Unpaid carers across NSW will be put in the spotlight this month, with 125 events planned for National Carers Week from Sunday, 11 October.
Almost $215,000 will be handed out to organisations and community groups under the NSW National Carers Week Grants Program. The events are expected to reach more than 8,200 unpaid carers across the state.
Grants of $1,000 to $2,000 will fund day trips, wellness retreats, educational workshops, cultural lunches, live music, and more.
Successful projects include the Latin American Multicultural and Community Centre of Australia’s Apacho – Community Care for Latin Carers event in Marrickville, a NSW Health Waves of Wellness event in Camden, and an Elders Community Wellbeing and Appreciation Day run by Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Royal Rehab will host a Carers Wellness Week in Ryde, while Canada Bay Libraries will run Carers Week events in Concord and Five Dock.
“Unpaid carers always show up to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people across NSW,” said Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison.
“They work hard behind the scenes and never ask for accolades, but they deserve recognition.”
“That’s why National Carers Week matters, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to be supporting 125 initiatives to celebrate carers across all corners of the state.”
According to 2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics data, NSW is home to at least 958,500 unpaid carers.
Across Australia, unpaid carers put in an estimated 2.2 billion hours of unpaid work each year, valued at $77.9 billion.
The NSW Government also supports carers through the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program, which has launched across 16 local government areas in regional and rural NSW. The program brings together social and wellbeing support for older people and their unpaid carers.
The NSW Companion Card gives carers free entry to selected venues and facilities when they are with a person with significant and permanent disability.
The Carers + Employers program accredits workplaces that show best practice in supporting carers on the job.
“As the peak body for carers in NSW, Carers NSW welcomes initiatives that recognise and celebrate the significant contribution carers make every day,” said Carers NSW Interim Chief Executive Officer Kristen Hannah.
“These grants support grassroots activities that not only acknowledge carers but also strengthen community understanding, reduce isolation and foster local networks of support.”
More information on the NSW National Carers Week Program and events is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-national-carers-week-grants-2026
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