Support for carers

What a carer is

A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who may have a disability, mental illness or be an older person needing assistance. Carers help in many ways, from driving to appointments and managing bills to assisting with personal care, cooking and household tasks. 
There are various support options available to help carers maintain their role and support their wellbeing.

Carer supports and services information session

Do you provide care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour?

To continue providing the best possible support, it’s important to take care of your own health and wellbeing. Learn about carer supports at an information session presented by Carers Victoria.

Light afternoon tea will be served after the session.

When: Thursday 9 October from 1 to 2 pm

Where: Meeting room 1, Camberwell Library, 340 Camberwell Road, Camberwell

This is a free event but registrations are essential.

General support services for carers

Support for Carers program

The Support for Carers Program provides information, practical support, and assistance. This includes carer support groups, targeted advice and help navigating the service system.

In Boroondara, the Support for Carers program is offered by:

1. Extended Families Australia 
   www.extendedfamilies.org.au
   Phone: 0452 236 850
   Available: Monday Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm
2. Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania)
   www.unitingvictas.org.au
   Phone: (03) 9051 7000
   Available: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. This includes in person or online peer support, phone counselling, and support packages to assist with care, transport, and emergency respite.

Carer Payment

Carer Payment is available for those who provide constant care to a person with disability, medical condition, or an older person who needs ongoing support.  

Carer Allowance

Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment provided by the Australian Government to those who care for a person who needs daily support.

Companion Card

You can use a Companion Card to book or purchase tickets if the person you care for needs your support to attend community activities and venues. The card provides you with a free ticket for the event or venue. Companion Card holders get free admission to many community activities, events, and venues. You can also get free public transport across Victoria.

Carer Card

The Carer Card gives unpaid primary carers benefits and discounts on a range of products and services.

Carers Victoria

Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and supporting carers across Victoria. They’re committed to offering knowledge, guidance and support whenever you need it.

National Carers Week

National Carers Week is in October and is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the 3 million Australians who provide care to a family member or friend.

Immediate support

If you need to talk to someone immediately, contact Lifeline (24 hours a day) on 13 11 14.

Boroondara Services

Boroondara Library Service

Our Home Library Service delivers library items to any Boroondara resident who has difficulty visiting our libraries. You can borrow anything from our catalogue or ask for specific titles when you speak to one of our staff or volunteers.

Using your Companion or Carer Card for Council-run events

If you are booking tickets for a Council-run event and would like to use a Companion Card or Carer Card, you will need to book your tickets by phone. Please call the contact number we have provided for booking a ticket to the event, and we will assist you.