Walking the Journey Together at the RexOur latest Walking the Journey Together Retreat brought 19 carers and the people they care for together at the Rex Hotel in Canberra for a few days of connection, creativity, useful information and time away from everyday routines.
Across the retreat, carers had opportunities to relax and connect with others who understand the experience of caring, while also taking part in activities and information sessions designed to support them in their caring role.
A decoupage art class provided an opportunity to slow down, get creative and enjoy making something together. Carers also heard from Services Australia about the different payments and assistance that may be available to carers, including Carer Allowance, and from ADACAS about advocacy and support with navigating My Aged Care assessments and services.
Carers also had the chance to meet Gillian and Mark from Carers ACT, learn more about the support available and ask questions in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Most importantly, the retreat created space for carers and the people they support to step away from their usual routines, spend quality time together and connect with others.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the retreat such a warm and enjoyable few days. We hope everyone returned home feeling a little more connected, informed and refreshed. Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) Conference 2026Our Policy and Advocacy team attended the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) Conference 2026, held from 9–11 September in Melbourne.
Under the theme Changing Families in Changing Times, the conference brought together government representatives, researchers, practitioners and community organisations to explore how policy, programs and support systems can evolve to meet the changing needs of Australian families.
Carers ACT was proud to present The Redistribution of Care in Australia, focusing on the experiences of ‘sandwich carers’ – people who simultaneously care for their children and ageing parents. With an estimated 1.5 million sandwich carers across Australia, these growing caring responsibilities can have significant impacts on wellbeing, workforce participation and long-term financial security.
The presentation explored how aged care reforms, changes to the NDIS and workforce shortages are contributing to greater reliance on carers and families. Increasingly, carers are not only providing direct care but also filling gaps in formal support systems and taking on roles as coordinators, advocates and navigators of complex service systems.
Carers were also recognised across a broad range of conference discussions, including aged care, disability, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, family wellbeing, gambling, and domestic and family violence. This demonstrated how caring responsibilities intersect with multiple policy and service systems and reinforced the need for better-connected services and more integrated systems to improve outcomes for carers and families.
Our presentation also highlighted the importance of ensuring carers are recognised within broader reform agendas, including policy development, service design, funding priorities and superannuation settings, particularly as more responsibility for care is redistributed to families.
The conference provided an important opportunity for Carers ACT to share evidence, elevate the experiences of carers and contribute to national policy discussions about the future of care in Australia. The insights and connections gained will also help inform our ongoing systemic advocacy for carers in the ACT.
Our Policy and Advocacy team has been working across ACT and national policy, research and consultations to represent the experiences and priorities of carers.
Following the 2026–27 ACT Budget, we reviewed the results of our post-budget engagement survey. Carers told us that while they welcomed investment in important community services, there was limited direct support for carers and little expectation that the Budget would improve their caring role. Cost-of-living pressures, wellbeing and access to support remain significant concerns, with quality support services, mental health and wellbeing, respite and financial assistance identified as key priorities.
Also, following our submission to the Inquiry into the Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2026, Carers ACT has been invited to appear at a public hearing, providing an opportunity to ensure carers’ experiences are considered as the proposed legislation progresses.
The team has also contributed to the Health Care Consumers Association’s Individual Health Consumer Advocacy Scoping Project and is partnering with Canberra Health Services on research exploring transparency in the use of artificial intelligence in health care.
At a national level, we are preparing a submission to the review of the Third Edition of the Australian Quality and Safety in Health Care Standards. We are calling for explicit recognition of carers throughout the Standards and proposing a dedicated Carer Standard that recognises their contribution to improving health care outcomes.
We have also finalised and submitted our Annual Performance Report and are preparing for the Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference in early September, where the team will present a paper.
The Alliance, a partnership between ATODA and MHCC ACT, recently spoke with carers about their experiences navigating mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the ACT. Carers shared what worked well, the challenges they encountered and where support could be improved.
Their feedback will help identify opportunities to improve access, coordination and support between mental health and AOD services. Thank you to the carers who shared their experiences and contributed to this work.
MHCV was also represented at TheMHS Conference 2026, where Em from the MHCV team connected with people from across Australia and New Zealand and heard how different communities are responding to shared challenges within the mental health system.
A highlight was the Family/Whānau/Kin/Friend/Carers & Supporters Forum, where participants shared practical approaches to strengthening carer inclusion, including clinical training, resources and ways of partnering with carers and families.
Reflecting on the conference, Em highlighted an important message:
“Recovery doesn’t just happen to individuals – it happens to families and carers too.”
The conference reinforced the importance of recognising and supporting carers throughout a person’s mental health journey. Em returned to the ACT with new ideas, learnings and connections to inform MHCV’s ongoing work with mental health carers.
Through this work, we continue to ensure carers’ experiences and priorities are represented in the policies and systems that affect them.
Have your say on the ACT Mental Health Act ReviewThe ACT Government is reviewing sections of the Mental Health Act 2015 and wants to hear from carers about their experiences.
If you support someone who has used the ACT mental health system, this is an opportunity to share your experiences and insights about how the Act works in practice. Your feedback will inform the final review report and help identify what is working well and where changes may be needed to improve safety and care for those affected by the Act and the people who care for them.
What is being reviewed? This is not a complete review of the Mental Health Act. The review is considering specific areas including mental health and forensic mental health orders, emergency detention, ACAT decision-making, information sharing with carers, participation in hearings, sexual and gender safety, cultural safety and First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing.
Carer consultation sessions Wednesday 7 October 2026 1pm–2.30pm Information sharing This session will explore how information sharing with carers could be improved to better support them in their caring role.
Location: Carers ACT, 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt
To register, please email your interest and which session you would like to attend to mhcarers@carersact.org.au
Can’t attend a session? There will be other opportunities to contribute. Public consultation through Your Say will open on 27 August 2026. Carers will also be able to provide a written submission or contact the Mental Health Act Review project team at MHACTREVIEW@act.gov.au. Kinship and Foster Carer Meeting preparation document is now live Kinship and foster carers often work with many different agencies, service providers and specialists, which can sometimes feel like a revolving door of meetings. To help carers feel more prepared and confident, we have developed a simple Meeting Preparation Guide with practical tips for staying clear, focused and organised before and during meetings.
Click on the button below to access the download link for the meeting preparation document. Navigating Financial SupportOur Kinship and Foster Carer Advocate recently attended an information session on the Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Advisers service offered by Services Australia. The advisers specialise in helping carers understand and access the payments and subsidies available to support their individual circumstances. If you are a grandparent, foster or kinship carer and would like assistance navigating the support available, you can find more information through Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Advisers – Services Australia. Voices of Kinship and Foster CarersStill open for submissions!
Carers ACT is developing a short, animated video for the Kinship and Foster Carer Resource Hub, featuring quotes from kinship and foster carers. The video will share carers' experiences, what supports them and what they want others to understand about their role, helping to raise awareness and understanding of kinship and foster care.
If you are a kinship or foster carer, we invite you to click on the button below to participate New Activity Grading System – Helping You Choose the Right Activity
At Carers ACT, we want every carer to feel confident and comfortable when participating in our events and activities.
To help you decide which activities are the best fit for you, we are introducing a new Activity Grading System. You'll start to see activities labelled as Low, Medium or High, based on the terrain, walking distance, pace and overall physical demands of the activity.
The grading is not about limiting participation—it is about providing you with clear information so you can choose activities that best suit your comfort level, mobility and wellbeing.
Each activity will include a simple guide outlining: - The expected terrain
- Walking distance and duration
- The pace of the activity
- Examples of the types of activities included within each level
If you are ever unsure whether an activity is right for you, we encourage you to get in touch. Our team is always happy to talk through the activity; answer your questions and help you find an option that suits your needs.
Our goal is simple - to make it easier for every carer to enjoy our activities safely, comfortably and with confidence. Ice to the Reef at the National Museum of AustraliaJourney from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the colourful world of the Great Barrier Reef in this immersive day out at the National Museum of Australia.
The day will begin with a virtual reality journey through Antarctica, where you’ll fly over glaciers, walk among penguins, and experience life at an Antarctic research station. After some time to explore the Museum and enjoy lunch together at the Museum Café, you’ll head beneath the waves for the Life in the Great Barrier Reef virtual reality experience, featuring turtles, manta rays, sharks, whales and colourful coral ecosystems.
It’s a great opportunity to try something different, learn more about two remarkable environments, and enjoy a day of discovery and connection with other carers.
Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026 Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm Location: National Museum of Australia, Acton ACT Cost: Please contact the Groups Team for details.
To express your interest in attending, please complete the Expression of Interest form - Ice to the Reef - National Museum of Australia – Fill out form
If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form, please get in touch with our Groups Team. We’re happy to help.
Phone: (02) 6296 9982 Email: group.programs@carersact.org.au
5 Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Keep Learning, Be Aware Activity Guide: Low Carers' Mystery Retreat - Escape to the CarringtonTake some well-deserved time away from your caring responsibilities with two-night carers-only retreat at the Carrington Inn in Bungendore.
Designed to provide a balance of relaxation, connection and fun, the retreat includes the Bungendore Great Escape, where you’ll team up with other carers to explore the village and complete a series of photographic and discovery challenges. You’ll also put your detective skills to the test as you work together to investigate a mystery case, examine evidence, and follow the clues.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to slow down and recharge, with yoga and guided meditation, shared meals, a local history talk around the fire pit, a special two-course dinner and free time to relax, explore Bungendore or simply connect with other carers.
Date: Monday 26 – Wednesday 28 October 2026 Location: Carrington Inn, Bungendore NSW Duration: Two nights Cost: Please see the Expression of Interest form for details.
Please note: Expressions of interest are now open. If a carer requires transport to and from the location, we will be able to assist with these arrangements.
To express your interest in attending, please click the below.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form, please get in touch with our Groups Team. We’re happy to help.
Phone: (02) 6296 9982 Email: group.programs@carersact.org.au
5 Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Be Aware Activity Guide: Medium A Day at the Movies: Victor/ VictoriaThe National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is inviting people living with dementia, their families, friends, carers and companions to enjoy another dementia-friendly day at the movies this October.
On Saturday 31 October, Arc Cinema will screen Victor/Victoria (1982), starring Julie Andrews in her award-winning role. Filled with music, comedy, dazzling costumes and romance, the film follows struggling soprano Victoria as she reinvents herself as Count Victor Grazinski in a playful story of mistaken identity and showbusiness success.
Designed with the enjoyment and comfort of people living with dementia in mind, the day offers much more than the film. Guests can enjoy morning tea before the screening, a special introduction, a light lunch, afternoon tea and time to socialise, along with complimentary Bulla ice cream.
For carers, it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a relaxed and welcoming outing alongside the person you care for.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026 Time: 10:30am–approximately 1:25pm Location: Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, Acton Cost: $16 Full | $12 Concession | $12 Senior, plus a $1.50 booking fee. Carers can attend free, courtesy of Carers ACT. A 10% discount is also available for group bookings of six or more.
This dementia-friendly screening is a lovely opportunity to enjoy a classic film, share a meal and spend time together in an inclusive and supportive environment. How carers can claim their free ticket
To access your complimentary Carer Ticket, follow the NFSA booking link below and: - Click the ticket link below
- Select "Buy Tickets"
- Choose your preferred seats (up to 2 tickets)
- Scroll down and click "Buy"
- Select the number of tickets required next to "Carer Ticket"
- Click "Add to Cart"
- Proceed to checkout
- Enter your email address or sign in to your account
- Complete the checkout process
- Tickets will then be available to print or download directly to your device. Please present your tickets on arrival.
Carers ACT Respite - Supporting You to Take a Break
Caring for someone can make it difficult to find time for your own wellbeing or other parts of life. Respite provides short-term care for the person you care for, giving you time to rest, attend appointments, spend time with family and friends, or simply take some time for yourself.
Carers ACT provides respite for people who are frail due to ageing or living with dementia, with options available depending on your circumstances and the needs of the person you care for.
Day Respite – Spence Our Spence Day Respite Centre provides a welcoming and supportive environment where the person you care for can enjoy meaningful activities, social connection and time with others during the day.
Overnight Respite – Crace and Isaacs Our respite cottages at Crace and Isaacs provide safe, comfortable and homely environments, with support available 24 hours a day. Respite options include overnight stays, short stays, flexible respite and emergency respite, providing carers with options for both planned breaks and times when additional support may be needed.
Across our respite services, experienced staff provide person-centred support focused on dignity, independence and comfort. Participants can enjoy social, cognitive and wellbeing activities, support with their daily routines and meals tailored to dietary and cultural needs.
Respite can be used regularly or when you need it most. Our aim is to create a positive experience for both you and the person you care for, so you can take time for yourself knowing they are supported in a safe, welcoming and respectful environment.
Interested in exploring respite? Every caring situation is different. If you would like to learn more about respite, discuss eligibility or explore which option may be right for you and the person you care for, please get in touch with our team. We can also support you with registering with Carers ACT if you haven't registered yet.
Crace Respite Cottage Phone: (02) 6296 9949 Email: cottages@carersact.org.au
Naraganawali Cottage – Isaacs Phone: (02) 6296 9940 Email: cottages@carersact.org.au
Day Respite Centre – Spence Phone: (02) 6296 9982 Email: day.respite@carersact.org.au
Mental Health Carer Support GroupsAre you supporting a family member, partner, or friend with mental health challenges?
Carers ACT's Mental Health Carer Support Groups offer a safe and supportive space to connect with other carers who understand your experiences.
Mental health carers play an important role in providing emotional, practical, and ongoing support, often while balancing their own wellbeing, responsibilities, and daily life.
Facilitated by a counsellor, these groups provide opportunities for connection, shared understanding, and support.
Northside Mental Health Carers Support Group Date: Second Tuesday of every month Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm Location: Carers ACT, 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt ACT
Southside Mental Health Carers Support Group Date: Third Monday of every month Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm Location: Communities at Work, 245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway ACT
To attend a group or learn more, please contact: carer.support@carersact.org.au
Activity Guide: Low Many young carers are keeping their caring role hiddenMore than half (51.9%) of young carers enrolled in study have not told their school, TAFE or university about their caring responsibilities.
Without understanding and flexibility from education providers, young carers may miss out on the support they need to balance study and caring.
Creating carer-friendly learning environments can help young people succeed both in education and in their caring roles.
Need support while studying?
Visit the Young Carers Network for resources and information tailored to young carers, or call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 to speak with our Young Carer team about practical support available to help you manage caring alongside your education.
Visit youngcarersnetwork.com.au for resources and information tailored to young carer Have your say: What does good listening look like?
Are you a young carer or a young person with disability? Researchers at the Australian National University want to hear from you.
The Listenability research project, led by Dr Laura Davy at the Australian National University, is exploring what good listening means to young people with disability and young carers, and whether they feel heard by the organisations and services in their lives.
The research builds on the Listening Together project, which heard from 72 young people and found that being genuinely listened to mattered enormously, but wasn’t always their experience.
The research team is looking for: - Young carers and young people with disability to hear about the research and opportunities to participate. (Aged 15-29)
- Staff working with young people who may be interested in taking part in an interview and sharing their professional perspective.
A focus group is coming up in Canberra on Saturday, 24th October.
Your experiences and insights can help build a better understanding of what meaningful listening looks like and how services can do it better.
Caught in the Middle: Caring Across GenerationsWhat happens when you’re caring for children while also supporting ageing parents?
ABC TV’s Compass explores this experience in Sandwiched with Sarah Macdonald. The 28-minute episode follows broadcaster Sarah Macdonald as she balances work, children and ageing parents, while meeting others navigating similar caring responsibilities.
The program also explores how housing and aged care pressures are affecting people caught between the needs of different generations.
It’s a story that may resonate with many carers who find themselves supporting family members across generations. The Waiting Game: A Closer Look at Aged Care ReformABC’s Four Corners has examined Australia’s new aged care system and the experiences of older Australians and families trying to access the support they need.
The investigation, The Waiting Game, follows families caring for loved ones while waiting for aged care assessments and critical funding. It also explores concerns raised by families, assessors, clinicians and aged care experts about the implementation of recent aged care reforms, including the system used to determine levels of funding.
For carers supporting someone who is ageing, the program provides insight into some of the challenges families are experiencing while navigating the changing aged care system.
The 46-minute investigation, reported by Anne Connolly, is available to watch on ABC iview.
To watch The Waiting Game, please click on the button below. Find Your Moment at Floriade This SpringSpring can be a wonderful time to get outdoors, reconnect and make a little space for your own wellbeing. This year, Floriade returns to Commonwealth Park from 12 September to 11 October, with more than one million blooms and a month-long program of activities and experiences.
For carers, taking time for yourself doesn’t have to mean setting aside an entire day. It might be a walk among the flowers, meeting a friend for coffee, trying something different or simply finding somewhere beautiful to sit for a while.
Here are a few ways you could make Floriade part of your wellbeing this spring:
Connect – Invite a friend, family member or fellow carer to explore the gardens with you, enjoy something to eat or attend an activity together.
Be active – Take a walk through Commonwealth Park, join a garden tour or try one of the activities on offer, including Pilates and stretching.
Keep learning – Explore the workshops, talks, cooking demonstrations and gardening sessions taking place throughout the festival.
Take Notice – Slow down and enjoy the colour, gardens and changing season. Even a short wander through the flowers can be an opportunity to step away from the usual routine and focus on what is around you.
Do something you enjoy – Floriade doesn’t need to be about fitting everything in. Choose an experience that interests you, whether that’s photography, gardening, food, live music or simply spending some quiet time outdoors.
There’s more than one way to experience Floriade Floriade is open daily from 9:30am–5:30pm, with free entry to the main event. This year’s program includes garden tours, workshops and talks, cooking demonstrations, family activities and live entertainment.
You can also experience Floriade beyond Commonwealth Park. Floriade About Town brings spring-inspired experiences to participating venues across Canberra, while Lanyon Homestead offers another way to enjoy the season away from the main festival site.
For something completely different, NightFest transforms Commonwealth Park after dark from 1–4 October, with illuminated gardens, food and live entertainment. NightFest is ticketed, with this year’s music line-up including Tim Finn, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Pacific Avenue and The Temper Trap.
Planning an accessible visit Floriade provides a range of accessibility options to help visitors plan a visit that works for them. These include accessible transport and parking information, mobility hire, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, a Parents and Carers Room and Sensory Hour.
Accredited assistance animals are welcome, and Companion Cards are accepted for NightFest. Accessibility information, maps and planning resources are available online.
Carers ACT is blooming too We’re also excited to be part of Floriade Community in 2026, which brings the celebration beyond Commonwealth Park by providing bulbs and flowers to local organisations and community groups across Canberra.
Carers ACT is one of this year’s Belconnen participants, so keep an eye out as our own little piece of Floriade comes into bloom this spring.
Whether you have an hour to spare or want to make a day of it, Floriade offers plenty of ways to enjoy spring at your own pace.
Explore Floriade 2026 Explore Floriade experiences View what’s on at Floriade Plan an accessible visit Research opportunity: Experiences using GLP-1 medications and dementiaResearchers at the University of Canberra are looking for people with dementia and their care partners to share their experiences as part of a new research study.
The study is exploring how GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, such as Ozempic, Trulicity, Mounjaro and Saxenda, may affect appetite and eating for people living with dementia.
Participants will take part in a 30–45 minute interview, either at the University of Canberra Hospital or online. Care partners are welcome to attend and contribute to the conversation.
Who can take part? Participants must be aged 65 or over, living with mild to moderate dementia, have been taking a GLP-1 medication for at least four weeks, and live at home or in a retirement village in the ACT. Interviews are available in English or Chinese.
Interested in taking part or finding out more? Contact Nathan D’Cunha on 02 6206 8585, or email Hin Kan Sin at u3325371@uni.canberra.edu.au or Kerist Klekner at u3246378@uni.canberra.edu.au Driving School Volunteer Mentor Program
Learning to drive can open up greater independence and access to work, education and community life. Allara Driving School offers a free volunteer mentor program to support eligible learner drivers from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds who may not otherwise have regular access to a supervising driver.
The program gives learners an opportunity to build their confidence and complete supervised driving hours with the support of a trained volunteer mentor. To be eligible, learners need to have completed 10 hours with an Accredited Driving Instructor, finished the first 10 competencies in their logbook, and attend a free two-hour English-for-Driving workshop.
Allara Driving School is also looking for patient and reliable volunteers who can commit around one to two hours a week to support a learner driver. No previous mentoring experience is required, with training, resources and ongoing support provided. Volunteers need a valid driver's licence and Working With Vulnerable People registration.
Cost: Free
Who can participate: Learner drivers from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds who meet the program eligibility requirements.
Interested learners or volunteers: Email bookings@allaradrives.com.au for information about the next English-for-Driving workshop or how to become a volunteer mentor.
Hoyts Discounted Cinema Tickets for CarersAre you registered with Carers ACT? Registered carers can access discounted movie tickets at Hoyts Cinemas when attending a session with the person they care for.
This initiative provides carers and the person they care for with an opportunity to enjoy time together, relax and connect through a shared experience in the community.
Eligible carers can purchase an adult movie ticket for $1.10 when attending a session with the person they care for.
Eligibility - A Carers ACT Registered Carer Card
- Photo identification
- Carers must attend the session with the person they care for to access the discount
Where and when is the discount available? - HOYTS Cinemas across Australia
- Available for 2D, 3D, HOYTS Lux, Xtremescreen and IMAX sessions
- Valid every day, including weekends, school holidays and public holidays
Carers ACT Registered Carer Cards are available from the Carers ACT office reception at: 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt ACT.
To learn more or access a Registered Carer Card: Phone: (02) 6296 9900 Email: carers@carersact.org.au 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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