Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians care for others in their families and communities. Inclusive and culturally specific services and support for Aboriginal carers are available.
About Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers
Research suggests that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are up to twice as likely as other Australians to be carers. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS) 2014-151 found that approximately one in four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in NSW provided unpaid care to a person with disability, a long-term health condition or old age. According to the 2021 Census, 3.9% of all carers in NSW identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers experience many of the same challenges as other carers, however, the care they provide is influenced by a range of unique historical, cultural, spiritual and socio-economic factors.
Carers NSW has information available about the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers from the National Carer Survey – a survey conducted every two years with the support of the other State and Territory Carer Organisations.
1 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, Australia, 2014–15
2 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers accept caring as a normal part of family and community life and may not think of themselves as carers. As a result, some carers may not be aware of the resources and support programs available.
- Carer Gateway - 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday). Access to supports and services for all carers.
- Aboriginal Medical Services - Health and wellbeing support across NSW.
- Aboriginal Legal Service - 1800 765 767 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm). Legal support and advice.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) - 1800 800 110 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm). Access to life-long supports and services for eligible people under 65 years of age with disability.
- My Aged Care - 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm, Saturdays 10.00am to 2.00pm). Access to supports in the home or community for people who are ageing or frail.
