What’s happening?
Carers Queensland is calling on unpaid carers in Townsville, Rockhampton, Murgon, Cherbourg and other Queensland communities to share their lived experiences.
The peak body representing unpaid carers is gathering feedback through an online survey and face-to-face community consultation sessions. The aim is to better understand the realities of caring, including the challenges carers face, the support they need, and the changes they want to see.
The feedback will help inform Carers Queensland’s submission to the Queensland Government’s review of the Carer Recognition Act 2008. The review is a key chance to improve how unpaid caring is recognised and valued across the state.
Why it matters?
Unpaid carers play a major role in Queensland’s families, communities, health services and social support systems. Their work often happens quietly, but it helps support people who need care every day.
“Every caring experience is unique, and we want to hear directly from carers about what is working, what isn’t, and what changes would make the greatest difference to their lives,” Carers Queensland CEO Mr Jim Toohey said.
“These conversations are about understanding the lived experiences of carers and ensuring their voices are reflected in future policy and support initiatives.
“With the Carer Recognition Act currently under review, there is also an important opportunity for carers to help shape how unpaid caring is recognised and valued into the future.”
Mr Toohey said carers provide “enormous social, emotional and economic value” to Queensland communities, with unpaid care recently estimated at more than $11 billion each year.
“Gathering this feedback is an opportunity for carers to let us know what matters most and what needs to change to better recognise and support caring roles across Queensland.”
The review gives carers a formal way to explain what is working, what is not, and what needs to change. It also gives government a clearer view of what caring looks like in Queensland today.
Local Impact
Townsville carers will have the chance to share their views in person at a local consultation session on 19 June.
The session will start at 10 am at Brothers Leagues Club, Townsville. Carers Queensland will also hold consultations in Rockhampton on 15 June at Rockhampton Leagues Club and in Murgon on 17 June at Murgon Town Hall.
The first 50 registered carers will receive, on the day, either a $50 gift voucher or eligibility to take part in Enhance Care. The initiative gives carers technology support to receive real-time updates about the wellbeing of the person they care for.
Carers Queensland said the offer represents a significant saving for eligible carers who would benefit from that technology.
For Townsville and regional communities, the consultation is a direct way for local carers to feed their experiences into future policy and recognition.
By the numbers
- Unpaid carers contribute more than $11 billion each year to Queensland communities, showing the scale of their social and economic value.
- Three face-to-face consultation sessions are listed for June, with meetings in Rockhampton, Murgon and Townsville.
- The consultation period closes on 30 June 2026, giving carers a limited time to attend a session or complete the survey.
Zoom In
Carers Queensland is encouraging carers from all backgrounds to take part, including First Nations carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, young carers and older carers.
The organisation said carers are found in every community and often support publicly funded health and social programs through their unpaid work.
“We are encouraging carers from all backgrounds and communities to participate, including First Nations carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, young carers and older carers.
“Carers are everywhere. Their unpaid contribution is enormous and is critical to the foundations of many publicly funded social and health programs.
“This is an opportunity for all Queenslanders to see that they receive the recognition and support they deserve,” Mr Toohey said.
Carers can register for a consultation session or complete the online survey through the Carers Queensland website.
Zoom Out
The Carer Recognition Act 2008 review is the wider policy process behind the consultation. It provides a chance to consider whether current recognition reflects the real role carers play in Queensland today.
For regional areas such as Townsville, Rockhampton, Murgon and Cherbourg, the process also gives carers outside major capital city settings a chance to be heard.
Their feedback can help explain the pressures, gaps and practical support needs faced by unpaid carers across different communities.
What To Look For Next?
The process could support stronger recognition of unpaid carers and better reflect what carers need in their daily lives.
The 19 June session is a chance to make sure local experiences are part of that wider conversation.
