MEDIA RELEASE: Recognising Victoria’s amazing carers this National Carers Week

This National Carers Week (12-18 October, 2025), Carers Victoria is asking all Victorians to recognise the contributions of unpaid carers in our community who look after family members, friends, or neighbours with disability, mental illness, chronic health conditions, or age-related needs.

With our help, communities are reaching out to connect Victoria’s 750,000+ unpaid carers. This year's theme, ‘Care for a carer,' provides an opportunity to recognise the profound and often unseen contribution made by people who provide unpaid care.

“Carers deserve immense respect and recognition in the community,” said Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott. “They give so much of themselves to support others, often while juggling work, study, and their own wellbeing. National Carers Week allows us to stop, reflect, and show our appreciation for everything they do.”

This National Carers Week we want to encourage everyone to be active and engaged. Look around and recognise the carers in your community. Reach out to a carer you know and show them you care. There are so many little things you can do today to make their life a little easier:

• Show your support by checking in on them regularly.
• Offer them a break so they can take time to recharge.
• Use your words to recognise and acknowledge the exceptional work of a carer you know.
• Initiate support – carers often prioritise the wellbeing of the person they care for, remind them to care for themselves.

To mark the week, Carers Victoria is running carer-focused events around the state, and partnering with local Carer Support Groups and community organisations who are hosting activities aimed at providing respite and connection. Community members are encouraged to take part, learn more about the role of carers, and consider how they can support those around them.

Carers Victoria is also lighting up Victorian landmarks this week in our brand colours of blue, white and red (see below).

Among these will be Flinders Street Station (14-15 October), AAMI Park, Rod Laver Arena, and the Bolte Bridge.

Carers often face isolation, financial strain, and limited access to services. Data from the 2025 Carer Wellbeing Survey shows 42.7% of carers reported feeling lonely ‘often or always’. Carers Victoria works year-round to provide respite programs, peer support, advocacy, and information to carers of all ages and backgrounds across the state.

“This week is a chance for all of us – governments, organisations, employers, and neighbours – to recognise carers and ensure they have the resources, respect, and support they deserve,” said Judith Abbott.

For more information about National Carers Week in Victoria, visit carersvictoria.org.au/carersweek.