Carers ACT and OzHarvest Partner for NEST Nutrition ClassesCarers ACT recently partnered with OzHarvest to deliver the NEST (Nutrition Education Skills Training) program, supporting carers to build confidence in preparing affordable, nutritious meals for themselves and the person they care for.
Across six interactive sessions, carers took part in hands-on cooking activities while learning practical ways to plan and prepare healthy meals on a budget. The program focused on setting realistic goals, improving food confidence and supporting everyday wellbeing through simple, sustainable changes.
Programs like NEST also align with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, particularly Keep Learning and Be Active, by encouraging carers to build new skills, stay engaged and take positive steps to support their health and wellbeing.
Carers also received an OzHarvest Everyday Cookbook and a certificate of completion to take home at the end of the program.
One carer shared, “I feel more in control with my choices of food now. The classes helped.” Another reflected, “I have been cooking more food now. It has made my life as a carer easier.”
If you would like to stay connected, recharged, and informed as a carer through workshops, social events, and learning opportunities that support your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, click on the events portal button below.
Staying at Home Program Getaway - Mittagong The Staying at Home Program recently held a two-night getaway in Mittagong from 20 to 22 April, bringing together carers and the people they care for a shared respite experience in a relaxed and supportive environment.
These getaways are a meaningful way to conclude the program, offering time to reflect on what has been learned, strengthen connections and build confidence in continuing to care at home. They also provide an opportunity to form friendships and connect with others who understand the caring journey.
Across the three days, participants enjoyed a range of activities designed to balance relaxation, connection and fun. The getaway began with a BBQ dinner and a relaxed evening to settle in. The following day included a group lunch at Mittagong RSL, time exploring local shops and a visit to a scenic lookout. The second evening brought a lively 70s-themed night, complete with costumes, a murder mystery game, shared meals and plenty of laughter. The retreat concluded with a home-cooked breakfast and a trivia session before heading home.
Carers shared how valuable the experience was:
“I had a fantastic connection with everyone there. It was so relaxing and refreshing to spend time together with people who understand.”
“My husband and I found this retreat so beneficial for the both of us. The program is a lifeline to us, and without retreats we would find it hard to keep going.”
“I felt absolutely supported. The person I care for felt happy, safe and supported the whole time.”
The Staying at Home Program provides education, peer connection and practical strategies to support carers to continue caring at home with confidence.
If you are caring for someone living at home with mild to moderate dementia and would like to learn more, please get in touch:
Phone: (02) 6296 9922
Email: stayingathome@carersact.org.au
The Policy and Advocacy team had another busy month collecting and elevating carer voices across our community.
In early March our Mental Health Carers Voice (MHCV) team attended the Mental Health Australia Expo at Parliament House alongside 55+ organisations, talking with policymakers and sector leaders about the importance of supporting mental health carers. We later returned to Parliament House to support the Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health event where lived experience voices—including carers—were the focus of reform conversations amongst politicians from across Australia.
Our MHCV and Systemic Advocacy teams both appeared together at the Inquiry into the Fiscal Sustainability of the ACT advocating for the formal recognition of carers within activity-based funding models and for time spent on unpaid caring in the ACT to be better captured and reported. While the Committee’s interim report does not address the concerns we raised, we expect that these issues will be included in the more detailed final report when it’s released.
Earlier this year we updated you on our responses to the Inquiry into the Family Personal and Sexual Violence Amendments Bill 2025, including our Systemic Advocacy Submission and our MHCV Submission. The Standing Committee has now released their final report, which cites some of the issues carers told us they face. Recommendations from the report include strategies that may help prevent carers being misidentified as perpetrators, or at the very least make it easier for officers to correct the record if misidentification does occur. We look forward to the Government’s response.
Our Carer Collective focus group this month focused on the draft design of a respite booking tool being explored by Housing Hub. Carers were invited to share their feedback to help shape the tool’s design and features. It is early days, but carers were supportive of the idea, and we anticipate there will be more opportunities for carer input should the concept progress to the next stage.
Our MHCV team and Foster and Kinship carer advocate participated in co-design workshops for Uniting Care’s Youth Trauma Service, supporting the development of Australia’s first service of its kind for young people, informed by lived experience, carers, families, and existing services.
One of our MHCV team members attended the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Sydney, joining over 1,000 attendees from across Australia. The conference highlighted the importance of moving from activity to impact, strengthening coordination across systems, and embedding lived and living experience - alongside recognising the critical role of carers in suicide prevention.
On April 30th the ACT Audit Office released their report on the Implementation of the Carers Recognition Act 2021. The ACT Carers Recognition Act formally recognises carers and sets expectations for government and funded support agencies to consider their needs and include carers in decisions that affect them. The audit report found what carers and Carers ACT often observe in practice, that there is still much more work to do to ensure the Act is fully put into practice. The Policy and Advocacy team are advocating for dedicated resourcing of the Act and will continue to push for better implementation to ensure its principles are fully embedded across the ACT.
As you can imagine, we have been busy discussing the announcements made about changes to the NDIS, which are covered in more detail under the Local and National News section of this newsletter. We are working with local advocacy bodies and other carer organisations across our National Network to coordinate and strengthen our advocacy efforts.
Carer Wellbeing Joint CommitteeThe Kinship and Foster Carer Wellbeing Joint Committee met in person last month to work through priority issues the group will focus on in the coming meetings. We hope to progress these matters in order of priority, while also allowing space to raise and respond to emerging issues as they arise.
There was great collaboration at the meeting between carers, out of home care agencies and representatives from the Children Youth and Families directorate.
Kinship and foster carers are invited to a dinner event featuring guest speaker Dr Brenda Heyworth, author of It's a Jungle. The event is taking place on Thursday May 21st and is open to all kinship and foster carers registered with Carers ACT. For more information, please contact The Foster and Kinship Carer Advocacy Team:
Phone: (02) 6296 9965 Email: Kinship.FosterCare@carersact.org.au
You’re Invited: The Hub Open DayAre you caring for someone aged 18–50 with a mild to moderate cognitive disability?
Carers ACT invites you to attend The Hub Open Day, a great opportunity to explore our Disability Day Program in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
You and the person you care for are invited to spend time at The Hub, take part in engaging activities and see how the program supports participants to build life skills, foster creativity, and connect with their community. It’s also a chance to meet our team, explore the space, and connect with other carers.
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt ACT
Cost: Free
To learn more or get in touch with The Hub:
Phone: 0413 997 466
Email: the.hub@carersact.org.au
Expression of Interest: Staying at Home Program - Christmas in June EventWe’re pleased to invite expressions of interest for our Staying at Home Program - Christmas in June event, taking place on Wednesday, 17 June at The Rex Hotel, Canberra, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
This special evening is designed to bring together carers and the people they support for a relaxed and festive experience.
The night will include a cocktail-style event, a shared dinner, dancing with live music, and even a surprise visitor to add a bit of Christmas cheer. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, unwind, and enjoy a meaningful night out in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Eligibility:
- Open to carers and the person they care for who is living with dementia (mild to moderate symptoms)
- Participants must be registered with Carers ACT and reside in the ACT
- People who have previously attended the Staying at Home Program
- Individuals who are interested in learning more about or participating in the Staying at Home Program are also encouraged to express interest
Please note: This is an expression of interest only. Submitting this form does not guarantee a place. Successful applicants will be contacted directly with further details.
For more information or to ask any questions, please contact the Staying at Home Program.
Email: stayingathome@carersact.org.au
We look forward to sharing this special evening with you.
To express your interest, click on the button below.
Take Time for Yourself with Carers ACT RespiteTaking time for yourself as a carer is important, but it can often feel difficult to step away.
Carers ACT’s respite services provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for the person you care for, so you can take time to rest, attend appointments or focus on other parts of your life, knowing they are well supported.
We offer a range of flexible respite options to suit different needs. Our Day Respite Centre in Spence provides a structured, engaging daytime program in a community setting. For longer or more flexible breaks, our cottage-based respite in Crace and Isaacs offers overnight, weekend and emergency stays in a comfortable, home-like environment.
Our experienced team delivers person-centred support that focuses on dignity, independence and comfort. Participants can take part in social, cognitive and wellbeing activities, while carers have time to recharge and return to their caring role feeling supported.
If you would like to see the Day Respite Centre in Spence for yourself, we are now hosting open days every Friday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. You are invited to join us for a relaxed morning tea, meet our team, explore the space and learn how the program supports both carers and the people they care for.
Respite can be accessed regularly or when you need it most, helping you maintain balance and wellbeing over time.
For cottage-based respite:
Phone: (02) 6296 9949
Email: cottages@carersact.org.au
For day respite: Phone: (02) 6296 9982
Email: day.respite@carersact.org.au
Day Respite Centre in Spence Open Day
If you would like to see the Day Respite Centre in Spence for yourself, we are now hosting an open day every Friday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. You are invited to join us for a relaxed morning tea, meet our team, explore the space and learn how the program supports both carers and the people they care for.
To express your interest in attending an open day, please click the button below. Digital Champions ProgramCarers Australia and the Australian Digital Health Agency are offering tailored learning sessions about digital health systems for carers.
These sessions can help carers understand how digital health information is kept safe and private.
Digital health information can include pathology or diagnostic imaging results, immunisations, medications, discharge summaries, and electronic prescriptions.
Carers will learn: - The benefits of using digital health systems
- What “better, faster access” means in practice
- How to manage user and privacy settings
- How digital health information is protected
- The access controls available to carers
Dates: Friday, 8 May 2026 and Friday, 15 May 2026
Times: 3:00pm to 4:00pm for both sessions
Location: Capital Region Community Services, 23 Swanson Ct, Belconnen
Cost: Free
Please Note: Each session is identical. You can register for either session.
To register, click the button below. Future of Education Equity Fund - Support for Young CarersAre you a young carer supporting someone at home while also managing school?
The ACT Government’s Future of Education Equity Fund may be able to help with some of the costs that come with your education. This includes things like school uniforms, excursions, sporting activities and other items that support your learning and wellbeing.
If you’re eligible, you could receive a one-off payment for the school year:
- $400 for preschool students
- $500 for primary school students
- $750 for high school and college students
Balancing school and caring can be challenging, and support like this can help make things a little easier.
Applications are open until 27 November 2026.
To find out more, check your eligibility, or apply, click the button below.
Have Your Say: Mission Australia Youth SurveyAre you a young carer aged 14–19?
The Mission Australia Youth Survey is now open, giving you the opportunity to share your experiences, what matters to you and the challenges you may be facing.
Each year, thousands of young people take part in this survey, helping build a clearer understanding of the issues that matter most. Your input can help shape future supports, services and decisions that affect young people, including those balancing school, life and caring responsibilities.
The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete and is confidential.
If you have the time, this is a chance to have your voice heard and contribute to real change.
The survey closes Friday 14 August 2026.
What you need to participate
Complete the Consent Form (please tick 'Yes' if you want a tailored report*) We will send you a unique code and survey link to share with your young people.
Resources Meet Georgia: A Beacon of Support for CarersGeorgia is a valued member of the Carers ACT team and currently serves as Acting Program Lead for Carer Gateway ACT. In her role, she is dedicated to supporting carers to access the help they need and ensuring they feel heard, understood and supported.
Georgia is passionate about learning and development and brings this into her leadership by creating a supportive environment for both carers and her team. She finds it most rewarding to see the positive changes that occur when carers are connected with the right supports. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to empower carers and see them thrive,” she says.
Outside of her professional role, Georgia is actively involved in her local community, running the Bungendore Tigers Football Club. During winter, she enjoys playing league tag, staying active and connected. She also shares her home with her Great Dane puppy, Sadie, who she says always brings a smile to her face.
Georgia’s warmth and approachable nature are part of what makes her such a strong support for carers. And for a fun fact, she can even sing the alphabet backwards.
The Carer Gateway is here for you
Carer Gateway offers free, confidential support for carers, including care planning, counselling, coaching, peer support groups, tailored support packages, flexible respite and practical assistance.
To find out more or access support: Call Carer Gateway on: 1800 422 737
Visit: carergateway.gov.au
Carers ACT Calls for Careful, Carer-informed Implementation of NDIS Reforms and Welcomes New Investments in Aged CareCarers ACT acknowledges that Minister Butler’s recent announcements about the NDIS may be causing distress for carers in the ACT. The proposed NDIS reforms represent changes in how disability supports will be accessed and delivered, with direct implications for carers.
“While the community understands the need to manage NDIS spending, Carers ACT wants to ensure that the experiences and voices of carers are considered and included in these reforms” Carers ACT CEO Mr Beckett said.
While the Australian Government is making these changes to ensure that the NDIS is more financially sustainable, Carers ACT is waiting for more detail regarding the changes to broader plan adjustments and social and community participation funding. These changes may affect access to essential services and supports that carers and people with disability rely on. These supports are not optional extras, they play a critical role in enabling carers to sustain their caring role.
“It will be essential to ensure that new supports are in place, accessible and consistent before any changes reduce access to existing supports as we know that carers will be left to bridge the gap” Mr Beckett said.
We welcome the Minister’s recognition that the NDIS is one of Australia’s greatest human rights reforms. We will continue to seek further details and share these as they come to hand.
Carers ACT welcomes the Australian Government’s recent announcement of a $3 billion investment in aged care. We understand the benefit of dementia supports and hear how the lack of residential aged care beds impacts carers. We are pleased that the government is listening to the needs of carers in this regard.
“Carers have been asking for increased age care places and stronger dementia support, particularly to improve the critical transition from hospital into aged care. These measures represent important progress” Mr Beckett said.
While improvements to disability and aged care are welcome and needed, we know that these changes will take time. Carers ACT will continue to monitor developments closely and will ensure carers are part of the conversations shaping these reforms and receive the support through the transitions.
Carers ACT Response to the Auditor-General’s Report on the ACT Carers Recognition Act 2021Carers ACT has welcomed the release of the Auditor-General’s report into the implementation of the ACT Carers Recognition Act 2021, describing it as an important opportunity to strengthen how carers are recognised and supported across the ACT.
Carers ACT played an active role in developing the Act and continues to champion its principles through community engagement, advocacy and sector partnerships.
Carers ACT CEO Cain Beckett said the Act provides a strong foundation for recognising the vital role carers play in the community.
“The Carers Recognition Act is an important and valuable tool. It has helped elevate the visibility of carers and provides a clear framework for how carers should be recognised, respected and included,” Mr Beckett said.
The audit found that implementation of the Act has been inconsistent across government, with no central implementation plan, limited guidance for agencies, and variability in how the legislation is applied.
Mr Beckett said these findings reflect what carers and Carers ACT have been observing in practice.
“This report confirms there is still more work to do to ensure the intent of the Act is realised in everyday service delivery,” he said. “The Act is clear that carers have a right to be recognised, meaningfully supported, and included in decisions that affect them, and this is not consistently happening. That is why effective implementation is so important.”
Carers ACT acknowledges the organisations and agencies that have taken steps to embed the Act within their own policies and frameworks, noting these examples demonstrate what is possible with the right approach and commitment.
Carers ACT is calling for the development of a clear, whole-of-government implementation framework with defined responsibilities, timelines and accountability measures.
There must also be consistent training and practical guidance across all agencies to ensure the Act is understood and applied, and that agencies are clear on their obligations under the legislation.
Carers ACT is eager to work with Government, including the Health and Community Services Directorate, to support this work.
Critically, carers must be embedded in the system, not treated as an afterthought. This reflects the Act’s focus on recognising and including carers.
Without these changes, carers will continue to experience inconsistent recognition and support across the system, despite the protections set out in legislation.
Mr Beckett said the findings reinforce the need for a more coordinated, top-down approach to implementation.
“Carers ACT hears the real-world consequences for carers when the Act is not being consistently implemented, and we welcome this report as an important step toward driving that change,” he said. “This is not about the Act itself. Even the best legislation cannot deliver its intended benefits unless it is embedded in practice.”
Carers ACT also highlights the need for dedicated resourcing to support implementation, including training, education and ongoing monitoring of outcomes to ensure consistent recognition and support for carers.
“With the growing number of carers and increasing complexity of caring roles, the system must be equipped to recognise and support carers effectively,” Mr Beckett said.
Carers ACT remains committed to continuing to advocate for stronger implementation of the ACT Carers Recognition Act 2021 to ensure its principles are fully embedded across the ACT.
A Simple Walk Can Make a DifferenceTaking time to step outside for a walk, even for 10–30 minutes, can have a positive impact on your wellbeing as a carer. Walking can support your physical health, help clear your mind and provide a moment to pause in your day.
Whether it’s a short walk to the shops, time in a local park, or a gentle stroll in nature, these small moments can make a meaningful difference. You can break this into smaller sessions across the day, whatever works best for you and your routine.
Walking outdoors also aligns with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, particularly Be Active and Be Aware, by encouraging movement and helping you stay present in the moment. This framework guides many of the wellbeing activities and events we offer at Carers ACT.
If you are looking for simple, accessible places to walk, here are a few local options to explore with the person you care for, or on your own:
Jerrabomberra Wetlands Loop - A peaceful, nature-based walk through the wetlands, with opportunities to spot birdlife including pelicans and grey teals.
3.4 km | 30–60 minutes Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cNcZAO
Cotter Dam Discovery Trail - A wheelchair-accessible trail with a smooth surface, offering a gentle walk and a chance to explore an important part of Canberra’s history.
1.4 km | approximately 45 minutes
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4d0J6Ml
Yerrabi Pond Loop - A flat, paved path ideal for a relaxed walk, suitable for a range of mobility needs.
4 km | 30–60 minutes
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4w99Fr8
Carers ACT also offers a range of wellbeing activities designed around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, supporting connection, movement, and time for yourself.
To learn more about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, visit: https://www.5waystowellbeing.org.au/
To explore upcoming events and activities, click the events portal button below. Navigating Aged Care in the ACTAre you supporting someone through the aged care system, or trying to understand what support is available?
Health Care Consumers and Northside Community Service are hosting a community event designed to make navigating aged care clearer and more accessible for carers and community members.
This relaxed, café-style session brings people together over tea, coffee and light refreshments, with the opportunity to hear directly from a range of organisations supporting aged care. Experts will rotate between tables, offering short, informal “table talks” and the chance to ask questions and learn more about available supports.
Organisations presenting include:
- Canberra Health Services – Aged Care Transitions and Allied Health in the Community
- ADACAS – Aged Care Advocacy Service
- COTA – Advocacy and Information for Older Australians
- Dementia Australia – Support for Dementia at Home
- Care Finders – Community Options and Meridian
- Northside Community Service – Support at Home Team
This is a great opportunity to build your understanding, connect with services and feel more confident navigating the aged care system.
Date: Tuesday 26 May
Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Location: Majura Hall, Northside Community Service, Dickson ACT
Cost: Free
To register, click the button below.
Imagine More’s Imagine Home Conference at Hotel RealmAre you supporting someone with disability to think about their future living arrangements?
Imagine More’s Imagine Home Conference is a two-day event designed for people with disability, their carers and families to explore different housing options and what it means to create a home that works for them.
This conference brings together lived experience and practical information, including speakers who have successfully transitioned into living more independently. It’s an opportunity to hear real stories, learn about available options and build confidence in planning next steps.
Topics will include:
- Different housing pathways, including renting, public housing and home ownership
- Living independently or with others, including shared living options
- Building connections within the community
- Accessing the right supports to make these options possible
This event may be particularly helpful for carers who are starting to think about future planning or exploring what is possible for the person they care for.
Dates:
- Wednesday 20 May 2026
- Thursday 21 May 2026
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm (both days)
Location: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT
Cost: Free for people with disability, their carers and families
To register, click the button below.
Palliative Care Community RoundtableAre you caring for a child or young person with complex or life-limiting needs, or interested in shaping the future of paediatric palliative care in the ACT?
As part of National Palliative Care Week, Palliative Care ACT is hosting a Community Roundtable to bring together carers, families, health professionals and community members. This session will explore current challenges and help shape a more compassionate and responsive system of care for children and young people.
This is an opportunity to share your experiences, hear from others and contribute to meaningful conversations that can influence future care and support in our region. The session will feature keynote speaker Anthony Herbert, President of Palliative Care QLD and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at QUT.
Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT
Cost: Free (afternoon tea provided)
For enquiries: Email: office@pallcareact.org.au
Phone: (02) 6255 5771
To register or find out more, click the button below.
Open Opportunities
We are always looking for ways that carers can participate
in the issues that impact them. If you’re looking for a way to comment on a new
program or process, or see what opportunities are available in the advocacy,
survey and lived experience space, visit our open opportunities webpage. About the Carer GatewayThe Carer Gateway (delivered by Carers ACT) provides a range of tailored supports and services for carers that are personalised to your unique situation and outcome. Services include counselling and peer support groups, respite care, equipment, home help and even support in home emergency respite. You can get the support you need to manage your daily challenges, reduce stress, plan for the future, and improve your wellbeing.
Call the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 between 9am and 5pm and speak to one of our local care planners who will talk through what you need and help organise the right services and support to help you. Your Impact - Share Your Story and Create Change
Carers ACT works hard to respond to the needs of carers as we are told about them. Your carer stories inform our policy, services and how we influence the community. We're always looking for cares stories to guide us, inform us and help the community understand just how valuable carers are to our community. By sharing your story, other carers will know they are not alone, and the community will better understand your role and challenges. Share you story here.
Our Canberra is the printed newsletter Canberrans receive in their mailboxes monthly, informing of local news, events and government initiatives.
This year, they have begun producing an Easy English edition of Our Canberra. You can see these editions on the Our Canberra website here.
It is currently only available in digital form.
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