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News Link - February 2026 Edition |
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The News Link is a bi-monthly publication for service providers who work with carers in WA. This publication includes useful information and resources that will help you better connect with your own clients and unpaid family and friend carers. |
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You're Invited to the Carers WA Open Day |
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Carers WA invites service providers to our Networking Open Day, created to strengthen connection, collaboration, and shared learning across the sector.
Connect with the Carers WA team, learn more about Carer Gateway, and explore the programs and services we deliver to support carers across Western Australia.
Enjoy fun, interactive activities designed to spark conversations, build relationships, and make networking both meaningful and enjoyable.
This year’s event also features a special panel discussion on wellness and reablement, focusing on practical ways service providers can engage clients in setting and achieving personalised goals.
The panel will include insights from organisations such as ILA and Therapy Focus.
When: Wednesday, 8th April | 9.30am – 11.30am
Where: The Rise Maylands | 28 Eighth Ave, 6051
Cost: Free | Complimentary refreshments provided
To register click here.
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Carers WA invites Great Southern service providers to a relaxed morning tea to connect, share updates, and discuss sector changes impacting aged care, CHSP, Support at Home clients, and carers.
Discussion topics include service delivery barriers, aged care reform updates, emerging carer concerns, and more.
When: Wednesday, 25th February |
10.00am – 11.30am
Where: Albany Public Library Meeting Room 2
To RSVP please email Wellnessprogram@carerswa.asn.au
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Carer Friendly Employers Program |
Did you know 20 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 helping workplaces for over five years to better support employees with caring responsibilities.
It guides organisations to adopt best practice standards so carers feel supported, valued, and able to balance work and care.
Our full list of accredited members is now available on our website.
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| Report: Adopt a Room Impact |
In July 2025, Carers WA partnered with Cancer Council WA by way of their “Adopt A Room” program.
This program provides regional cancer patients, and their carers, with a safe, welcoming and comfortable home-away-from-home, while they access treatment and attend cancer related appointments in Perth.
Guests have come from all across WA, including from Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Exmouth.
To view the report click here.
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2026-27 Pre-Budget Submission |
Following the launch of the WA Carer Card Program campaign last year, the program has also formed one of the two key focus areas for Carers WA’s 2026–27 pre‑state budget submission, with the other key focus area calling for the establishment of a WA Carer Grants Program for hardship and short-break (respite) grants.
This submission outlines the urgent need to improve the wellbeing, financial stability and recognition of Western Australia’s 320,000 unpaid carers.
View the Pre-Budget Submission here. |
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| Report: Service Provider Survey |
This report presents the findings of the Carers WA Service Provider Survey 2025, conducted to understand the efficacy of our services, service provider expectations, perception of Carers WA as an organisation, and identify areas for improvement.
The objective of the survey was to gather feedback from service providers about their experiences with Carers WA, their views of the impact we have on carers, and any challenges, barriers or service gaps they have encountered.
To view the report click here. |
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Current Volunteer Openings |
Carers WA is seeking Volunteer Coordinators and Assistant Volunteer Coordinators to support Social Support Groups across Western Australia.
We currently have openings in:
- Mandurah
- Bayswater/Bassendean
- Broome
These roles allow carers to support each other by facilitating monthly informal gatherings.
To find out more click here. |
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Systemic Policy and Advocacy Update |
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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.
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. The campaign 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 include ongoing meetings with Ministers and MPs, including a meeting with Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC to present outcomes and discuss progress.
To view the Carers WA Policy, Systemic Advocacy & Research page click here. |
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2026 Community Activity Grants |
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Leading up to National Carers Week each year, Carers WA aims to offer not-for-profit organisations and community groups the opportunity to apply for a Community Activity
Grant of usually $500 – $800 to host their own activity or event in WA.
Tentative Dates for Applications:
- Applications open: June – July 2026
- Applications close: August 2026
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Outcome advised: Late August 2026
To find out more click here.
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Sponsorship Opportunities |
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Carers WA welcomes your involvement in National Carers Week.
Organisations who wish to partner with Carers WA by sponsoring an event or activity are welcome to contact us via email at marketing@carerswa.asn.au for sponsorship opportunities.
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Carer Representation Orientation |
Do you know a carer who wants to make a difference?
Carers are invited to attend the upcoming Carer Representative Orientation, a half‑day information session showcasing how lived experience can drive meaningful change.
When: Wednesday, 18th February |
9.00am – 1.30pm
Where: Carers WA, 182 Lord St, Perth
(online option available for regional carers)
To register click here.
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| We have a bunch of events coming up across regional WA for carers.
From workshops to special dinners, there's something for everyone.
Carers are invited to join us, meet other carers in their region, relax and have a great time.
For more details about upcoming events,
click here. |
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Spill The Tea Disability Information Session |
Carers WA is hosting a new series of information sessions for registered carers. These sessions aim to strengthen sector connections and build awareness of the services and supports available to carers.
Presentations from the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Department of Communities, Kiind, and the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO).
When: Monday, 23rd February |
9.00am – 11.00am
Where: Carers WA, 182 Lord St, Perth
To register click here. |
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Carer Friendly Employer Accreditations |
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The Carer Friendly Employers program works with organisations to create carer friendly workplaces. Supporting employees who are carers can result in increased engagement and productivity, as well as attraction and retention of staff. Carers WA has specific support services, resources and opportunities available to tailor a consultation session that fits your organisation.
Formal recognition can also be achieved through the national Carers + Employers accreditation program.
Accreditations from the last two months include WA Country Health Service (Level 1 Accreditation).
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We've created FAQ's resources to address commonly asked questions about Carer Gateway. This resource aims to guide both staff and clients on available support and access methods. It also serves as a handy guide for newly onboarded service providers.
To view Carer Gateway FAQs click here.
Explore Carer Gateway information for service providers here. |
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Carers WA has resources available in 15 languages to enable information on our supports and services to be accessible.
These include Burmese, Karen, Urdu, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
To view our current translated resources
click here. |
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| Aged Care Reform Translated Resources |
Carers WA has created new resources to help you understand these changes and make aged care information more accessible for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
These include English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic and Italian.
To view our current translated resources, click here. |
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Carer Friendly Workplace
E-Book |
'Our carer friendly workplace E-Book' is free to download and includes information about the impact of caring on employee wellbeing, information on why supporting carers at work is important, and 10 strategies you can take to become a carer-friendly employer.
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The Prepare to Care hospital team provides resources for carers and education for staff. Hospital admission can be a critical time, not only for the patient but also for the person who cares for them.
The Prepare to Care Book is a free resource to assist carers to navigate the hospital system when the person they care for has been admitted. |
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Enquiry Type
- Carer referrals
- Carer Gateway registration
- Carer support planning |
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Enquiry Type
- Existing/planned service bookings
- Purchase orders
- Billings and payments
- Quotes |
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Enquiry Type
- Service Agreement/contract enquiries
- Business enquiries
- Brokerage services |
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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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