'The Voice' Blog April 2024

Welcome To The April Edition Of The Voice

CEO Message

Hello everyone,

This month’s edition of the Voice is a bit shorter due to the Easter long weekend, and the school holidays. However, we have quite a few events and education programs falling over April and May, and we are keen to tell you about them, sooner rather than later. If you see something of interest, I recommend you book in as soon as you can, as our events often fill up quickly!

I had the pleasure of attending our International Women’s Day event recently with a group of carers from diverse backgrounds and can attest to the joy of spending some time out in the company of others who, while their lived experience of caring may be different, are united in a shared understanding of what it feels like.

While Carers Victoria continues to run events and activities that bring carers together, we continue to advocate for change that we know will make real and practical improvements in the lives of carers.

On 26 March, CEOs of carer organisations from around the country were in Canberra to raise awareness about unpaid carers and seek support for measures that improve their financial security. We support the recent government announcement of superannuation being paid on parental leave but want to see future changes that tackle the significant financial disadvantage that so many carers experience. The numbers are striking, as the Caring Costs Us report highlights. 

Indeed it was a big week in Canberra for carers, with the report of the Federal Inquiry into Recognition of Unpaid Carers being handed down the very next day. Carers Victoria made submissions and presented evidence to that inquiry, and we were pleased to see some of our key points reflected in the report. This is cause for hope – and we await the Australian Government’s response with great interest.

In the meantime, read on for our latest news and more information on upcoming events.

Take care, Judith

Stop Press

Federal Inquiry Into Recognition Of Unpaid Carers Report Released

The Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs released its Report into the recognition of unpaid carers on 27 March 2024, making a total of 22 recommendations to improve the lives of carers, the services they need, and their involvement in programs and services that affect them.

Crucially, the Committee stated carers must be considered as a priority, rather than as adjunct to the needs of the people they care for.

We will provide additional commentary on the report once we’ve had time to analyse its contents.

Reflection And Connection At International Women’s Day Lunch

It was great to see a wonderful group of carers attend our lunch on International Women’s Day, with many fresh faces, which is always fantastic to see!

The atmosphere was informal and warm, as 50 carers from diverse backgrounds gathered around tables. It was an opportunity for reflection and connection, where conversations flowed easily, ranging from daily challenges to moments of joy in caregiving.

Carers all shared their input on the sorts of future activities they would like to see on our calendar, especially around respite. It was a wonderful opportunity for carers to connect with our CEO Judith who warmly welcomed the group and mingled with the attendees throughout the afternoon.

And, of course, a delicious lunch!

It was a multicultural celebration of female carers who certainly set the benchmark with positivity and vibrancy. As the event came to a close, there was a great feeling of connection and unity amongst all in the room.

Carers Australia Carer Wellbeing Survey 2024 Is Live

Carers Australia has partnered with the University of Canberra to conduct a national survey into the wellbeing of carers and their support services.

If you or anyone you know is a carer – whether your caring role is big or small, long-term
or short-term, current or past – Carers Australia would love to hear more. Please complete the 2024 Carer Wellbeing Survey and you can enter a draw to win a gift card.

Your feedback will be used to strengthen carer advocacy and shape national policy about the current wellbeing experiences of carers, and how support can be improved for carers across Australia.

The survey is voluntary, confidential and anonymous. 

Advocating For Carers In Canberra

On Tuesday 26 March, CEOs from state and territory carers organisations – including our own Carers Victoria CEO, Judith Abbott - joined the new Carers Australia CEO at Parliament House in Canberra.

Their goal was to raise awareness of unpaid carers and commence advocating for improved financial security for carers, with superannuation payments on carer payments as their starting ask.

They were pleased to connect with parliamentarians and their staffers from across the political spectrum.

The work was supported by a striking advertising campaign designed and executed by our Carers ACT colleagues – see below.

Special thanks to Victorian MP, Mary Doyle, the member for Aston who hosted the CEO group on the day and generously shared some of her own experiences as a carer.

Over the coming months, this advocacy will be a sustained focus for all of the CEOs - while government budgets are tight, those of many carers are much tighter and carers organisations want to see real change in this area.

New Resources To Support Families Caring For A Loved One In Residential Aged Care

Palliative Care Victoria has recently released the Dignified and Respectful Decisions project – a new set of resources for families and substitute decision-makers who are caring for a loved one who can no longer make decisions for themselves.

The information is designed to help prepare family carers for the different types of decisions they may need to make on behalf of their loved one. The resource also includes tips on how to care for your own wellbeing during a time that can be both difficult and unpredictable.

Please visit www.pallcarevic.asn.au/dard and meet Nola and Marlene – two family members with lived experience of caring for a family member who can no longer make decisions for themselves. You can also view a range of animations that bring to life some of the decisions and challenges that you may face as carer for your family member in care.

Palliative Care Victoria also has printed resources that you can download from their website, or you can request a free resource pack by emailing them at dard@pallcarevic.asn.au

New Webinar

Regain Control Over Debt And Financial Pressures

Is the cost of living getting to you? Do you want to get more control over debt and financial pressures? This free, online webinar could be the right fit for you.

In the session, you will get insights around managing debt and what options are available to you. Come and hear an expert give their tips and have the chance to ask them your questions.

Carers Victoria will deliver this one-hour webinar in late April/early May. Submit your expression of interest to be notified of the webinar date and time.

Carers Victoria Grant Supports Incredible Carers In Mildura

One of the recipients of our 'Connecting Carers in the Community' grants, Mildura Rural City Council is inviting carers from across their region to attend a series of special activities aimed at breaking down social isolation and improving connections within the community.

The council aims to work with established networks to understand the needs of carers, identify existing opportunities for low-cost and free activities to support these needs, and establish the best ways to share this information with carers in a sustainable way after project completion.

They recognise that carers face a range of barriers to accessing activities and events that support their wellbeing. This includes time and resources to research and discover existing opportunities. Timing of activities and consistency of attending activities can also be challenging due to the variability and requirements of their caring role. Confidence to join new activities in new environments can also be a barrier.

Councilor for Community Development and Gender Equity Helen Healy highlighted the critical role carers play in the community.

‘Carers are unsung heroes in our region, quietly and tirelessly looking after their loved ones or friends, sometimes in quite demanding situations. Due to these demands, it can often lead to feeling isolated and disconnected from their community'.

‘This is where programs like this are so important, providing valuable resources to ensure our local carers have the support they need’.

Making Carers A Priority In Kyneton

Carers living in and near Kyneton up in the Macedon Ranges are benefitting from another project funded by the Victorian Government and administered by Carers Victoria's ‘Connecting Carers in their Community’ program. The Kyneton Community House 'Kyneton Carers Priority Project' seeks to offer fun and engaging social opportunities that prioritise and celebrate the unpaid carers in our community.

Morning teas, lunches, dancercise, carpentry, cooking, and gardening are the types of activities carers can explore. This time will be a time for carers to be cared for, engage socially, and find some respite from their day-to-day responsibilities.

The Project runs until June this year. To find out more, please reach out to their team at Kyneton Community House on 5422 3433 or check out their carer events found on their website.

Become A Member And Stay Connected

Become a member of Carers Victoria and join our community to help us make a difference in the lives of Victorian carers.

Membership is free and open to carers, former carers, supporters and Carer Support Groups.

Membership benefits include:

• Exclusive invitations to events including our popular Mingle events, carer workshops and programs.
• Championing for real change through consultations, focus groups and research.
• Staying informed with our monthly eBulletin 'The Voice', jam-packed with important carer issues, events and stories.
• Free digital access to the magazine Australian Carers Guide.
• Special member offers including Hoyts movie tickets, Accor accommodation and Live Life Foods pre-packaged meals.
• Free sign up for individuals.

Competition

Save On Your Next Shop With A $100 Coles Gift Card

We know many carers are feeling the cost-of-living crunch. That’s why we’re offering you the chance to win a $100 Coles gift card, redeemable at Coles supermarkets Australia-wide.

Don’t miss out on your chance to WIN a gift card and save on your next shop!

The competition closes at midnight on 30th April 2024.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Fundraising

Win An Adventure-Filled Prize Pack

The new Play for Purpose raffle is open – and you can win an adventure-filled $250K First Prize Pack!

But it’s not any ordinary lottery, by participating in Play for Purpose, you are also helping raise money for Victorian carers.

At only $10 a ticket, there are 395 prizes up for grabs, including a VISA gift voucher* worth $15,000, a Travel Associates Voucher worth $7,500, a JB Hi-Fi voucher valued at $5,000 and more!

The raffle closes Thursday 13 June 2024 with huge draw announcements made on Friday 14 June 2024. You have to be in it to win it! Good luck!

*Should a Victorian resident be drawn, the prize will be a Woolworths voucher.

What’s On In April and Early May 2024

The next couple of months will see a significant suite of events and offerings for carers across the state.

From the Frankston based Pathways for Carers program, where you can enjoy a gentle stroll and free morning tea with other carers, the Parks Victoria volunteer-led walks, Carer Informal Online meet ups, to our African Drumming and Gentle Exercise sessions which are part of our Western programs, there is an event that will be the right fit for you.

There are limited spots available for the three Bendigo events including Carer Connections on 22 April and 23 April, as well as the Coffee and Connect in Maryborough on 24 April. So, if you are a carer in that region, we would love to see you there.

Grab a coffee and visit our 'Calendar for Carers' so you can explore the many possibilities that can help you on your carer journey.

All events are FREE of charge, but spots are limited.

Find out what’s happening:
 

Featured Event

Bendigo Region Roadshow

This April, we are heading to the Bendigo region to connect with carers.

We understand that caring can be complex and challenging at times. Often, it is those smaller events or experiences, which make the biggest differences.

For carers living in and around Bendigo, we warmly welcome you to attend any of our FREE events. Book now as places are limited.

Proudly sponsored by The Pethard Tarax Charitable Trust.

Carer Connections in Bendigo (Morning Session)

Together we will enjoy music, trivia and a fantastic craft activity. A light meal is provided. 

Date: Monday 22 April 2024
Time: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Where: Quality Hotel Lakeside - 286 Napier Street, Bendigo

Support Services For Carers in Bendigo

Find out all the information for your local service providers. Morning tea is provided.

Date: Tuesday 23 April 2024
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Quality Hotel Lakeside - 286 Napier Street, Bendigo

 
Carer Connections in Bendigo (Evening Session)

Together we will enjoy music, trivia and a fantastic craft activity. A light meal is provided.

Date: Tuesday 23 April 2024
Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Where: Quality Hotel Lakeside - 286 Napier Street, Bendigo

 
Carers Coffee And Connect in Maryborough

You are invited to our FREE event where you can take a break, have some laughs, and connect with other carers over coffee and cake.

Date: Wednesday 24 April
Time: 10.30am - 11.30am
Where: Bull and Mouth Hotel - 119 High Street, Maryborough

We Are Off To The Movies

If you are a carer living in Melbourne’s western metropolitan area, grab your popcorn and head down to the iconic Sun Theatre in Yarraville for a free movie experience!

Join us for a screening of the ‘The Great Escaper’

Date: Monday 15 April
Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Sun Theatre - 8 Ballarat Street, Yarraville

Spots are limited, so registration is essential.

It will be a great opportunity connecting with other carers and soaking up the atmosphere.

We look forward to seeing you there!

My Aged Care – An Introduction

This workshop has been designed for carers and families who are new to the My Aged Care system.

We will give an introduction to the My Aged Care system and discuss the basic eligibility criteria.

Date: Tuesday 30 April 2024
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Where: Mount Street Neighbourhood House - 6 Mount Street, Glen Waverley

Proudly sponsored by Mount Street Neighbourhood House

Support Services For Carers

Supported by Highett Neighbourhood Community House, this free workshop provides information about the support services available to family carers and the service organisations which provide those services.

Date: Tuesday 7 May 2024
Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm
Where: Highett Neighbourhood Community House - 2 Livingston Street, Highett

Multicultural Dementia Friends Wellbeing Centre

Funded by The Australian Government, The Australian Multicultural Community Services is offering a program tailored to carers who are taking care of a loved one with dementia in Metropolitan Melbourne and Greater Geelong areas.

The program offers carers and their loved ones a suite of meaningful activities, peer support and networking, skill development sessions, as well as referrals to relevant services and personalised assessment and care planning.

There are several centre locations to choose from including in Casey, Hume and Geelong.

To find out more about the program, reach out on 9689 9170.

Join Us For A Picnic In Ballarat For Young Carers

Get ready for a memorable day at our Young Carer Ballarat Family Picnic!

Hosted by Carers Victoria and Little Dreamers, this event is all about celebrating Young Carers and their families.

Join us at Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground on Friday, April 10 from 1-5 PM for a BBQ lunch, circus workshop, face painting, games, and opportunities to connect with local community organisations.

Expressions Of Interest For Our Three-Day Sanctuary

We are inviting expressions of interest for a three-day residential group counselling program in late June.

This three-day residential program in Hepburn Springs is open to carers of children living with disabilities residing in the Bendigo, Shepparton, Geelong and Latrobe regions.

This therapeutic group provides the opportunity to express and explore a variety of personal experiences in the caring role and aims to improve carers’ personal health and wellbeing. 

Priority is given to first-time attendees, and all accommodation and meals are provided. Mark your calendars for late June 2024, and take the first step towards self-care in a safe and confidential environment. 

Walking Groups

Western Programs Walking Groups

Carers in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Caroline Springs, Moonee Valley and Werribee are invited to come along to a walking group in your area. Catch up with other carers over a light brunch and find out about local supports and services for carers. Places are limited, so register your place now.

 
Parks Victoria Walking Alongside Carers Victoria

Carers Victoria is collaborating with Parks Victoria to further promote the value of outdoor exercise and wellbeing, urging carers to participate in the suite of Guided Park Walks on offer.

Parks Victoria is offering free guided park walks across the state, guided by trained volunteers to enjoy, and explore urban parks or bushland and suitable for all ages.

From the You Yangs, Macedon Regional Park and Wilsons Promontory, to Yarra Bend Park, Wetlands, Lysterfield Park and Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, the choices are as diverse as they are beautiful.

It is an opportunity for carers to enjoy the stunning serenity of trees and wildlife, as well as being able to relax and catch up with friends or family for a coffee at a nearby café.

Whether you are a first-time nature walker or have had previous experience, Parks Victoria has created a mix of walks for different capabilities.

 
Heart Foundation Walking Groups: Australia wide

There's a reason why walking is one of the most popular forms of activity in Australia. Join a Heart Foundation walking group to reduce stress, be more alert, have a healthier body and build strong relationships.

Carers have expressed that they would like to hear more about job opportunities, and we have heard you. As part of our role to support carers, we have included a Jobs Board which will operate as a convenient and easy-to-use platform for you to explore employment opportunities that are relevant to you and across various geographic locations.

Accor

Accor has created a recruitment program called “Work Your Way”, which offers multiple employment opportunities across Victoria that are flexible for carers.