National Carers Week 2026 Highlights the Contributions of More Than Three Million Australian Carers

SYDNEY, 12 October 2026 — National Carers Week is taking place across Australia from 11 to 17 October 2026, recognising the more than three million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. The annual initiative, led by Carers Australia, aims to raise awareness of carers’ roles and encourage communities, workplaces, and services to provide practical support.

The 2026 theme, “Care for a carer: Making carers visible,” focuses on the contribution of unpaid carers and the importance of recognising their needs alongside those of the people they support. Carers provide assistance to people living with disability, mental health conditions, chronic or terminal illness, alcohol or other drug issues, or age-related frailty. Anyone can become a carer at any time.

National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and coordinated with the National Carer Network. Throughout the week, events and activities are being held in every state and territory, including wellbeing workshops, online information sessions, carer lunches, family activities, and programs for young carers.

The program includes sessions on self-compassion, healthy boundaries, navigating aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, balancing work and care, and supporting a loved one through hospital care. Online events extend participation to carers in regional and remote areas, while local gatherings provide opportunities for carers to connect with peers and support services.

Carer Gateway, the national support service, is providing information, advice, and online resources during the week. Carers Australia notes that the Carer Wellbeing Survey found carers with good access to support reported healthier levels of wellbeing than those with no or limited access to help.

“Carers often place the needs of the person they care for ahead of their own, and their contribution can remain unseen in families, workplaces, and communities,” a Carers Australia representative said. “National Carers Week is an opportunity to acknowledge that contribution and encourage Australians to check in, offer practical help, and make support more visible and accessible.”

The campaign encourages simple actions such as checking in regularly, offering a break, helping with household tasks, listening without judgement, and acknowledging carers’ efforts. Employers are also being encouraged to consider flexible arrangements that help working carers balance employment and caring responsibilities.

About Carers Australia

Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers. Through the National Carer Network, it works with state and territory carer organisations to improve recognition, support, and outcomes for carers. National Carers Week is supported by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.