With the official launch of the Carer Hub in Cairns on July 30, the opening of the many Carer Hubs has begun across Queensland and New South Wales – including Katoomba, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Nambour, kicking off an exciting era of better support and wellbeing for carers.
Informed by the National Carer Strategy, the hubs improve pathways for carers to access holistic supports within their community– simplifying access and connection between local services.
The Hubs’ design was shaped in partnership with carers to ensure easy access to supports available in their community including, carer support planning, service navigation and referral, peer support, vocational coaching and social connection guided by an on-site staff member, or navigator.
Through strong partnerships with local community organisations and Carer Gateway service providers—including Dementia Australia, Arafmi Queensland and Kookaburra Kids—the hubs bring a variety of essential supports together under one roof.
Cairns carer Sally Brown said the hubs presented carers across Australia with a much-needed space that was tailored to them in their local area.
Carer and hub co-designer Sally Brown
“It’s really exciting to have the hub until now there hasn’t been a place for carers to go and access supports and services they need, a soft place to land and spend time and connect with other services, sit down and chat,” she said.
“I’d like to see people coming in and starting on their journey of self-care, there’s so many ways to use the hub – you can come in to be quiet, access services, get counselling, be connected, have a cup of tea. I’m sure there’s something for everyone.
“It’s very exciting because as carers we were consulted and heard throughout the process. We shared our thoughts over lunch, felt connected and valued and excited – I’m excited that this space was being created for us and for our wellbeing.”
Carer Hub navigator Donna said the hubs would be a one-stop-shop for family carers to access support.
“What’s exciting about the Hub is that it’s responsive and flexible to carer’s experiences, with a range of services all in one place,” she said.
“Our doors are open, come in, grab a cuppa, get comfortable and talk to us. This is an invitation to assist you in finding what works for you and your family.”
Wellways Carer Gateway Director Rachael Lovelock said the Carer Hubs mark a key milestone in evolving Carer Gateway service delivery aligning with the National Carer Strategy Action Plan.
Wellways Carer Gateway Director Rachael Lovelock in an interview with 7News Cairns
“The Hubs across Queensland, South West Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains have been designed to transform how carers connect to vital services to improve accessibility, cultural inclusion and service navigation for family carers across all communities,” she said.
“With a consistent local presence and strong service partnerships, we’re making it easier for carers to reach out, feel connected, and get the support they deserve. This is just one of our pathways into making Wellways Carer Gateway more accessible and inclusive for our carers.
“Now that we’ve launched, I can’t wait to see how the hubs evolve with community over the coming weeks, having our partners involved in here makes it really exciting to see us in here, bustling, with family carers getting support and I hope to see them evolve.”
More information about Carer Hubs
The hubs will be open Monday to Friday during business hours. More Hubs will be opening in the coming weeks, to stay up to date with the openings visit:
