Three ways to celebrate unpaid carers
The State Government is delivering an $5,800 investment to support three National Carer Week events to put the spotlight on unpaid carers in the Gosford, Wyong and The Entrance electorate.
Funded under the $214,364.8 NSW National Carers Week Grants Program, these events form part of 125 statewide initiatives to celebrate unpaid carers for their contribution to communities from 11 October 2026.
Jodie Harrison Minister with responsibility for carers said, “Unpaid carers always show up to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people across NSW.
“They work hard behind the scenes and never ask for accolades, but they deserve recognition.
“That's why National Carers Week matters, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to be supporting 125 organisations to celebrate carers across all corners of the state."
14 October 2026
TO SUPPORT National Carer Week, grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 have been awarded to support activities including day trips, wellness retreats, educational workshops, cultural lunches, live music performances and more.
The Hon. David Harris Member for Wyong said, "This National Carers Week theme is ‘care for a carer’ recognising unseen work and connecting carers across the Central Coast with support and to say thank you.
“Let’s recognise the contributions of unpaid family and friend carers who work hard every day to make life easier for the people they support in the Wyong electorate."
David Mehan, Member for The Entrance, said, “Behind so many families in our community are unpaid carers quietly doing an incredible job every day.
“National Carers Week is a chance to say thank you, recognise their contribution and remind carers that they’re not alone.”
Organisations awarded funding across the Central Coast include:
- Carer Support Unit, Central Coast Local Health District
- Belongside Families Ltd
- Central Coast Local Health District - Mental Health Service
According to 2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics data, NSW is home to at least 958,500 unpaid carers. Unpaid carers in Australia contribute an estimated 2.2 billion hours of unpaid labour per year, valued at $77.9 billion.
The State Government is delivering a better New South Wales for carers through a suite of initiatives including:
- The launch of the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program across 16 LGAs in regional and rural NSW to integrate social and wellbeing support for older people and their unpaid carers.
- The NSW Companion Card which allows free entry to selected venues and facilities in NSW for carers accompanying a person with significant and permanent disability
- The Carers + Employers program which provides accreditation to workplaces demonstrating best practice for supporting carers in the workplace
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said that so much of what unpaid carers do goes unrecognised in the day to day of our lives. "With over 3 million carers across Australia, it is safe to say that most of us know at least one carer who is providing unpaid care on top of the busy demands of life," she said.
“I encourage everyone to check in on a carer in your life today with a message, a call, an act of care or a kind message. Thank you to all of the incredible carers who provide support in our community.”
Interim Chief Executive Officer of Carers NSW Kristen Hannah pointed out that as the peak body for carers in NSW, Carers NSW welcomed initiatives that recognise and celebrate the significant contribution carers make every day.
“These grants support grassroots activities that not only acknowledge carers but also strengthen community understanding, reduce isolation and foster local networks of support,” she said.
More information on the NSW National Carers Week Program can be found here.
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