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Caring Matters E-Bulletin | March 2025 |
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Jasmine Brahim’s journey as a carer began eight years ago with the birth of her daughter with disability. As a mother of four, her life is a whirlwind of constant appointments, structured activities, and navigating the complexities of her child’s needs.
She first came across Carers WA through a previous Support Coordinator and this connection has been a game-changer, offering her essential support and relieving much of the worry associated with her caring role. With Carers WA’s help, Jasmine has learned to integrate self-care into her life.
Jasmine shares that, "I've realised that it’s OK to allocate self-care into your daily routines. Carers WA have really taken away the worry factor and helped with self care and home item."
To read more click here.
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Do you struggle to navigate My Aged Care while caring for a loved one?
The Carer Wellness at Home Program is here to help, bringing support directly to you.
Through this program, you can access:
- Guidance on My Aged Care & Carer Gateway
- Wellness and educational event opportunities
- Emotional support and practical assistance at home
- Help with completing forms (e.g., ACROD, Taxi Voucher Scheme)
- Referrals to local carer support services
To find out more click here.
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We warmly invite all carers in Lancelin and surrounding towns to the Carers WA Lancelin Dinner.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in your community and enjoy a relaxing evening overlooking the Indian Ocean. You can even bring a friend!
When: Tuesday, 18th March | 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Where: The 3 Emus Restaurant | Lancelin Sands Hotel | 1 North Street, Lancelin WA
Cost: Free
RSVP essential by Tuesday, 4th March
To register your interest click here. |
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Perth: Home Lifesavers Course
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Would you like to learn some essential lifesaving skills that may assist you in your caring role at home?
If the answer is yes, Carers WA would like to invite you to attend our Home Lifesavers Course. This community education program, run by Surf Life Saving WA, is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to carry out first aid treatments in your home.
When: Wednesday, 26th March | 10.00am – 1.00pm (Please arrive at 9.45am for registration).
Where: Surf Life Saving WA | 7 Delawney Street, Balcatta
Cost: Free to participants registered with Carers WA.
To register your interest click here. |
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Lancelin: Cuppa & Art Workshop
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Carers WA invites you to come share a cuppa with other carers and enjoy an easy watercolour art activity. Connect or reconnect with your creative side as artist Michelle Penny guides you
step-by-step to create your own watercolour artwork.
When: Thursday, 27th March | 10.00am - 1.00pm
Where: Lancelin Community Resource & Visitor Centre | 117 Gingin Road Lancelin 6044
Cost: Free
To register your interest click here.
Other locations
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ConnectUp: Co-Design Workshops to Design Social Connection Platform |
This project aims to help carers and people with disabilities develop meaningful personal social connections in the context of physical activity and we are looking for people with lived experience to help shape the project.
If you’d like to help create an innovative disability and carer support platform, we’d love to hear from you.
You will be compensated for your time ($37.50 per hour) and travel costs to attend co-design sessions.
To take part or find out more please email info@connectup.org.au or call or 0477 712 311.
To find out more click here. |
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Boyup Brook: Storm in a Teacup |
Come and enjoy the annual Storm in a Teacup ladies day in Boyup Brook.
This event features market stalls, inspiring talks, morning tea, lunch by 'The Queen of Boyup Brook,' networking, and a goodie bag to take home.
The Carers WA team will be there, so come and say hi!
When: Friday, 14th March | 10.00am - 5.00pm
Where: Rylington Park
Cost: $70
To get your ticket click here.
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The Grief Box Workshop Series |
Did you struggle with the change in relationship dynamics when the person you care for experienced reduced capacity?
You're not alone. Many carers face this challenge, and finding the right support can make all the difference.
The Grief Centre of Western Australia presents a six-month workshop series to help carers process grief, understand emotions, and build resilience.
Where: The Grief Centre of Western Australia
Cost: $70.14
To find out more click here. |
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Carer Representation Updates |
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News and Updates for Registered Carer Representatives |
If you are one of our registered Carer Representatives (ie. you have completed our Carer Rep Orientation Session and have completed the registration paperwork), don't forget to mark these dates in your diary for upcoming meetings.
We've also added a number of new vacancies. You can browse all available vacancies on our website here.
For those interested in finding out more or becoming a Carer Representative please register your interest for our upcoming orientation or contact carer.rep@carerswa.asn.au | |
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The Carers WA Policy team continue to work closely with carers to advocate for their wellbeing in WA.
Our recent policy submissions include:
- Stage 2 of the HaDSCO
- Statutory Review
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Report for the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy
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Draft National Carer Strategy To view our latest submission click here.
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| Carers Count this State Election |
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to our State Election campaign, your support is making a difference.
Here's what we're asking for:
Grants for WA Carers (for respite and financial hardship)A WA Carer Card ProgramA New WA Carers Strategy
Increased Support for Regional and Young CarersService Navigation Support for Carers
To view our latest responses click here.
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Did you know that there is a survey page on the Carers WA website available for your use. By participating in these surveys, you're contributing to vital research and assisting systemic advocacy which shapes policies that directly affect carers. |
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Community Access and Inclusion Survey
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Mission Australia are seeking valuable insights from people with disability and their carers about the barriers and successes they have with community inclusion.
Information will be used to improve service delivery and find solutions to issues.
To complete the survey click here. |
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The City of Mandurah is seeking input from older adults, carers, and professionals to help create a more age-friendly community.
The survey takes 10 minutes, and by completing the survey and providing your participation details at the end, you will be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift voucher.
Please complete the survey by Friday, 28th March 2025.
To complete the survey click here.
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Navigating the Challenges of Long-Distance Caring
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Looking after a loved one is already a big responsibility, but when distance comes into play, it can feel even more overwhelming. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, or close friend living at least an hour away, being a long-distance carer comes with unique challenges. You might worry about their health, struggle to provide daily support, or feel guilty for not being there.
The good news? With the right planning, support, and resources, long-distance caring role can become easier and more manageable.
Here are a few strategies that might help:
- Create a Care Plan
- Coordinate with Local Support
- Utilise Support Services
Remember, long-distance caring is challenging. It’s okay to seek help and take breaks when needed. After all, you can provide the best care for others when you’re also taking care of yourself.
To find more tips and resources click here |
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Young Carer School Holiday Program |
The Young Carers School Holiday Program was a huge success this summer. A total of 49 young carers had the chance to enjoy respite and relax, connect with other young carers, and enjoy a range of activities.
Some of the highlights included:
Pirate ship adventure Bowling and challenge room shenanigans at Hijinx HotelA creative clay art workshop in Maylands
Fun at Bounce indoor trampolining park
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Waterwise Irrigation Rebate
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Did you know that 28% of household water is used on lawns and gardens?
Make your irrigation system more efficient with the Waterwise Irrigation Rebate.
Eligible Perth and Peel residents can receive up to $200 credited to their Water Corporation account when purchasing waterwise irrigation products or services.
Please note: Due to allocations running low, this offer will close earlier than previously advised. The offer will now close on the 31 March 2025.
To find out more click here.
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| Perth: Free Cahoots Festival
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Looking for a fun and inclusive day out?
Cahoots Festival of Fun 2025 offers an exciting lineup of activities, including a climbing wall, face painting, sensory play, crafts, and a relaxing chill-out zone.
This free family-friendly event is all about connection, creativity, and community.
Important Info: Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
When: Saturday, 5th April | 10.00am - 2.00pm
Where: Cahoots Adventure Camp
To find out more click here.
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If you are feeling overwhelmed or are seeking help with mental or emotional stress, we encourage you to contact Australia's helpline specialists that operate 24/7, built to support everyone, all year round. |
| Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service:
1300 659 467 Immediate Risk of Harm:
Triple Zero (000) |
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| Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 (8.00am - 5.00pm)
Carers WA: 1300 227 377 (8.30am - 4.30pm)
Carers Association of Western Australian Incorporated.
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000 |
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