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Caring Matters E-News | August 2026 |
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Carers WA Conference Update |
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Carers WA Conference Countdown |
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The highly anticipated Carers WA Conference 2026 is fast approaching, and we thank you for the strong interest in attending this much-anticipated event.
Our in-person registrations have now reached capacity, and a waitlist is available for carers.
We encourage those wishing to attend in person to join the waitlist, as places may become available before the conference. If a place becomes available, Carers WA will contact waitlisted registrants directly. Unlimited spots are available for online attendance.
In-person *WAITLIST ONLY*: Thursday, 8th October | 8.00am – 4.00pm | Optus Stadium
Please arrive from 8.00am, to be seated at 8.45am. Enjoy a barista coffee and visit our expo tables.
Online: Thursday, 8th October | 8.45am – 4.00pm
One ticket per carer. Up to two staff tickets per service provider organisation, can be registered for separately.
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Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have compiled a list of FAQs on the Conference, including questions on in-person and online attendance, the venue, and more, for you to easily find information about the day. |
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Thank You to Our Supporters |
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The Carers WA Conference 2026 has been made possible through the valued support of our Major Supporter, Lotterywest, and our Silver Supporters, the Department of Health and
Ability WA.
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Lotterywest is proud to support Carers WA and the broader community of carers who make an invaluable contribution to Western Australia.
We recognise that carers are too often unseen and undervalued, yet a completely vital part of our community, which is why helping to build an “Inclusive thriving community” is a pillar of our Community Investment Framework.
By supporting the Carers WA Conference and other carer-focused organisations such as Uplyft, Spectrum Space and the Foster Care Association of WA, Lotterywest is investing in initiatives that reduce vulnerability and disadvantage, strengthen social connections, and help create more inclusive communities for all Western Australians.
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The Department of Health works with health service providers, consumers, carers, and community representatives to design and deliver safe, accessible, and patient-centred care. Across the WA health system, we remain committed to recognising, supporting, and partnering with carers. We work with carers through advisory councils, leadership initiatives, and service improvement activities that bring lived experience into decision-making.
We also collaborate with Carers WA and other non-government organisations to ensure health services better meet the needs of patients, carers, families, and communities. These partnerships and initiatives reflect our dedication to delivering a high-quality, person-centred health system informed by the voices and experiences of carers. WA Health offers carers a range of programs, information, and resources to support carers throughout their caring journey, including:
- Prepare to Care Hospital Program: Provides information and support for family members and friends caring for patients during hospital stays and after discharge.
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Manage My Care: Free app and web portal for accessing outpatient appointments and referral information across WA public health services.
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Care Opinion Australia: Online platform where patients, carers, and families can share healthcare experiences to help improve services.
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Carer Representation: Enables carers to use their lived experience to influence service improvements and raise awareness of carers' perspectives.
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Ability WA is a not-for-profit disability service provider that has been supporting Western Australian families for more than 70 years.
Ability WA supports people with cerebral palsy, autism and other physical and intellectual disability.
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Carers Week Activity Grants |
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| Not-for-profit organisations and community groups are invited to apply for a Community Activity Grant to support local events during Carers Week 2026 this October.
Supported by Lotterywest, these grants help deliver activities that recognise and celebrate unpaid carers across Western Australia.
Grants of $500, $700 or $800 (excluding GST) are available, depending on the anticipated number of carers attending your event.
Applications close at 4.00pm on
Friday, 14th August 2026. |
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Did you know, the Carer Gateway website offers online peer support and carer coaching.
- Online Peer Support: The online community forum gives carers a safe, moderated space to come together and ask questions, share advice and experiences and gain emotional support.
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Self-guided Coaching: helps carers explore how their caring role affects different areas of life. Co-designed with carers, the program includes practical coaching sessions with information, tips, resources, reflection activities, and real stories from Australian carers to support positive change and wellbeing.
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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.
This milestone anniversary provides an important opportunity to reflect on our journey, acknowledge the impact of our work, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting carers now and into the future.
As part of the celebrations, we will also be launching a special giveaway this October. Stay tuned for more details. |
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| This gentle yoga class will be guided by Erin Griffin who loves nothing more than inviting people to slow down, be kind and listen to their bodies.
The class will be a combination of seated and standing postures with plenty of options so you can choose what feels right for you and your body.
When: Wednesday, 26th August |
10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Thornlie Park Centre
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA |
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| Use your lived experience as a carer to stand up for, and represent the voice of carers in your community.
The Carer Representation Program supports carers to share their experiences and influence positive change across health and mental health systems. As a Carer Representative, you can help ensure carers’ perspectives are heard where decisions are made.
When: Tuesday, 1st September |
9.30am – 2.00pm
Where: Carers WA | 182 Lord St, Perth
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| Guilt is a feeling, a common experience in a carer’s life when they focus on caring for themselves.
In this workshop, Louisa Holmes, a registered Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, will look at ways to rethink and refocus our thoughts and feelings of guilt to find a way to rest a little easier when we choose to make time for ourselves.
When: Friday, 11th September |
10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Carers WA | 182 Lord St, Perth
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
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| Are you a carer who would like to learn some essential lifesaving skills that may assist you in your caring role at home?
This community education program, run by Surf Life Saving WA, is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to carry out first aid treatments in your home.
When: Wednesday, 23rd September |
10.00am – 1.00pm
Where: Surf Life Saving WA
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA |
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| Rest might feel like a foreign concept in today’s times but it is a truly vital piece of the puzzle.
Come along for a relaxing morning where we will share some simple practices that restore and replenish.
When: Tuesday, 20th October |
10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Henderson Environmental Centre
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
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| This gentle and informative workshop explores the many forms grief can take, strategies to help manage our own grief, and ways we can support others on their grieving journey.
This session will be facilitated by Erin Griffin, an End of Life Guide committed to bridging the gap between clinical and community care around death and dying.
When: Tuesday, 27th October |
10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Henderson Environmental Centre
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
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| Are you a young carer aged 13-17yrs looking for an unforgettable adventure in the January school holidays?
Join us for five days of fun at the Young Carer Camp! Meet other young carers and enjoy confidence-building activities designed for ages 13-17.
When: Monday, 11th January to Friday, 15th January 2027
Where: Perth Eastern suburbs
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Carers in Geraldton are invited to help shape the new WA Carers Strategy.
Join this in-person conversation, facilitated by the Hon Dr Katrina Stratton MLC, to share your experiences and contribute to practical solutions that support carers across WA.
When: Tuesday, 4th August | 9.30am – 12.30am (Doors open 9.00am)
Where: The Geraldton Multipurpose Centre
If you have any queries, please reach out to the Department of Communities Carers Policy Team at carers@communities.wa.gov.au
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Join Novel Care Services for a special event celebrating unpaid carers.
Enjoy motivational talks, games, and activities designed to relax, uplift, and support those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.
When: Friday, 7th August | 9.30am – 1.30pm
Where: The Rise | 28 Eighth Ave, Maylands |
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Carer Representation Updates |
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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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| UWA Research Study Participants Wanted: Senior-Carer Pairs |
Are you caring for a senior who lives in the community?
Researchers from the University of Western Australia are running a short pilot study about AI daily check-in calls for senior participants and their unpaid carers. Participants will receive a $25 gift voucher for their time.
To find out more, contact A/Prof. Celeste Rodriguez Louro - Chief Investigator & Lead Researcher (UWA)
or (08) 6488 2865 | |
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Research Study: Support for Carers of children experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours |
Join a study exploring parents’ and carers’ experiences of supporting a child experiencing suicidal distress and seeking support from family, friends and peers to help improve resources for carers. |
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| Research Study: Balancing Employment and Caring for Someone with Cancer |
Join a study on balancing employment and caring for someone with cancer.
It explores challenges and support needs to help improve workplace policies for employees who are also informal carers.
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The Cook Labor Government has appointed Carrie Clark as Chair and six new members to the WA Carers Advisory Council, which advises the government on issues affecting Western Australia's unpaid carers.
The new members bring diverse expertise and lived experience across caring roles, advocacy, health, disability and community services.
At Carers WA, we welcome these appointments and the opportunity they bring to further elevate carers’ voices at the highest levels. |
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Did you know HOYTS Australia cinemas host special sensory screenings one Saturday morning each month at selected HOYTS locations?
Lights are dimmed and sound is softened, creating a calm, welcoming environment for people with autism or sensory needs.
To find out about sensory screenings at your local cinema, select Sensory Screening from the Key & Filters section on the cinema movie showtimes page. |
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| Moving into residential care is one of the most emotionally challenging decisions in a carer's journey.
Louise knew the day would come for her husband, but she never expected how difficult it would be to find a facility willing to accept him because of his age.
In the latest episode of Dementia Australia's Hold the Moment podcast, Residential Care: Understanding Changing Needs, Jim and Hamish speak with Louise and Susan about the realities of moving into residential care.
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'I lost a normal childhood': What it's like being a young carer.
Kenny Davis and Naomi Bonacci-Rocca were both under 10 when they took on caring responsibilities at home. They are among Australia's 391,000 young people under 25 who provide care and support to family members or friends.
While many children were focused on school, hobbies and friendships, Kenny and Naomi were helping loved ones manage daily challenges.
This ABC News story shines a light on the experiences of young carers and the need for greater recognition and support.
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Small changes to energy use can lead to meaningful savings, and Energy Ahead helps carers identify opportunities to reduce household energy costs.
This free government-funded program for Synergy customers experiencing financial stress offers personalised energy coaching to help households better understand and manage their energy use.
Participants can access a free in-home or phone consultation, receive tailored advice, and, for in-home coaching, up to $100 worth of energy-saving products. |
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| The Perron Institute is inviting people with lived experience of mental health conditions to join a committee and help inform research.
Receive a $50 eGIFT Voucher for your contribution.
Who can take part?
- Young people and adults (aged 14+)
with lived experience of mental health conditions.
- Parents, carers, and family members
supporting a loved one experiencing
mental health challenges.
For more information, please contact youthmentalhealth@perron.uwa.edu.au
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Meet our regional Carers WA team.
Carers WA has regional team members based across Western Australia, supporting carers in their local communities with connection, information and practical support.
If you’re a carer living in regional Western Australia, our local teams are here to talk with you about what support might work for your caring role.
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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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