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News Link - June 2026 Edition |
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The News Link is a bi-monthly publication for service providers who work with carers in WA.
This publication includes useful information and resources that will help you better connect with your own clients and with unpaid family and friend carers. |
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Carers WA 30th Anniversary |
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This year, Carers WA proudly celebrates 30 years of supporting carers across Western Australia.
This significant milestone honours the dedication of carers and reflects Carers WA’s longstanding commitment to working alongside the sector to foster greater awareness, recognition, and understanding of the invaluable role carers play in our community.
To mark this occasion, we have developed a video showcasing key achievements and impact over the past three decades.
To view our 30-year anniversary video click here.
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Service providers, join us for the Carers WA Conference 2026.
This year’s conference will highlight the importance of working collectively to address current and emerging issues facing carers.
Registration is free for carers registered with Carers WA and for service providers (maximum of two registrations per organisation).
Attendance is available in person (subject to capacity) or online.
Official registrations will open on Wednesday, 1st July.
When: Thursday, 8th October
Where: Optus Stadium | River View Room
Parking: Free
To find out more click here.
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While the budget included general cost-of-living measures, it delivered no direct recognition of carers and no specified carer-specific supports. WA’s unpaid workforce was overlooked. Again.
For years, unpaid carers have been described as the backbone of the system. But backbones break when they are ignored.
How much longer can Western Australia afford to keep overlooking those people providing unpaid
care, who hold everything together?
To read the full media release click here.
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Last month, Carers WA attended the Parliamentary Friends event in Canberra, “Carers in the Workplace: A Productivity Solution.”
Carers from across Australia were present, including WA carer Faith. Also in attendance from Carers WA, Richard Newman (CEO), Linda Wayman (Board Chair), and Michael Schoch (Board Member and Carers Australia Representative).
Carers shared their experiences with Members of Parliament and Senators, highlighting the realities of balancing employment with caring responsibilities. They spoke about the challenges of balancing work and caring, particularly when flexibility and support are lacking and emphasised the importance of flexible workplaces, supportive employers, accessible services, and inclusive policies.
Enabling carers to participate in employment is vital for their wellbeing and for a strong, sustainable workforce.
If your organisation is interested in becoming a Carer Friendly employer, click here to find out more. |
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Service providers, do you know a young carer who is passionate about driving change and amplifying the voices of young carers in Western Australia? (Paid opportunity).
We are looking for three young carers aged 16 to 25 to join our Youth Advisory Group (YAG) for a 12-month term, with the option to extend for another 12 months. This is a valuable opportunity for young carers to make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of youth engagement at Carers WA.
Application deadline extended to Monday, 22nd June.
To find out more and share this opportunity click here.
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Young carers are going unseen in WA schools.
New research from Carers WA and The University of Western Australia (UWA) reveals thousands of students are balancing learning with caring for family members, often without recognition or support.
The findings show young carers face isolation, missed school and emotional strain, while schools lack a consistent approach to identify and help them.
The report calls for better identification, whole-school support, stronger partnerships and more investment to ensure no young carer slips through the cracks.
To read the full media release click here.
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Introducing the updated Prepare to Care Book. The revised edition features expanded Paediatric and Mental Health content, offering enhanced guidance and support for carers.
This book is designed to be used during a hospital admission and the period after discharge, helping you navigate the hospital system, keep track of important information, and access helpful contacts and supports along the way.
To download a digital version of the book click here. |
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Did you know? ConnectUp is an online platform connecting people with disability and carers to participate in local physical activities.
It helps users:
Connect with others in their local areaFind inclusive physical activities near themShare feedback on places and activitiesContribute to a growing map and calendar of inclusive opportunities
For more information click here.
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Carer Friendly Employers Accreditations |
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Congratulations to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS), and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on achieving Level 1 Activate accreditation as Carer Friendly Employers.
This milestone highlights their commitment to supporting carers, with strong alignment to the Carer Recognition Act and meaningful integration into everyday practice.
It reflects a culture that values wellbeing, inclusion, and genuine support for carers, laying a solid foundation for continued growth in carer friendly practices.
For more information about Carer Friendly Employers click here.
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Systemic Policy and Advocacy |
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Our Systemic Policy and Advocacy Team has been actively advancing meaningful change across key policy areas.
Recent highlights include:
Contribution to the Carers Australia submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee on National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026Developed a submission to the WA Inquiry into the guardianship and administration system.
For more information click here.
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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 and friend 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 enquiry, please reach out to carerservices@carerswa.asn.au or call 1800 950 440. |
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Carers WA supports carers through a range of services, including residential and emergency respite. We have noticed it’s becoming increasingly difficult to secure placements to support our carers, and we would really appreciate support from our respite providers.
Providers can help by sharing regular vacancy updates with Servicedevelopment@carerswa.asn.au or reaching out to the Service Development team to discuss any barriers or possible solutions.
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We are currently reviewing and updating our Service Agreement to ensure it is:
Easier to understandMore accessible for providersReflective of internal changes
Revised agreements will be sent to providers over the coming months.
Existing agreements remain active in the meantime. |
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Carers WA has introduced 90 day payment terms for all funded supports.
What this means:
- Purchase Orders (PO) are valid for 90 days from the first service delivered.
- The PO itself will clearly display this expiry date.
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Services delivered after the PO expiry cannot be funded.
- Invoices may be submitted up to 30 days after expiry, but only for services provided within the valid date range.
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If you cannot deliver the services before the expiry date, please contact Carers WA to discuss.
A friendly reminder:
- Services must match the service type listed on the PO.
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Non approved services and post expiry services cannot be funded.
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| Category 1 Incidents: Report Within 12 Business Hours
Includes:
• Death
• Serious injury
• Abuse or neglect
• Domestic or family violence
• Missing persons during a funded service
Category 2 Incidents: Report Within 3 Business Days
Includes:
• Allegations of abuse, neglect, or restrictive practices
• Domestic violence allegations
• Self-harm requiring clinical intervention
If unsure, please notify Carers WA as soon as possible.
Please report any general feedback or incidents that fall outside this criteria as soon as possible.
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| Vacancy Updates
To support timely service coordination, providers are encouraged to send updates regarding:
Current vacanciesChanges to coverage areasAdditional or reduced capacity
Email updates to: carerservices@carerswa.asn.au |
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| Service Bookings, POs, Quotes, Agreements, General Enquiries, Incidents & Feedback
- 1800 950 440
- carerservices@carerswa.asn.au
Invoices, Billing, Eftsure Queries
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accounts@carerswa.asn.au
- 1300 227 377
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| Thank You for Your Ongoing Support
We appreciate your partnership in delivering quality support to carers across Western Australia.
If you require clarification on any items, please reach out.
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Carers WA presents an interactive workshop for carers exploring how trauma, stress and tension impact the body.
By educating the mind and working with the body, you can re-engineer your responses to stress and release tension.
Please share this opportunity with the carers you support.
When: Friday, 19th June | 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Carers WA Djilba Meeting Room | 182 Lord St, Perth 6000
To register click here.
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We've created FAQ's resources to address commonly asked questions about Carer Gateway. This resource aims to guide both staff and clients on available support and access methods. It also serves as a handy guide for newly onboarded service providers.
To view Carer Gateway FAQs click here.
Explore Carer Gateway information for service providers here. |
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Carers WA has resources available in 15 languages to enable information on our supports and services to be accessible.
These include Burmese, Karen, Urdu, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
To view our current translated resources
click here. |
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Aged Care Reform Translated Resources |
Carers WA has 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.
These include English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic and Italian.
To view the aged care reform resources, click here and scroll down.
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| Carer Friendly Workplace
E-Book |
'Our carer friendly workplace E-Book' is free to download and includes information about the impact of caring on employee wellbeing, information on why supporting carers at work is important, and 10 strategies you can take to become a carer-friendly employer.
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The Prepare to Care hospital team provides resources for carers and education for staff. Hospital admission can be a critical time, not only for the patient but also for the person who cares for them.
The Prepare to Care Book is a free resource to assist carers to navigate the hospital system when the person they care for has been admitted. |
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Enquiry Type
- Carer referrals
- Carer Gateway registration
- Carer support planning |
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Enquiry Type
- Existing/planned service bookings
- Purchase orders
- Billings and payments
- Quotes |
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Enquiry Type
- Service Agreement/contract enquiries
- Business enquiries
- Brokerage services |
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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. |
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| 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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