Click here to view this email in your browser. |
|
|
|
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. | |
|
|
Carers Week Activity Grants |
|
|
|
Service Providers, don't miss your last chance to apply. Submit your application today.
Not-for-profit organisations and community groups are invited to apply for a Community Activity Grant to support local events during Carers Week 2026 in 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.
To submit your application click here.
|
|
|
|
Carers WA Conference 2026 |
|
|
|
Have you registered for the Carers WA Conference 2026?
We are delighted by the strong interest from service providers, with in-person registrations now at capacity.
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
For more information and to register click here.
|
|
|
|
Thank You to Our Supporters
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
For more information click here.
|
|
|
|
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.
-
Manage My Care: Free app and web portal for accessing outpatient appointments and referral information across WA public health services.
-
Care Opinion Australia: Online platform where patients, carers, and families can share healthcare experiences to help improve services.
-
Carer Representation: Enables carers to use their lived experience to influence service improvements and raise awareness of carers' perspectives.
For more information click here.
|
|
|
|
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.
For more information click here. |
|
| |
The Carer Wellness at Home program has re-opened for referrals.
The program provides in-home support to carers, including the following:
• Information about services available to support carers;
• Support carers to navigate aged care, community support and carer support services;
• Help with completing forms (e.g. Carer Allowance, ACROD and Taxi Voucher Scheme);
• Supporting carers with information on the new Aged Care reforms.
A carer may be eligible to access the Carer Wellness at Home Program where the person receiving care:
• Is aged 65 years or over;
• Is aged 50 years or over and identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person;
• Has been assessed as eligible for Australian Government funded aged care services through
My Aged Care;
• Is receiving Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services, Support at Home
services, or is awaiting commencement of approved aged care support; and
• Resides within the program's designated service area, we travel within the metro area; North
as far as Two Rocks, East as far as Chidlow, and South as far as Port Kennedy.
Our team also provides education sessions and presentations to service providers on the Aged Care reforms and their impact on carers.
Please contact us if you would like our team to present to your organisation.
Service providers can submit referrals via our website, email us at wellnessprogram@carerswa.asn.au, or call 1300 227 377 for more information.
|
|
|
|
More than 20 organisations have achieved Carer Friendly Employer Accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to supporting employees with caring responsibilities.
Becoming a Carer Friendly Employer offers a range of benefits, including:
- Endorsement as a carer friendly employer
-
Attraction and retention of staff
- Building a resilient workforce
- Reduction of recruitment and training costs
To learn more about Carer Friendly Employer Accreditation click here.
|
|
|
|
Last week, Carers WA appeared before the Senate Inquiry into the NDIS Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026.
We advocated for stronger protections to ensure NDIS reforms do not unintentionally increase unpaid caring responsibilities, financial hardship, or barriers to accessing essential support for carers and families.
To watch the recording click here.
|
|
|
|
Did you know? Carer Coaching can make a meaningful difference to carers' wellbeing and resilience.
One WA carer recently shared how having someone to talk to helped them reflect on their situation, stay motivated, and prioritise their own wellbeing.
As a service provider, you can support carers by referring them to Carer Coaching through Carer Gateway. This practical, future-focused service helps carers identify priorities, set goals, and develop strategies to better manage their caring role and everyday life.
To learn more or make a referral, call 1800 422 737 or visit the Carer Gateway website. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Systemic Policy and Advocacy |
|
|
|
|
Carers WA has provided a submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee's Inquiry into the Support at Home Program.
While we welcome the program's focus on helping older Australians access affordable, timely and appropriate care at home, we have highlighted the need for greater recognition and support for unpaid carers, who play a vital role in Australia's aged care system.
To read our full submission and recommendations click here. |
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
To help ensure provider records remain current and compliant, Carers WA is implementing a new automated email notification system for expiring documentation, including insurances and clearances.
Under this process, providers will receive email reminders at the following intervals:
- Two weeks prior to expiry
- On the expiry date
- Two weeks after expiry
If updated documentation is not received following these reminders, your provider profile may be deactivated within our system until the required documents are supplied.
This process will help ensure provider records remain up to date and support our commitment to quality and compliance across our provider network.
If you have any questions regarding your documentation requirements, please contact the Service Development Team at Servicedevelopment@carerswa.asn.au |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Non approved services and post expiry services cannot be funded.
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
| Service Bookings, POs, Quotes, Agreements, General Enquiries, Incidents & Feedback
- 1800 950 440
- carerservices@carerswa.asn.au
Invoices, Billing, Eftsure Queries
-
accounts@carerswa.asn.au
- 1300 227 377
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
|
We have a range of upcoming events and activities designed to connect carers across Western Australia.
We encourage service providers to share these opportunities with carers in their networks.
- Chair Yoga
- Carer Representative Orientation
-
Morning Tea with Dementia Australia (Broome)
- Home Lifesavers Course
- Guilt Workshop
To view all upcoming events click here.
| |
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
Enquiry Type
- Carer referrals
- Carer Gateway registration
- Carer support planning |
| |
|
Enquiry Type
- Existing/planned service bookings
- Purchase orders
- Billings and payments
- Quotes
|
| |
|
Enquiry Type
- Service Agreement/contract enquiries
- Business enquiries
- Brokerage services |
| |
|
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) |
|
|
| | 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 |
|
|
|
Click here to unsubscribe. |
|
|
|
|
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
