125 ways to celebrate unpaid carers in NSW

01 October 2026

The Minns Labor Government is putting the spotlight on unpaid carers for their selfless contribution to communities across NSW as the state prepares to host 125 events during National Carers Week from 11 October 2026.

Under the NSW National Carers Week Grants Program, almost $215,000 will be awarded to organisations and community groups to run initiatives expected to engage more than 8,200 unpaid carers across the state.

Grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 will support activities including day trips, wellness retreats, educational workshops, cultural lunches, live music performances and more.

Examples of successful initiatives include:

• $2,000 for Latin American Multicultural and Community Centre of Australia to host their Apacho – Community Care for Latin Carers event (Marrickville)
• $2,000 for NSW Health to host their Waves of Wellness event (Camden)
• $2,000 for Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council to host their Elders Community Wellbeing and Appreciation Day (Bathurst)
• $2000 for Royal Rehab to host their Carers Wellness Week (Ryde)
• $1089 for Canada Bay Libraries to host their Carers Week event (Concord and Five Dock)

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 Minns Labor 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

More information on the NSW National Carers Week Program and events can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-national-carers-week-grants-2026 

Minister with responsibility for carers Jodie Harrison 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 initiatives to celebrate carers across all corners of the state."

Interim Chief Executive Officer of Carers NSW Kristen Hannah said:

“As the peak body for carers in NSW, Carers NSW welcomes 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.”