Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have always cared for family, Elders and community. This project is building culturally safe ways to recognise and support carers within ACCHOs and community services, ensuring people receive the help they need without shame, barriers or confusion.
A carer is:
Anyone who supports a family member or friend living with a disability, health condition, mental illness or who is older or ageing. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, caring often includes helping extended family and kin – like aunties, uncles, cousins, Elders and others in the community – as part of strong cultural and family responsibilities.
Why this matters:
When we identify carers early, services can:
- Strengthen continuity of care,
- Improve health outcomes,
- Reduce burnout and stress,
- Enable Medicare co-claiming opportunities for practices.
What we’re doing:
AH&MRC is working alongside ACCHOs to:
- Build culturally strong training for frontline workers,
- Co-design education and resources within community
- Map services and referral pathways,
- Create community-specific carer stories and examples
Want to pilot training at your site?
If you are interested in having this program and training come to your ACCHO, please fill out this quick expression of interest form and we will get in touch.
Carley Lowcock | AH&MRC Carer’s Project Officer
clowcock@ahmrc.org.au | 0419 473 857
