Released 12/10/2025
Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr, has recognised the estimated 58,000 unpaid carers across the ACT as part of National Carers Week 2025 – running from 12 to 18 October 2025.
This year’s theme for Carers Week is: You are one, know one, or will be one to highlight the universal nature of caring and the far-reaching positive impact carers have on those they care for, their families and the broader community.
CarersACT are also promoting: A Community that Cares for Carers as this year’s local theme for Canberra. Carers ACT’s theme compliments the national theme by highlighting carers’ essential contribution to society and the importance of ensuring they are rightly supported, recognised and valued.
“Carers are the quiet champions of our community,” Minister Orr said.
“They provide essential support to loved ones living with disability, chronic illness, mental health conditions, or age-related needs, often without recognition or rest. National Carers Week is our opportunity to say thank you.”
To mark the week, the ACT Government is promoting the Kinship and Foster Carers Resource Hub. A new online platform designed to support kinship and foster carers with practical tools, information, and access to services. Developed in partnership with Carers ACT, the hub responds to feedback from carers and aims to make navigating the caring journey easier.
Visit the hub at www.knfcarers.au or learn more via Carers ACT.
Minister Orr also reaffirmed the ACT Government’s commitment to delivering improved outcomes for carers under the ACT Carers Strategy 2018–2028, including ongoing work to explore the feasibility of a Carers Recognition Card.
“Carers contribute significantly to the wellbeing of our friends, families and loved ones and the sustainability of our health and social care systems,” Minister Orr said.
“We are working to build a more inclusive and supportive Canberra. One where carers are recognised, valued, and supported.”
Canberrans are encouraged to take a moment this week to check in with a carer, offer to help with errands, chores or plan a social activity together, so they can take a break and recharge, or simply say thank you.
“We all have a role to play in building a community that cares” Minister Orr said.
For more information about National Carers Week and how to get involved, visit www.carersweek.com.au.
Quote attributable to Cain Beckett, CEO, Carers ACT:
“Carers Week is a chance for our community to recognise the vital care provided by family and friends here in the ACT. It is also an opportunity for carers to get together, to share experiences and enjoy some fun activities. Too often carers’ efforts go unseen, so this year’s theme reminds us of the importance of being ‘A Community that Cares for Carers.”
- Statement ends -
Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases