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Caring Matters E-News | February 2026 |
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Gentle Chair Yoga Workshop |
Have you been looking for a way to slow down and reconnect with yourself?
Join Erin Griffin for a gentle chair yoga session designed to nurture your body and mind. This class offers a calming self-care practice that combines movement, breathwork, and moments of stillness helping you feel grounded and present.
When: Wednesday, 11th February | 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Canning River Eco Centre | Cnr Kent Street and Queens Park Road, Wilson.
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register click here.
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Carer Representation Orientation |
Use your experience as a carer to stand up for, and represent the voice of carers in your community. Benefits of the Carer Representation Program include the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with other carers, learn new skills, develop confidence, make a real difference to the way carers are treated in the health and mental health systems and so much more.
When: Wednesday, 18th February | 9.00am to 1.30pm
Where: Carers WA | 182 Lord St, Perth (online for regional carers)
To register click here.
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Join us for a relaxed Carer Celebration Lunch to recognise the amazing support you provide to a family member or friend. Enjoy a free two course meal, unwind and connect with other carers.
Plus, you’re welcome to bring a guest if you wish.
When: Thursday, 19th February | 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Where: Albert Facey Motor Inn
Cost: Free
RSVP: By 12th February (Must be registered with Carers WA)
To register click here.
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Paint Workshop in Denmark |
Looking for a relaxing and creative activity in Denmark?
Join our Learn to Paint session, where our facilitator will guide you step by step in creating a vibrant Van Gogh inspired artwork.
When: Thursday, 26th February | 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Denmark Art Club
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register click here. |
| Art and Craft Workshops in Albany |
We are offering two creative workshops, and you can attend one or enjoy both.
In the morning, take part in the Bowl Felting Workshop and learn to make your own felted bowls. In the afternoon, join the Bird House Decorating Workshop and create a colourful piece for your garden.
When: Tuesday, 24th February |
10.00am – 3.00pm
Where: Hilton Albany Conference Room
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register click here.
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You’re invited to join us for a welcoming afternoon designed to recognise the important role you play in supporting a family member or friend.
This event offers a friendly space where you can connect with other carers in your region, relax and unwind.
When: Wednesday, 4th March |
12.00pm – 2.00pm
Where: Manjimup Gateway Hotel
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register click here. |
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Carers Buffet Dinner in Busselton |
Take a short break and enjoy a relaxed buffet dinner on us.
Join us for a free and friendly night out where you can connect with other carers in your community and take some much deserved time to relax and recharge.
When: Thursday, 5th March |
5.30pm – 9.00pm
Where: Hilton Garden Inn
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register click here. |
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Guilt is a feeling, a common experience in a carer’s life when they focus on caring for themselves.
In this workshop, Louisa Holmes, a registered Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, will look at ways to rethink and refocus our thoughts and feelings of guilt to find a way to rest a little easier when we choose to make time for ourselves.
When: Wednesday, 18th March | 10.00am – 12.00pm
Where: Thornlie Park Meeting Room
Cost: Free for carers registered with Carers WA
To register click here.
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Free 1 Day Autism Workshop |
Positive Partnerships is inviting families to join a free, one-day autism workshop.
This event is designed for parents, carers, grandparents and family members who want to learn more about autism and strengthen partnerships with schools.
When: Wednesday, 11th February |
9.15am – 3.00pm
Where: Burswood on Swan, Swan Room
To register click here.
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Carer Representation Updates |
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| 2025 was a busy and productive year for Carers WA’s Systemic Policy and Advocacy team.
The year included two major advocacy campaigns, 12 carer‑informed policy submissions, sector‑wide surveys, and extensive consultations with carers and key stakeholders.
We thank the thousands of carers and stakeholders who contributed throughout the year, especially members of the Carers WA Policy Working Group and those who shared their lived experience.
Your involvement makes this work possible. We look forward to continuing this momentum in the year ahead and welcome feedback from carers experiencing systemic issues.
Contribute your feedback on systemic issues here.
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Following three years of advocacy by Carers WA, a review of the WA Carers Strategy is now underway. The commencement of the review was announced by the Minister for Community Services at Carers WA’s Sector Breakfast for National Carers Week in October 2025.
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In late 2025, we launched a campaign for a WA Carer Card Program to recognise the $6.6 billion of unpaid care provided each year and to provide benefits, concessions and improved inclusion in health and medical processes. So far, the campaign has gathered more than 5,100 petition signatures and over 1,200 emails to local MPs. It also received 18 letters of support from key organisations, formal endorsements from WA Greens and WA Liberal Party, and a recommendation in the Bankwest and Curtin Economics Centre report A Balancing Act: Life, Work and Connection in the Middle Years.
- Next steps includes ongoing meetings with Ministers and MPs, with the next step being and a meeting with Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC to present outcomes and discuss progress.
- The WA Carer Card Program has also formed one of the two key focus areas for Carers WA’s
2026-27 pre-state budget submission available here, with the other key focus area calling for the establishment of a WA Carer Grants Program for hardship and short-break (respite) grants.
To view the Carers WA Policy, Systemic Advocacy & Research page 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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Carer Friendly Employers Program |
Did you know 19 organisations have been accredited under the Carer Friendly Employer program in WA?
The Carer Friendly Employer program is the first of its kind in Australia and has been supporting workplaces for more than five years to better understand the needs of employees with caring responsibilities.
The program helps organisations adopt best practice standards so carers feel supported, valued, and able to balance work and care.
To view our accredited members, click here. |
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Hoyts are offering carers an adult ticket for $1.10 (maximum of 1 ticket per day) when accompanying the person they care for to the cinema.
All carers wishing to take up this offer must produce their state or territory Carers Association Card or any other card with government recognised carer identification, such as a Healthcare Card or Centrelink Pension Card.
To find out more information click here. |
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First Nations Men's In-Person Peer Support
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Join Carers WA for culturally safe sessions designed for First Nations men in a caring role. Connect, share, and focus on wellbeing.
Where: Balga (Wadjak Northside Aboriginal Corporation)
When: Starts Wednesday, 4th February | Fortnightly | 10.00am – 1.00pm
For more information please email patricia.delaney@carerswa.asn.au
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In-Person Peer Support sessions for First Nations People |
Carers WA is hosting culturally safe, In-Person Peer Support sessions for First Nations people in a caring role. Connect, share experiences, and strengthen community ties.
Where: Belmont & Balga
When: Starting February 2026
Eligibility: Must have completed a Carer Gateway Planning Session
For more information please email patricia.delaney@carerswa.asn.au |
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Connected Futures Launch in Albany |
We officially launched Connected Futures in Albany, our new initiative supporting young carers across the Great Southern region.
Our event in Albany was full of energy and connection, with lively family games, relaxing seated massages, live music from local band Tiger Coast, and delicious food vans. Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us.
To find our more about the Young Carer Program click here.
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WA Country Health Service Level 1 Accreditation
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We are proud to congratulate the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) on achieving Level 1 accreditation in the Carers + Employers program, officially recognising WACHS as a Carer Friendly Workplace.
This accreditation reflects WACHS’ commitment to supporting staff with caring responsibilities.
To find out more about the Carer Friendly Employer Program click here.
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Assistance Lanes at Perth Airport |
Perth Airport provides a range of accessibility supports designed to make travel safer and more comfortable for people with disability, people with low mobility and their families or support networks.
These features include accessible parking, step‑free paths, dedicated assistance areas, assistance animal facilities, Changing Places amenities, quiet rooms and detailed accessibility guides for each terminal.
To find our more click here.
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Free Movies Screening in WA |
Telethon Community Cinemas are currently offering free screenings of selected movies, be quick to secure your tickets.
WA Locations include:
BassendeanBurswoodECU JoondalupMurdoch
To find out more and secure your ticket
click here.
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Carers New Year New Goals |
Feeling the pressure to set big New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. But setting realistic and achievable goals can make all the difference.
If you are someone that wants to look at setting goals for the year, we have put together some ideas on how to set realistic goals as a carer.
To read the full article 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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