Carers play an important role in the Brimbank community, providing unpaid care, support and assistance to family members and friends because that person has a disability, a medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness), a mental illness, or is frail and aged.
We are committed to recognising and supporting carers while providing individual support to make their caring responsibilities easier.
The Brimbank Carer Support Plan 2022-25 was designed in consultation with over 100 local carers and sets out Council-wide actions aligned with the Victorian State Government's priorities for carers. It outlines:
- our commitment to carers
- how we support carers
- the actions we are taking to meet the needs of carers in Brimbank.
The National Carer Strategy 2024-2034 | Department of Social Services sets out a national agenda to support and improve the loves of Australia’s unpaid carers.
Who are carers?
Family members, partners, friends and neighbours throughout Brimbank regularly provide much-needed assistance with a variety of tasks that others might have difficulty with or are unable to complete independently. This may include physical and personal care such as dressing, lifting, showering, toileting, feeding or providing transport.
Carers are often responsible for the management of medications, and also provide emotional and social support. Caring may also involve organising and attending appointments, banking and dealing with emergencies.
Not everyone who provides help and support to someone thinks of themselves as a carer. It can be difficult for carers to see their caring role as separate from their relationship with the person for whom they care. We also understand the term carer may not be recognised, accepted or acknowledged by some people, including First Nations people and in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Resources for carers
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway
The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and supports for carers. Carers Gateway offers a single point of entry for carers to access information, advice and support through a national helpline and website. Support can include:
- coaching
- counselling
- financial support
- health services
- social programs
- peer support
- courses and
- emergency and planned respite.
All carers are encouraged to join the Carer Gateway. The Gateway does not have citizenship, residence or visa requirements, and is not affected by other government supports.
To learn more visit the Carer Gateway website for support and advice available 7 days a week or call 1800 422 737 from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Brimbank’s Support for Carers Program
Brimbank’s Support for Carers Program
Brimbank is one of many organisations in Victoria who deliver Support for Carer Programs on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Support for Carers Programs provide tailored and flexible supports based on a carer’s individual needs and circumstances.
Support for Carers Programs can:
- Information and advice
- one-to-one support
- group support which may include:
- carer support groups
- specific needs support groups for carers
- joint support groups for a carer and the person they care for together. - individual, group or family counselling
- concurrent programming for carers and their care recipients
- funds for a service or a one-off purchase to meet a pressing support requirement.
If you would like to learn more about what supports are available via Brimbank’s Support for Carers Program and discuss supports suited to you, please complete the Support for carers form or call the Community Care team on 03 9249 4974.
Brimbank Carers Space
Brimbank Carers Space
The Brimbank Carers Space is a pilot that has been co-designed with local carers in the Brimbank community. It is a space that aims to reflect and respond to the needs of carers by providing opportunities for relaxation, respite, connection and sharing knowledge and capacity-building through training and learning. The space is located at Keilor Downs Community Centre, 90 Taylors Road, Keilor Downs VIC 3038.
Some of the features of the space include:
- Public computer and printing services, allowing carers to access online resources, gather information and print relevant materials conveniently
- Comfortable spaces where carers can connect and support one another
- A Coffee, Tea and refreshments station, creating a welcoming atmosphere for casual conversations and sharing experiences
- Wi-Fi
- Large PC enabled TV, Bluetooth speaker & CD player
- Mobile device charging stations
- Modular furniture to enable the space to be modified to suit different activities
- Whiteboard
- Manual air filtration unit
- A range of relaxation and mindfulness activities (puzzles, magazines, colouring activities)
- Two Service Provider workstations with monitors, ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks.
At present, the space is open for scheduled activities and sessions only. Details of upcoming events can be found on the Brimbank City Council Events page and details of recurring programs are available on the Discover Learning in Brimbank page.
If you would like to learn more about what’s on offer at the Brimbank Carers Space please contact the Community Care team on 03 9249 4974 or at CarersSpace@brimbank.vic.gov.auCarersSpace@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria is the peak body representing all unpaid carers in Victoria. Carers Victoria offers a range of events, support services, training and resources for unpaid carers.
Carers Victoria maintains a Carer Support Group Directory. Carers looking for a greater connection with other carers can search the Carer Support Group Directory for a group nearby or a group that caters for specific types of carers of people with specific needs.
To learn more visit the Carers Victoria website or contact the Carers Victoria Carer Advisory Service, available Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm 1800 514 845
Carer Card Program
Carer Card Program
The Victorian Carer Card recognises the significant contribution carers make to the lives of people they care for and the community in which they live.
The card provides discounts and benefits to carers in acknowledgement of this contribution.
The Victorian Carer Card Discount Directory allows carers to search for discounts and services from participating businesses.
Look out for the Victorian Carer Card ‘We Care’ sticker to find participating businesses offering discounts to Victorian Carer Card holders.
Companion Card
Companion Card
Victorian’s with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities can apply for a Companion Card.
The Companion Card program allows one companion to receive a complimentary ticket to provide people with a disability high-level support at the time that they are at the venue or event.
A companion can be a family member, friend or a paid support worker who provides your high-level attendant care support. They must be of an age to be able to assist you to participate at a venue or activity.
You can choose who you wish to have as your companion, and this may vary depending on the activity and the occasion.
Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect
Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect
Jesuit Social Services operate the Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect program from it’s Connect Centre in Sunshine.
Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect offers a range of supports including information, resources, counselling, individual support, and group programs to those who care for others with mental health and substance use issues.
All services are free of charge and don’t require a referral or Medicare.
The Sunshine Connect Centre is located at 20 Hertford Road Sunshine. You can call them on 0429 564 269 or email WesternMHWConnect@jss.org.au
Carer Payment, Carer Allowance & Carers Supplement
Carer Payment, Carer Allowance & Carers Supplement
Services Australia administers a range of payments and benefits for individuals providing constant care to someone with a disability or a medical condition, or an adult who’s frail aged on behalf of the Australian Government.
You can learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to claim by visiting the
Services Australia website and searching ‘Carer’ or by reviewing the A guide to Australian Government payments.
Victorian Concessions
Victorian Concessions
The Victorian Concessions Guide details the discounts and services available to concession card holders in Victoria.
Kinship Care
Kinship Care
Kinship care is the care provided by relatives or a member of a child's social network when a child cannot live with their parents.
There are different types of kinship care including:
- Aboriginal kinship care
- Statutory kinship placements
- Private, informal and non-statutory kinship care
Learn more about the supports and resources for kinship carers via the Kinship care - DFFH Services page.
Services Australia has a range of supports available to formal and informal carers via its Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Advisers.
Community Connector Program
Community Connector Program
Brimbank’s Community Connector program is designed to support residents, their family members and carers to understand and navigate the Aged Care system, Disability and Carer support sectors and support them to live and age well in Brimbank.
This free and confidential service supports residents to:
- Understand the government subsidised Aged Care system, including eligibility, assessment, access and how to find a service provider
- Navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including how to apply, assistance with the planning process, advocacy, education, information and linking into NDIS support networks.
- Connect with community supports such as health, mental health, housing and homelessness programs, drug and alcohol support services, allied health services and carer supports.
- Connect with social connection opportunities available in Brimbank.
- Connect with advocates
- Build awareness and capacity on key positive ageing, carer and disability related topics through the delivery of education and information sessions.
Our Community Connectors provide tailored support to individuals and their families. We can come to your home, engage with you over the phone, arrange for an appointment at a location that suits you or visit an established group or program.
The service can be accessed by contacting brimbankcommunityconnector@brimbank.vic.gov.au or calling 03 9249 4494