The Benevolent Society and its Carer Gateway team recently held a series of events across New South Wales to mark National Carers Week (12-18 October).
This special week celebrates and raises awareness of the three million Australians who support a family member or friend.
The main event - a special High Tea - was held at NSW Parliament House on 15 October, with guests including NSW Premier Chris Minns and Federal MP for Banks, Zhi Soon.
Benevolent staff in attendance included CEO Kevin Barrow, Jeremy Halcrow, Executive Director, Ageing & Carers, Ryan Woodward, Director, Ageing, Carers and National Support Centre, and the Carer Gateway team.
Inspiring carer stories
Over 100 carers were honoured by host Jeremiah Hartmann, and television presenter and carer advocate Barry Du Bois, for their extraordinary contributions at the High Tea in Sydney.
Carers gathered to unwind over tea, coffee, and an array of sweet and savoury treats. NSW Premier Chris Minns met with carers and thanked them for the support they provide every day.
Group photo of the Benevolent Carer Gateway team with Barry Du Bois, Kevin Barrow (CEO) and Chris Minns.
Barry hosted a panel discussion with a group of CALD, Aboriginal, LGTBQIA+, male carers and young carers. Carers Jason, Ly, Tara, and Shanelle, who shared their experiences, wellbeing strategies like personal time and exercise, and the Carer Gateway supports they’ve utilised, including peer groups and counselling.
The discussion also highlighted challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers, including language barriers and stigma around seeking help. It underscored the importance of listening to carers and continuing to raise awareness about what caring truly involves.
Celebrating carers across NSW
Benevolent and Carer Gateway also hosted carer events in Wollongong, Dee Why, Parramatta and sponsored the Autism Community Network (ACN) Carers Week High Tea in Riverwood.
At Rydges Parramatta, carers enjoyed a calming aromatherapy workshop and a vibrant flower bouquet session. In Wollongong, a brunch brought carers together to share stories, sample chocolates, and create gratitude bags.
The Wollongong brunch was attended by Wollongong Deputy Lord Mayor Linda Campbell and Alison Byrnes MP, who met with carers and acknowledged the invaluable support they provide.
At the ACN Carers Week High Tea in Riverwood, Benevolent’s Carer Gateway Manager, Michelle Williams, joined a panel discussion about available supports, managing stress, and the importance of self-care for carers.
Carers spent the morning with Northern Beach Mayor Sue Heins at the Dee Why event, and learnt tips and tricks from a colour stylist and created vision boards of joy to reflect their passions and goals for the future.
Honouring those who care
“National Carers Week is an important time to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles,” said Ryan Woodward, Benevolent’s Ageing, Carers and National Support Centre Director
With three million unpaid carers in Australia providing 2.2 billion hours of care annually, many balance these responsibilities alongside work or study. Timely support can make all the difference.
“The Benevolent Society - Carer Gateway were proud to celebrate National Carers Week with these dedicated events across New South Wales. Carers provide essential support to those in need every day. It’s important to acknowledge everything they do and ensure they know how to access support like Carer Gateway.”
For more information on The Benevolent Society’s Carer Gateway program, call 1800 422 737 or click here.