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Caring Matters E-News | September 2026 |
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Carers WA Conference Update |
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Only one month to go until the Carers WA Conference 2026. Our in-person registrations are now at capacity. We encourage anyone wishing to attend in person to join the waitlist, as places may become available before the conference.
Unlimited spots remain 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
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Regional carers, join us for the Carers WA Conference 2026 livestream Hub in your community.
Connect with other carers, enjoy light refreshments, and watch the conference live alongside fellow carers in your region. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with our conference speakers throughout the day.
Albany: Hilton Garden Inn I 8.30am - 4.00pmManjimup: Manjimup Wellness Centre I 8.30am - 4.00pmBroome: Liyan-Ngan Nyirrwa Centre I 8.30am - 4.00pm
Wheatbelt: Wongan Hills Civic Centre I 8.30am - 2.00pm
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Carers WA Conference Speakers |
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| We are delighted to welcome Ros Thomas as our keynote speaker at Conference 2026.
In her 35 years of journalism across radio, television, print and publishing, Ros Thomas has reported from newsrooms, bureaus and international crisis zones around the world.
For eight years, Ros was the deputy chair of the WA Government’s Carers Advisory Council. She is the sole carer for her mother, diagnosed with dementia sixteen years ago.
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We are pleased to welcome Clinical Professor David Blacker AM, MB BS, FRACP as a Fireside Chat Guest Speaker together with his wife Kirsten, at Conference 2026.
David Blacker is currently the honorary medical director, and board member of Parkinson’s WA, research advisor to the Perron Institute for neurological and translation science, clinical professor of Neurology at the University of Western Australia and a board member of Parkinsons Australia. |
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I'm registered to attend, but cant anymore
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In-person registrations are now at capacity, and a waitlist is available for carers and service providers.
As a courtesy, Carers WA kindly requests that you notify us as early as possible if you are unable to attend by managing your registration through your Humanitix confirmation email. This will enable us to reallocate your place to the next person on the waitlist.
To cancel your registration, simply select "Manage Order" and follow the prompts to cancel your registration. Once completed, your registration will be automatically cancelled.
Alternatively, you can contact conference@carerswa.asn.au for assistance.
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Thank You to Our Supporters |
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| Yes. Receiving a Centrelink Carer Payment does not affect your eligibility for Carer Gateway services.
The Carer Payment is provided to support your caring role and is still considered unpaid care, as you are not employed to care for your loved one.
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| The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability is seeking feedback as part of its inquiry into access to and affordability of medical specialists in Australia.
The inquiry will examine access to specialist care across metropolitan, regional and rural communities, including workforce shortages, waiting times, referral pathways, affordability and out-of-pocket costs. Carers will be renumerated for their time ($37.50 per hour (2.5 hours attendance, 1 hour reading))
When: Tuesday, 8th September |
10.00am – 12.30pm
Where: Carers WA 182 Lord Street, Perth 6000 |
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| Carers registered with Carers WA are invited to a morning tea with Dementia Australia.
This is an opportunity for carers or interested family members to get information about Dementia and the supports Dementia Australia have available to support themselves and the person they care for.
When: Wednesday, 9th September |
10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Activity Room Circle House |
27 Frederick St, Broome WA 6725
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
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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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| Experience deep relaxation and inner calm through the soothing power of sound.
During a Sound Meditation, you can comfortably lie on a mat or sit in a chair while immersing yourself in the gentle vibrations and harmonious tones of beautiful instruments such as singing bowls and gongs.
When: Wednesday, 30th September |
10.30am – 11.30pm
Where: Sounds Divine | 1/162 Hannan St Kalgoorlie
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: Monday, 19th October |
10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: North Beach Community 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: Monday, 26th October |
10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: North Beach Community Centre
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
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Carers Australia and the network of Carers Associations invite all Australians to be part of Carers Week. Carers Week is Australia’s celebration of carers and is held annually in the third week of October.
National Carers Week 2026 will take place from Sunday, 11th to Saturday, 17th October 2026.
This year’s theme, Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible, highlights the important role carers play in our communities and encourages greater recognition, appreciation and support for those who care for others. The theme aims to ensure carers are seen, valued and connected to the resources that help maintain their own wellbeing.
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| To celebrate National Carers Week, we are hosting Cuppa in the Park events at four locations. Drop in for a free coffee, take a
well-earned pause, and enjoy a cuppa on us.
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11th October | 9.30am to 12.30pm
Kings Park, Kulbardi Pavilion
- 13th October | 9.00am to 11.00am
Neil Hawkins Park, Joondalup
- 14 October | 9.00am to 11.00am
Woodbridge Riverside Park, Midland
- 15 October | 9.00am to 11.00am
Governor Reserve, Rockingham
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We recognise that caring responsibilities can impact education, employment and career opportunities.
The Vocational Pathways Program provides personalised coaching and practical support to help carers explore, prepare for and achieve vocational goals while maintaining their caring role.
The Vocational Pathways Program can assist carers to:
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Explore career, education and training pathways
- Prepare for employment, including resumes, job applications and interviews
- Return to work after time away from the workforce
- Explore self-employment and small business opportunities
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Are you caring for someone who is over 65 years of age, (50 years or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) who are receiving Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services, Support at Home services, or is awaiting commencement of approved aged care support?
The Carer Wellness at Home Program is intended to support carers who may have difficulty accessing office-based services and who require assistance with:
- Service navigation
- Aged care information
- Aged care reform information
- Referral pathways
- Practical assistance
- Well-being support
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The Perth Royal Show is back, and carers registered with Carers WA have the chance to win tickets to this iconic WA event. We are grateful to have received tickets through the Perth Royal Show Inclusive Access Program, proudly funded by Lotterywest.
From showbags and rides to animals, entertainment and delicious food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Families can register their interest to attend and will be selected at random prior to the event. One entry per person. Maximum of 4 tickets per entrant.
Only successful applicants will be contacted via email. Entries close midnight, 9th of September.
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We are proud to support the Canning Show as a Community Partner this year. Enjoy early access to one of WA’s favourite community events and experience the show before the crowds arrive.
Thanks to the generosity of the Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and Recreational Society, carers and their families can register for FREE tickets to the Canning Show.
When: Friday, 6th & Saturday, 7th November
Opening Hours: Friday, 5.00pm–10.00pm | Saturday 10.00am–10.00pm
Where: Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds Cannington, WA
Terms and conditions apply.
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Carers WA has welcomed important improvements to the NDIS Amendment Bill, describing them as a positive step towards better recognising the vital role of carers and families in supporting people with disability.
But significant gaps remain. Every year, unpaid carers provide more than 2.2 billion hours of care. When support services are reduced, delayed or unavailable, that responsibility doesn't disappear. Too often, it falls on families already carrying so much. A sustainable NDIS requires sustainable carers.
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| "There is a chronic under-representation of young carers."
Laura Thomas, Manager of the Young Carer Team at Carers WA, recently spoke with
Youth JAM about the challenges facing young carers in Western Australia.
From low awareness in schools and communities to the social impact of caring responsibilities, many young carers continue to go unseen and unsupported.
Hear more about why recognising and supporting young carers matters.
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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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Carer Perspectives on the Draft NSQHS Standards (Third Edition) |
Have your say on the draft NSQHS Standards (3rd Edition).
Carers WA wants to hear from unpaid carers about whether the draft Standards reflect the issues that matter most to carers and what could be improved.
The survey should take approximately 8–10 minutes to complete. Survey respondents will have the opportunity to go into a draw to win one of two $50 Prezzee gift vouchers.
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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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