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Connecting with councils to reach carers in their local area

 

 

 

 

There are more than 750,000 carers in Victoria, and many more are unidentified. Carers tell us they are often unaware of support available to them. Councils are well connected to carers in their local community, and this presents a unique opportunity.

Carers Victoria is inviting councils to work in partnership with us to reach more carers in local communities.

Partnering in education

Connecting with Councils to raise awareness of support services for carers through a dedicated education offering, such as an online or in-person session.

Complete the Partnering in Education Form at the bottom of this page to register your interest and a Carers Victoria educator will be in touch.

See examples below of how two councils have engaged with us.

Examples of how two councils engaged with us

Carers are often unaware of supports available to assist them in their caring role. In 2025,
the ‘Support services for carers’ program was delivered in partnership with councils
through education sessions.

The program aims to: 

  • Raise awareness of the support services available for carers 
  • Support identification of carers, including ‘unidentified’ carers 
  • Target specific carers e.g. new, working or older carers

The education sessions provide information about support for carers to empower them to
access services relevant to their needs.

Sessions include:

  • The role of Carers Victoria
  • Support services for carers (National, State and Local)
  • Information about organisations that provide support to carers across Victoria e.g. Services Australia
  • Programs and supports in the local council area
  • A case study to demonstrate the use of key local services to support carers.

City of Monash

Learning Format

A one hour in-person workshop was facilitated by one of the Carers Victoria educators.

Carers Victoria developed a tailored ‘Services and supports resource guide’ for carers living in the City of Monash to share with their community.

Download the guide

Promotion method

City of Monash promoted the event via the following channels:

  • Council Newsletter – Positive Ageing Lifestyle Program
  • Social Media: Facebook
  • Events page on council website
  • Direct email carers and professional networks
  • Word of mouth

City of Monash

Learning Format

One hour online education sessions delivered after hours to attract busy working carers. It included a peer panel discussion whereby carers shared their experiences of the benefits of joining a local carer support group.

Carers Victoria developed a tailored ‘Services and supports resource guide’ for carers living in the City of Knox to share with their community.

Download the guide

Promotion method

Knox City Council promoted the event via the following channels:

  • Twice in monthly newsletter
  • Social media: Facebook
  • Listed on “events” page
  • Direct mail to carer data base
  • Word of mouth at council events (eg. Pathways 4 Carers)
  • Through Walk & Knox Exercise class

Download the event flyer

The feedback

Very informative information that I had no clue about!

- Carer

Thanks for this info. Will definitely be calling Carers Gateway.

- Carer

Carers are often invisible, but they were not today.

- Council staff

Fantastic event. Staff had great knowledge about supports and services available to carers.

- Council staff

Carers can be invisible, but they certainly were not yesterday. Well done!

- Council staff

Congratulations.  April, you coordinated a
very worthwhile event!

- Council staff

Staff overall presentation and engagement skills allowed for lots of carer questions and
interactions.

- Council staff

Kim and Marilyn, you
spoke with such knowledge and compassion!

- Council staff

Partnering in education

Please complete this form and one of our educators will be in touch with you.

Council(Required)
Optional

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