Millions of Reasons to Care: National Carers Week 2022

This week (Sunday 16–Saturday 22 October), people all around Australia are celebrating National Carers Week 2022(Opens in a new tab/window).

Now in its 30th year, National Carers Week is a time to acknowledge the important, and at times challenging, role of carers in our community. It also reminds us of the many ways we can support these carers. This year, the theme of National Carers Week 2022 is ‘Millions of Reasons to Care’.

There are more than 2.65 million carers in Australia. Carers can be anyone who provides care and support to a family member living with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age.

Everyone’s caring journey is different. People become carers in different ways. Sometimes it is a gradual progression into caring for another, while other times it happens suddenly because of an accident or illness. The Australian Government supports carers through Carer Gateway. This program provides free services to carers including:

• counselling
• online coaching
• access to emergency respite
• peer support
• skills courses
• tailored support packages.

At the commencement of National Carers Week, a new national advertising campaign will launch on Sunday 16 October 2022, to help carers self-identify and increase awareness of the supports and services available through Carer Gateway.

Launching the campaign during National Carers Week (16-22 October) is a great opportunity to raise community awareness of the diversity of carers and the important roles they play in supporting our community, and encourage them to reach out for support.

Find out more

• Visit the Carers Week(Opens in a new tab/window) website to explore how you can get involved and show your appreciation.
• If you are a carer, you can get help and support from the government. Visit Carer Gateway (Opens in a new tab/window)to learn more. 
• View the Carer Gateway campaign materials(Opens in a new tab/window).