Caring for a loved one is never easy, but for those living in remote and rural Australia, the challenges are increased. Limited access to essential services and the isolation common in these communities places additional pressure on carers.
Recognising these challenges and the need to ensure that all carers have access to vital support, Wellways works in close partnership with organisations like North and West Remote Health (NWRH) to deliver tailored services for these communities.
NWRH works across North West Queensland using their vast networks and local knowledge to deliver Carer Gateway services to carers in Mount Isa, Normanton, Doomadgee and Mornington Island. Adapting these services to mee the unique needs of rural and remote carers, NWRH ensures carers feel seen, heard, and have access to much needed support.
How NWRH connects with carers
Voices from afar
Hear from the rural and remote carers whose lives have been touched by this work.

Paua
Paua is a dedicated mother of four who recently relocated from New Zealand to Mount Isa, Australia. With two of her sons living with disabilities, Paua balances the demands of caregiving, school, sports, medical appointments and full-time work, all while managing a household where her husband frequently travels for work.
“Since engaging with the Wellways team, it’s taught me so much just to, you know, you can ask for help. It’s OK. And there is help out there.”

Esther
Esther understands the demands of juggling multiple responsibilities and the tendency for carers to take on too much themselves. She encourages others to seek out the many services available, even when it feels overwhelming, and to recognise the significant role carers play.
“You’ve got so much going on, so many balls you’ve got to keep up in the air that…you sometimes just think I can’t, I can’t add an extra thing to think about.”

Amanda
Amanda and her family relocated to Mount Isa to access better support for her daughter, Malia, who requires specialist care for Angelman Syndrome. With her husband often away for work, Amanda juggles the roles of mother and carer, navigating challenges such as mobility and accessibility, communication barriers, and securing specialist schooling and medical supplies.
“Carer Gateway got together parents, carers, and we would all get together…I think it’s good to be around other adults and have a bit of yarn.”

Julie
Julie has called Mount Isa home for over 30 years. As a dedicated carer to her children with disabilities, Julie has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of accessing services in a regional area. Despite her efforts, she has often faced significant barriers, such as long gaps in the availability of essential allied health services. With her lived experience, Julie is a passionate voice for improving services and support for carers and families in regional communities, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.
“There’s a world of difference between a city-based service and a regional service, and unless you have lived experience of a regional area…you don’t quite have an understanding of how difficult that is.”

Talosia and Seta
Sisters, Talosia and Seta, relocated from New Zealand to the small, tight-knit community of Mount Isa. Both girls find it challenging but rewarding balancing schoolwork with the responsibility of caring for their younger brothers, and have found support through local services allowing them to talk about her struggles and connect with others in similar situations.
“It’s really hard for me to do work and look after my brothers and siblings. But it’s really good to come here [NWRH]. It helps if you’re struggling anywhere, especially students in school. It’s a really good place to let yourself out or if you need someone talk to.”

Laz
Laz is a young carer living in Mount Isa with his Mum, Dad, two sisters and younger brother who lives with a disability. He loves playing footy and soccer, hanging out with his friends and spending time with his parents and helps support his family by doing chores.
“My younger brother needs real support… My mum mostly helps him but if like mum tells me to like go help and just go straight away.”
Carer Gateway is a national support service funded by the Australian Government delivered across Queensland and the New South Wales regions of South West Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains by Wellways and its partners.
Find out more about Wellways Carer Gateway.