic advocacy which shapes policies that directly affect carers. |
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Deakin University are conducting a research study on inclusive language. They are asking carers to give insight into their preferences regarding wording about individuals with disability or chronic health conditions.
To complete the survey click here. |
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South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) is creating a Multicultural Action Plan to ensure their services are welcoming. They seek feedback from culturally diverse patients, carers, and families who’ve used their services.
To complete the survey click here. |
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Have you experienced a heart attack or cared for someone who has? The Cardiology Department at Royal Perth Hospital is seeking your input to identify the top 10 research questions about heart attacks.
To complete the survey click here.
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Linkwest wants to know your familiarity with Advance Care Planning and the information or support available to you in your community.
To complete the survey click here. |
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Do you have experience with palliative care in residential or community aged care? Consumers, families, carers, and carer representatives are invited to join a 60-minute focus group via Microsoft Teams as part of an evaluation of programs aimed at improving palliative care for older Australians.
To express your interest please contact Antonia at antoniawu@hma.com.au
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Help Shape the Future of Health & Medical Research in Your Community.
Have your say on how consumers and the community are involved in health and medical research. Join a roundtable near you!
To find out more information click here. |
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Cancer Council WA’s Adopt a Room Program |
We’re excited to share that Carers WA has proudly adopted Room 401 at Crawford Lodge, as part of Cancer Council WA’s Adopt a Room program.
This incredible initiative provides regional West Australians and their carers with a home away from home while they access cancer treatment in Perth.
We’re honoured to support Cancer Council WA in ensuring no regional cancer patient, supported by their carer, faces cancer alone.
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New Aged Care Reform Resources |
Did you know aged care is changing? We’ve created new resources to help you understand these changes and make aged care information more accessible for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Available in: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic and Italian.
These resources will help you understand the changes to aged care and navigate the system with ease.
To download the resources click here .
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Level 1 Accreditation: Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage |
Carers WA and Carers NSW are excited to acknowledge that Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has achieved Level 1 accreditation as a Carer Friendly Employer.
This accreditation recognises the exceptional efforts of Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage in supporting carers within their workplace. It is a testament to their commitment towards creating a supportive and flexible working environment for their team members who balance work with their caring responsibilities.
To find out more about Carer Friendly Employer Program and our Accredited Members click here.
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Level 2 Accreditation: MIFWA |
Carers WA and Carers NSW are excited to acknowledge that MIFWA has achieved Level 2 accreditation as a Carer Friendly Employer.
During the accreditation process, MIFWA was recognised for effectively utilising various communication channels to promote awareness of carers both within and outside the organisation.
To find out more about Carer Friendly Employer Program and our Accredited Members click here.
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Carer Resources for Community Groups |
Services Australia provides resources such as eKits, multilingual information, and payment support to help community groups in supporting carers and their families.
To find out more click here. |
| Prepare to Care Team in Esperance |
We’re thrilled to launch the ‘Prepare to Care’ Program at Esperance Hospital.
Visit the Carers Corner at Esperance Hospital to learn more and grab your FREE Prepare to Care book.
To find out more about our upcoming events click here.
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The Autism Association of Western Australia will be visiting Esperance.
From 5th - 7th August, their regional team will be in Esperance to deliver workshops for family members, carers of individuals with Autism and community members.
To find out more and RSVP click here. |
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Health Consumer Council Workshops |
Health Consumer Council has a few workshops this August to support health consumer representation.
6th August: Youth Centered Introduction to Consumer Representation in Health
7th August: Seeing Beyond Your Cultural Lens
19th August: Acknowledging Country Workshop
To find out more and RSVP click here.
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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) |
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| Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 (8.00am - 5.00pm)
Carers WA: 1300 227 377 (8.30am - 4.30pm)
Carers Association of Western Australian Incorporated.
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000 |
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