National Carers Week

National Carers Week is Australia's annual week dedicated to recognising, celebrating and supporting unpaid carers. This year it takes place from 11-17 October 2026.

This year's theme, Care for a Carer, encourages all Australians - individuals, communities, workplaces and governments to consider how they can better support the carers in their lives.

Across Australia, there are more than 3 million carers providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend. In NSW alone, that is almost 1 million people-  almost one in eight residents - caring for someone living with disability, mental illness, a chronic or terminal illness, or who is frail due to age.

2026 is also a milestone year. Carers NSW is proud to mark 50 years of supporting and advocating for carers across NSW. For more information on our 50th Anniversary, click here.

National Carers Week Toolkit

The National Carers Week 2026 Toolkit gives your team, workplace, school, club or community group everything you need to celebrate National Carers Week 2026 - social tile, poster, EDM banners and event invite, all editable to suit your needs.

The more you use the toolkit, the more opportunities you create to build genuine partnerships and help recognise and amplify the voices of family and friend carers.

Hashtags
When promoting your event/activity online please:

• Tag @CarersNSW (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Use the hashtags: #NationalCarersWeek #CarersNSW
• Share your own photos and tag @CarersNSW so we can re-share your content

Events near you

There are plenty of ways to connect and take part in National Carers Week, with events and activities happening across NSW.

'Light Up Blue' Campaign

On Sunday 11 October,  landmarks and buildings across Australia will light up blue to recognise the important work of the 3 million unpaid family and friend carers around Australia and we'd love for you to get involved! Take a photo of your local blue-lit building, post it on socials and tag #LightUpForCarers #CarersNSW to show carers you care. To find your local landmark and understand more, click below.

Carer Gateway events

Carers NSW is the dedicated Carer Gateway service provider in the Central Coast, Hunter New England, and North Coast regions. We are hosting a range of free Carer Gateway events and activities across the region we serve including face-to-face community events and online activities for carers.

Events across NSW and Nationwide

Other events are running across NSW, supported by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. A confirmed list of events will be available soon.

Want to see what's on nationally? Check out the official National Carers Week website for events happening right across Australia.