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.
- “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
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?
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 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.
Many Australians combine paid employment with caring duties, which can be incredibly stressful.
Find out more about carers in the workplace.
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.
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
Carer Gateway
Carers New South Wales
Carers Australian Capital Territory
Carers Victoria
Carers South Australia
Carers Western Australia
Carers Northern Territory
Carers Tasmania
Carers Queensland
Support organisations you may already know
The Home Post
Mental Health Carers Australia
Facebook group for Defence and Veteran Partner & Carers Support Group
Resolute Ready
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.
Stakeholder toolkit
The toolkit provides information and promotional copy to promote the Defence and Veteran Carers Network through your channels.