Carers Week 2025 is a timely reminder to acknowledge the vital role that Victoria’s unpaid carers play in our community and to consider ways to better support them, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Carers Week runs from October 12 to 18. This year’s theme is ‘Care for a Carer’.
“This is a perfect time to highlight the incredible time and effort that carers put in. Their dedication, compassion and tireless efforts make a real difference in the lives of others,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad recently met with the CEO of Carers Victoria Judith Abbott and said the statistics on carers in the region were very concerning.
“In my electorate of Northern Victoria, there are around 88,000 carers – or about 14 per cent of the total population,” Ms Broad said.
“Compared to carers in the broader Victorian population (21 per cent), there is a higher proportion of carers in Northern Victoria aged 65 years and over (24 per cent).
“Carers in Northern Victoria also report higher rates of chronic health conditions (46 per cent) than their statewide counterparts (40 per cent). These include conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and mental health issues.
“Sixty-one per cent of carers in Northern Victoria are female compared to 39 per cent male.”
Ms Broad said there were over 750,000 carers across the state.
“Many primary carers deliver over 40 hours of care per week – more than a full-time job. A majority are unable to participate in paid work, and alarmingly, many carers also live with a disability themselves. Only 30 per cent of carers have accessed respite care, financial or social support.
“These figures speak to a stark reality: carers are under strain across multiple fronts – financial, emotional, physical, and social. Carers provide invaluable support; strengthen families and communities and make a positive impact.
“I encourage all in our community to reflect on the message ‘Care for a Carer’ this week. A small gesture – a phone call, a meal, an hour of help – can mean the world to someone whose daily life is an act of care,” Ms Broad said.
National Carers Week – Carers Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
