For many Australians living with disability, there is somebody quietly working in the background.
A parent.
A partner.
A sibling.
A family member.
A friend.
Someone coordinating appointments, transporting loved ones, managing medications, attending meetings, completing paperwork and advocating day after day.
We often talk about disability supports.
We talk about hospitals, therapists, support workers and funding.
But one question is asked far less frequently:
Who supports the carers?
The Care Economy Nobody Sees
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are around 3 million unpaid carers in Australia, including approximately 1.2 million primary carers who provide the majority of support to another person. [aph.gov.au], [abs.gov.au]
The contribution of unpaid carers is enormous.
Recent ABS analysis estimated the value of unpaid care in Australia at hundreds of billions of dollars, highlighting just how much the health, disability and aged care sectors rely upon family and community carers. [vichealth.vic.gov.au], [humanrights.gov.au]
Yet many carers report feeling:
- Exhausted
- Overwhelmed
- Financially pressured
- Isolated
- Unsure where to seek help
And many don’t realise that support exists specifically for them.
The Myth of the “Super Carer”
Society often celebrates carers for being selfless, resilient and endlessly available.
While those qualities deserve recognition, they can also create unrealistic expectations.
Carers are human.
They become sick.
They experience stress.
They need breaks.
They need social connection.
They need support for their own wellbeing.
Research consistently shows that caring responsibilities can affect employment, income, physical health and mental wellbeing. [abs.gov.au], [aph.gov.au]
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
It is often what makes sustained caring possible.
What Is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative designed specifically to support unpaid carers. It provides free services intended to help carers manage challenges, reduce stress, build skills and maintain their own wellbeing. [abledcares…ces.com.au], [directory.gov.au]
If you provide unpaid care to someone living with disability, chronic illness, mental illness, dementia, frailty or age-related needs, you may be eligible for support. [ndis.gov.au], [ndiscommis…ion.gov.au]
Importantly, Carer Gateway is designed to assist carers before they reach crisis point. [abledcares…ces.com.au]
Services Available Through Carer Gateway
Depending on circumstances and eligibility, carers may access:
Counselling
Professional counselling can help carers manage stress, grief, burnout, anxiety and the emotional challenges that often accompany long-term caring responsibilities. [directory.gov.au], [ndiscommis…ion.gov.au]
Peer Support
Sometimes the most valuable support comes from speaking with somebody who understands.
Carer Gateway offers opportunities to connect with other carers through peer support groups and networks. [ndis.gov.au], [abledcares…ces.com.au]
Coaching
One-on-one coaching can help carers develop practical strategies, build resilience and manage challenges associated with caring. [directory.gov.au], [abledcares…ces.com.au]
Online Education and Skills Programs
Carers can access educational resources designed to strengthen confidence, increase knowledge and support wellbeing. [ndis.gov.au], [ndiscommis…ion.gov.au]
Respite Services
One of the most important supports available is respite.
Carer Gateway can assist carers in accessing planned respite and, in some circumstances, emergency respite arrangements. [ndis.gov.au], [abledcares…ces.com.au]
What If the Carer Gets Sick?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from families.
Many carers worry about what would happen if they suddenly became ill, were admitted to hospital or were temporarily unable to continue providing support.
Carer Gateway can assist with emergency planning, including helping carers understand available emergency respite options and develop Emergency Care Plans. [directory.gov.au], [abledcares…ces.com.au]
Having a plan in place before a crisis occurs can provide enormous peace of mind.
Other Supports Worth Knowing About
While Carer Gateway is often the best starting point, it is not the only resource available.
Carers Australia
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing carers. It provides information, advocacy, resources and links to support services across the country. [parliament…vic.gov.au], [ndiscommis…ion.gov.au]
🌐 https://www.carersaustralia.com.au
Carers Victoria
Victorian carers can access information, education, support programs and local resources through Carers Victoria. [ndis.gov.au]
🌐 https://www.carersvictoria.org.au
Lifeline
If a carer is experiencing emotional distress or needs immediate support:
📞 13 11 14
🌐 https://www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue
For support relating to anxiety, depression and mental wellbeing:
📞 1300 22 4636
🌐 https://www.beyondblue.org.au
NDIS and My Aged Care Navigation Support
Carer Gateway can also help connect carers with relevant services including the NDIS, My Aged Care and local community supports. [ndiscommis…ion.gov.au], [abledcares…ces.com.au]
What Lion and Mouse Believes
At Lion and Mouse Australia, we believe carers are one of the most important and under-recognised parts of Australia’s disability support system.
Every day, carers provide support that cannot be measured simply in hours, funding packages or economic value.
They provide stability during uncertainty.
They provide advocacy when systems become complicated.
They provide encouragement when goals feel distant.
And they often continue showing up long after everyone else has gone home.
We also believe that caring should never come at the cost of a person’s own wellbeing.
Carers deserve opportunities to rest.
They deserve access to counselling and emotional support.
They deserve practical assistance when challenges become overwhelming.
And they deserve to know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength.
Most importantly, we believe carers should not have to navigate their journey alone.
Support exists.
Resources are available.
And there is a community of people and organisations ready to help.
Because when carers are supported, everyone benefits.
Participants benefit.
Families benefit.
Communities benefit.
And ultimately, Australia becomes a stronger and more inclusive place for everyone.
Wrapping Up
Carers are often described as the invisible workforce.
But perhaps it’s time we stopped thinking of them as invisible.
They are parents, partners, siblings, friends and family members who provide extraordinary care every single day.
Behind many success stories is a carer quietly helping someone achieve their goals.
Behind many moments of independence is someone providing support, encouragement and advocacy.
While the caring role can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be demanding, exhausting and at times isolating.
That’s why accessing support is so important.
Whether it’s counselling, respite, peer support, coaching or simply speaking with someone who understands, carers deserve support in their own right.
If you are caring for someone living with disability, remember this:
You do not have to carry everything on your own.
Help is available.
Support is available.
And your wellbeing matters too.
Need Help Connecting With Support?
Whether you’re exploring therapy options, building an NDIS participants goals, or seeking guidance on supports for yourself, Lion and Mouse is here to help.
📞 1300 048 355
🌐 www.lionandmouse.com.au
Lion and Mouse Australia Ltd is a registered Australian charity committed to supporting people with disability, strengthening families and recognising the extraordinary contribution of carers across Australia.
Important Contacts
Carer Gateway
📞 1800 422 737
🌐 www.carergateway.gov.au
Provides counselling, coaching, peer support, respite services, emergency planning and practical support for unpaid carers. [directory.gov.au], [abledcares…ces.com.au]
Carers Australia
🌐 www.carersaustralia.com.au
National peak body representing and advocating for Australia’s carers. Provides information, resources and support pathways. [parliament…vic.gov.au], [ndiscommis…ion.gov.au]
Carers Victoria
🌐 www.carersvictoria.org.au
Information, education, support services and local resources for Victorian carers. [ndis.gov.au]
Lifeline
📞 13 11 14
🌐 www.lifeline.org.au
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Beyond Blue
📞 1300 22 4636
🌐 www.beyondblue.org.au
Support for anxiety, depression and mental wellbeing.
Emergency
📞 000
If there is an immediate risk to life or safety.