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National Carers Week, celebrated from 13-19 October 2024, recognises and raises awareness of the 3 million Australians providing unpaid care and support to their family members or friends. It shines a light on the profound impact carers have on our communities.
In Victoria, more than 720,000 people are providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend with disability, mental illness, chronic or terminal illness, or an older person with care needs.
Carers Victoria asks everyone in our community — from individuals to organisations and government — to make time this week to “care for a carer” through small, but powerful, actions.
Celebrating National Carers Week 2024
Carers Victoria is celebrating National Carers Week 2024 through a range of events across the state facilitated by Carer Support Groups and funded in partnership with the Victorian Government and Clark Rubber. These events allow carers to be included in a celebration close to their home.
We will also be announcing the government-funded grant recipients for the Connecting Carers in their Community Program, who will provide a broad range of carer connection activities throughout the financial year, with particular focus on regional and remote groups, Aboriginal-led organisations, and groups working directly with First Nations carers, and multicultural and diverse communities.
What's happening during National Carers Week
Light-up Victoria
With the support of various partners across the state, we are lighting up key regional and metropolitan landmarks in Carers Victoria’s brand colours of red, white and blue, over National Carers Week.
- AAMI Park
- Deakin University - Burwood Campus
- Moonee Ponds Clocktower
- Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay
As further organisations jump on board, we will update this page, so stay tuned.
National Carers Week Online Trivia
Thursday 17 October 2024 - 10.00am - 11.30am
Take some time out and test your general knowledge with this free fun social event!
This National Carers Week, we’re excited to be holding an online trivia event designed just for Victorian carers!
Hosted by the fabulous trivia specialists Grape Vine Events, this event is our way of recognising and celebrating carers like you.
Show Your Support
Care for a Carer Campaign
We’re encouraging all Victorians – individuals, organisations and government bodies – to acknowledge and support carers with the #CareForACarer campaign.
How can you take part?
- Commit to caring for a carer by taking small but powerful actions (see suggestions below).
- Lead by example, take an image of your act caring for a carer, and post on socials tagging @CarersVictoria and using #CareForACarer.
- Spread the word by sharing one of our posts or resources (see Stakeholder Kit).
Care for a carer through any of these small, but powerful, actions
Check in regularly
Show your support by checking-in on carers regularly. You can:
- encourage carers to talk if this is helpful to them
- validate their feelings without judgement
- avoid discussing sensitive matters in front of the care recipient as it could make them uncomfortable.
Offer a break
Offer to provide carers with a break and time for themselves to recharge. You can:
- run errands for them
- help with household chores like laundry, cleaning, cooking, budgeting and shopping
- plan a social activity together.
Acknowledge and appreciate
Recognise the exceptional role carers play in the lives of those they care for. You can:
- express gratitude with a simple, personalised message
- be a compassionate and empathetic listener
- verbally recognise their efforts.
Initiate support
Carers often prioritise the wellbeing of the person they care for over their own needs. They might struggle to seek assistance due to a sense of guilt and shame or fear of being judged. You can:
- ask them how you can help them
- listen to what they need – don’t assume you know!
Spread the Message
We have developed a range of marketing tools to help you spread this message.
Join a National Carers Week Event Near You
Take a look at our What’s On Calendar to find out about National Carers Week events in your local area.
Holding an Event
If your organisation or group is holding a free public event for National Carers Week, make sure you share it via the submit event form on our website.