The Allan Labor Government is boosting support for hundreds of thousands of Victorians who care for loved ones and family.
Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence opened applications today for the Additional Respite for Carers Program 2025-27, providing a boost for organisations that provide respite care programs for Victoria's selfless carers.
Carers provide essential and unpaid support in a range of ways, and many do it around the clock - making it difficult for them to access the support and services they need. This funding supports activities such as in-home support, day or group activities, overnight or emergency respite, and camps.
The Labor Government is encouraging organisations such as carer support groups, peak bodies, health services, councils and neighbourhood houses to apply for the funding - particularly if they are delivering innovative services that support rural and regional Victorians, those from diverse backgrounds and First Nations carers.
Eligible groups can apply for between $30,000 to $1 million per year over two years to enable unpaid carers to take time away, addressing the critical need for accessible respite supporting carers from all ages, backgrounds and circumstances.
In the last round of funding, Australian Multicultural Community Services hosted a Multicultural Carers' Wellbeing Café to bring carers together from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Little Dreamers, who specifically support young carers up to the age of 25, received funding for additional respite activities and Uniting received funding to provide individual respite for carers in their home or community, as well as peer support groups, social activities and emergency respite across Victoria.
More than 700,000 carers in Victoria provide support to their family, friends and loved ones including people with a disability, mental illness, chronic illness or older Victorians. Over the last two years, the Additional Respite for Carers Program has delivered more than 200,000 hours of respite across Victoria.
Applications are now open and close on 25 March 2025. For more information visit vic.gov.au/additional-respite-funding.
As stated by Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence
"Victoria's dedicated carers give so much to their loved ones and communities - they deserve the chance to rest, recharge and take care of their own wellbeing, which is what this funding will deliver."
"Our investment in Victoria's unpaid carers is a reflection of the valuable role they play in the lives of many people who rely on their support on a daily basis."
