It is estimated that across Australia 3 million people provide care for friends or
family members who are ill, have a disability, an addiction, or who are frail. Each year, the Carer Wellbeing Survey asks current and past carers to tell us about their experiences of being a carer. You can read the results from our previous surveys here.

In 2025, we are again asking carers around Australia to tell us about their caring experiences in the Carer Wellbeing Survey. This year, in addition to asking about your wellbeing, we are asking more about experiences with accessing respite care, as well as asking young carers and carers in defence families to tell us about their experiences with being a carer. We would also like to ask past carers to share more about what it is like adjusting after their caring role stops.

For more info and to complete the 2025 survey click here. 

Developed collaboratively by the University of Canberra’s University of Canberra’s WellRes Unit, Health Research Institute, the Department of Social Services, and Carers Australia, the survey results are analysed by the University of Canberra.

All survey participants aged 14 or older who complete the survey before 18 April
2025 can enter our prize draw to win one of 13 prizes worth a total of $5,000,
including a first prize of a $1,500 gift card, second prize of a $1,000 gift card, third prize of a $500 gift card, or one of 10 runners up prizes of a $200 gift card.

You can have one or more entries into the prize draw depending on whether you do a shorter or longer version of the survey. Winners will have their choice of gift cards from www.giftpay.com.au

The survey is voluntary, confidential and results are kept anonymous, and closes on 18 April 2025, at 11.59pm.

For more info and to complete the survey click here. 

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) is reviewing the Victorian Carer Card and is seeking to hear from unpaid carers across Victoria through a survey.

The Victorian Carer Card program provides discounts to primary carers on a range of goods and services. It also provides public transport concessions and travel vouchers.

We value your views and want to hear from carers of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances, regardless of whether you have a Victorian Carer Card or not. Through the DFFH carer survey we invite you to share your thoughts to help identify positives and areas for improvement within the existing Victorian Carer Card program, which supports primary carers.

• The survey is open now for your input
• It closes on Sunday 16 March 2025 at 11.59 pm
• It should take around 15 minutes to complete
• For all carers (not just existing card holders).

Prize Draw - Every carer who completes the survey can also enter a prize draw to win one of 3 x $500 gift cards

To find out more and complete the survey click here DFFH carer survey.

If you experience difficulty in accessing this survey, do not hesitate to reach out to DFFH at carercard@dffh.vic.gov.au.

There are significant changes coming to how home care is offered and delivered in Australia from the 1st of July this year. We're seeking input from those already using home care and their family members. Also, those who will consider this service in the future for themselves or a family member. 
 
The survey takes 10-15 minutes. Most questions are optional and can be skipped. There are no right or wrong answers and your feedback will remain confidential. 
 
Respondents providing useful insights will be selected to receive one of twenty $150 gift cards as a thank you for participating. 
 
We really appreciate your thoughts and they will help home care providers do a better job now and in the future. 

Click here to take the survey.

About the study:

Researchers from UNSW Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Deakin University, in partnership with Carers Vic, are conducting a major three-year research study to improve understanding of transitions and pathways out of caring.

If you have had thoughts about how your caring may end in the future or are currently experiencing a transition out of your caring role*, the researchers would like to hear from you.

Participation involves an in-depth interview with one of the research team members, either in person or via online video platform. Participants will receive a $30 gift card for their time.

If you are interested, please contact the research team for further information: Professor Emma Kirby (emma.kirby@unsw.edu.au; 02 9385 9065); Zhaoxi Zheng (zhaoxi.zheng@unsw.edu.au; 02 9348 2625)

*Recruitment of former carers will commence later in 2025. 

Researchers at NARI and Austin Health are currently undertaking a research project called the “3C Program”. The program aims to improve health outcomes for individuals accessing respite care. The 3C team are seeking participants for this research project, who are: older adults entering respite care at a Melbourne based residential aged care facility AND the day-to-day carers of these people. Carers and respite recipients would participate in the program as a pair.  

The program involves a 1-2 hour visit at your home or at another location that is private and safe (like an aged care home). This visit will occur before you enter respite care or as close as possible to the beginning of your respite stay. A registered nurse would carry out this visit and undertake the following with the two of you (respite recipient and carer):

• A comprehensive health assessment involving a clinical examination and medical assessment tools.

• Development of a health summary document using the data from the health assessment.

• Filming of some videos that demonstrate you going about your day-to-day life. We will ask your permission to record you on camera carrying out some tasks.

The 3C Program team will then pass on this information and content to respite care staff at the aged care facility you will be admitted too. It is hoped that this information and content will help staff provide better quality respite care to participants. Later, after your respite stay, the 3C team may also ask you to help them evaluate your experience of respite care and the 3C Program. They may also conduct some follow up assessments to see how you are going following your respite stay.

If you are interested in helping out and would like more information, please contact NARI Research Assistant Liam Borelli-Millott at L.Borelli-Millott@nari.edu.au, or call him on 0487937265 (Available: 9am-5pm, Mon-Wed). You may also contact the project manager, Dr. Christa Dang at C.Dang@nari.edu.au.

Your participation would be greatly appreciated by the 3C team.

There’s no remuneration and recruitment period is 12 months.

Are you a support person for someone with cancer?

If you live in Australia, are over 18, and are providing, or have provided support to someone facing cancer within the last 5 years, Deakin would love to hear from you!

This study aims to understand the experiences and support needs of all carers and support persons, with a focus on those from different groups including regional or rural communities, those from a non-English speaking background and those who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Findings will be used to develop resources and services to better support carers from all communities.

​Click HERE to find out more and access the survey.​

The ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation

About the study:

The 2024 ALIVE Lived Experience research priority-setting study is focused on the views of young people who have lived experience of mental ill-health, and/or as a carer, family or kinship group member supporting someone with mental ill-health. There are four different participation methods.

Click through to read more information and participate.

Invitation to participate in research

About the study

Victoria University is looking for people over 18 years of age and living in Australia, who are currently providing care for a family member or friend with dementia.

The aim of this study is to better understand the experience of carers of people living with dementia.

They want to know more about:

• The impact of caring on your life and your mood
• Your knowledge and beliefs about dementia
• Your experience of dementia-related stigma
• Your response to changed behaviours
• Positive aspects of caring.

You will be asked to complete a confidential online survey. The survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

To learn more, call (03) 9919 4505 or visit: https://vuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6GrZgyuMnBY1G7A