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Home  | Programs & Projects  | Defence and Veteran Carers Network

Defence and Veteran Carers Network

What’s on this page
We want to hear your story Getting the support you need as a carer You can access carer supports in your State or Territory Support organisations you may already know Can you help raise awareness of the Defence and Veteran Carers Network?

Carers Australia recognises the vital role that carers play in supporting Defence members, as well as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who provide unpaid care. 

Many carers don’t realise they are one. In particular, carers within the ADF and those who care for current and former ADF members are often overlooked and under-identified.  

Following the findings of the 2019 ADF Families Survey, the Department of Defence’s Family Support Funding Program funded Carers Australia to provide information and support to current and former ADF members and their families, where the current or ex-serving member is a carer, is being cared for, or has been impacted by the caring role. 

The aim of this hub is to connect individuals, families and communities to support and resources, and provide an advocacy platform for this unique group of carers. We will be adding to it over time as resources become available. 

Findings from the 2019 ADF Families survey:
  • “ADF members’ work demands and absences affect a family’s ability to share household and caring responsibilities, which can in turn hamper partner employment, and long or repeated absences can be detrimental to family relationships.” 
  • “The proportion of families that require special needs support services is relatively small. However, access to special needs support services was the most difficult aspect to re-establish following a relocation.” 
  • “Several respondents suggested improvements to mental health support. Some noted that affected members may be reluctant to seek help for mental health care, owing to broad cultural or Defence-specific stigma.” 
  • “Families’ use of support services was generally low, and for most services, use has decreased since 2017.”  

We want to hear your story

We are collecting stories to highlight the voices of current and former ADF members who provide care and those who care for ADF personnel and veterans, to help raise awareness of the important role you play and the unique challenges you face. 

Your story could help other people better identify as a carer and access support and services to help navigate their role.  

Please share your story with us, through the Share Your Story button on the right-hand side of this page. 

Join our podcast 

We are also seeking carers to feature on our upcoming podcast series about defence and veteran carers. Our Secret Life of Carers podcast highlights the unique experiences of Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers. It includes stories from everyday people reflecting on their role as a carer, the people they support and the services they access. 

If you are interested being part of our podcast, please fill out the form through the Share Your Story button on the right-hand side of this page and select your interest in being part of the podcast.

Getting the support you need as a carer

Around one in eight of the over half a million Australians who have served or are currently serving in the ADF have a partner, parent, sibling or child who provides care and support for them because of disability, long-term health conditions or old age. 

This is a significantly higher rate than the rest of the Australian population, because of higher rates of long-term health issues in ADF personnel and veterans. 

Although the Department of Defence offers some support services around the caring role, external supports might be more appropriate for your situation. Unfortunately, carers within the ADF often incorrectly feel they cannot get additional external support and generally do not seek it out. 

Have you Identified as a Carer?

Who is a Carer?

Carers are an integral part of Australia’s health system and are the foundation of our aged, disability, palliative care and community care systems. 

Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness or an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged. 

Find out more about who carers are. 

Young carers

Young carers are people aged up to 25 years old who provide unpaid care and support to family members or friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness or an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged.  

Find out more about young carers and our Young Carer Bursary program. 

Carers in the workplace

Many Australians combine paid employment with caring duties, which can be incredibly stressful. 

Find out more about carers in the workplace. 

Being a carer as well as a parent

Are you supporting a child with a disability? Early childhood intervention provides support and services for children aged up to seven who display signs of, or have been diagnosed with, developmental delay or disability.  

Learn more about Early childhood intervention. 

 

Palliative care and end-of-life care

Caring for someone at the end of their life is not something all carers are able to do, but people who have say it is both the hardest and the most important thing they have done. Even if you have been caring for many years, awareness of approaching end-of-life can create new fears and uncertainties. There are things to think about and plan for. It is essential that you take care of yourself during and after this time. 

Find information and support on palliative care and end-of-life care. 

 

You can access carer supports in your State or Territory

More information

Carer Gateway 

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Carers New South Wales 

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Carers Australian Capital Territory 

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Carers Victoria 

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Carers South Australia 

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Carers Western Australia 

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Carers Northern Territory 

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Carers Tasmania 

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Carers Queensland 

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Support organisations you may already know

More information

The Home Post

Visit Website

Mental Health Carers Australia

Visit Website

Facebook group for Defence and Veteran Partner & Carers Support Group

Open Group

Resolute Ready

Visit Website

Can you help raise awareness of the Defence and Veteran Carers Network?

Promotional images and content

Please download our resources to promote the Defence and Veteran Carers Network through your channels.

Email [email protected] if you need more information or graphics.

Download resources
Stakeholder toolkit

The toolkit provides information and promotional copy to promote the Defence and Veteran Carers Network through your channels.

Download toolkit
What’s on this page
We want to hear your story Getting the support you need as a carer You can access carer supports in your State or Territory Support organisations you may already know Can you help raise awareness of the Defence and Veteran Carers Network?
Related topics
Defence and Veteran Carers Network Early Childhood Intervention Mindfulness on Demand Women Who Care Caring Costs Us Digital Health Literacy

Your Story is Important to Us

Help us advocate for Defence and Veteran Carers by telling us your story here. You can share anonymously or identify. It's your choice.

Tell us your story
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