More than 3 million Australians who quietly care for a family member or friend are being recognised this week as National Carers Week gets underway across the country.
Running under the 2026 theme “Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible”, the week aims to highlight the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers and encourage Australians to recognise and support the carers in their families, workplaces and communities.
As a carer for my husband, an Army veteran, this theme hits close to home for me. Juggling daily care with a job, raising children and a life of my own often means something has to give. Usually, it’s the life of my own.
I count myself among the fortunate. With my children now grown and supportive employers who let me work from home, I have been able to stay in full-time work, something many carers cannot manage.
Not all are so lucky. Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, challenging and feel unrewarding. Carer payments barely cover expenses, and depending on the person’s needs, they may also be unable to work.
Every carer’s experience is unique, and I hope this week builds community awareness of carers’ diversity and the roles they play. The good news is that help is available.
Carer Gateway offers information and advice on supports available to carers across Australia, along with online resources to promote carer wellbeing. More information and online support services are available at carergateway.gov.au.
If you work for a Disability service provider, you will come into contact with carers regularly. Take a moment to check in with them and point them towards resources and support, because without them, who will be there for the care recipient when your shift ends?
–
Author: Amanda Robinson (She/Her) BA, MMHealthPrac.
Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country
Amanda, Head of Learning and Development and an experienced specialist in NDIS and Aged Care, promotes capability and sustainability within the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, a Master’s in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and an MBA underway, she offers extensive expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A military veteran and dedicated carer of a veteran, Amanda advocates for Human Rights, striving to reduce stigma and eliminate barriers for those with disability and mental health challenges. She is enthusiastic about fostering strong stakeholder relationships through her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analytical abilities.
