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Gippsland Disability Advocacy received $40,000 to connect carers from across Gippsland through formal and informal peer support programs

Local unpaid carers who selflessly support their loved ones will receive more support from the Victorian Government to help care for their own wellbeing.

By news@gippsland - 14th October 2021 - Back to News

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc would receive $40,000 to connect carers from across the region through formal and informal peer support programs. Baw Baw Shire Council will also receive $39,991 through the program, which will go towards a Carers Group targeting isolated carers from Rawson and Erica. The announcement was made as part of Carers Week, which runs from October 10-16.

Carers are set to benefit from new grants for local initiatives that support their health and wellbeing as well as a range of transport and business discounts

Funding for carers

The funding is part of than $2.6 million for organisations across Victoria to support carers to reconnect when it's safe to do so through activities like morning teas, bushwalks and virtual cooking classes - as well as information sessions and online forums to support carers from multicultural backgrounds to access the right supports.

Across Victoria, more than 736,000 carers give their time and effort to look after a family member or friend who needs them, whether due to chronic disease, mental illness, disability or old age.

Innovative projects to support

Fifty-six organisations will receive grants totalling $1.75 million through the Supporting Carers Locally Grants Program. The grants will help carers access peer support, community support programs and other tailored resources supporting their physical and mental health, and help them connect with family, friends and other carers.

Additionally, five organisations will share in $917,000 through the Statewide Partnership Grants Program, which will support partnerships between carer organisations and other community support organisations to deliver innovative projects that benefit carers across the state.

The five recipient organisations are Little Dreamers, Different Journeys, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Financial Counselling Victoria and Tandem. Respite is also available to carers through the Support for Carers program, which is accessible during lockdown.

Providing support for the carers

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers James Merlino said, "Carers do such an incredible job caring for loved ones and it's critical they get the support and downtime they need to keep themselves well."

Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Anthony Carbines said, "These programs will provide carers the opportunity to reconnect both online and face-to-face after a challenging 18 months."

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "We are supporting carer support groups like Different Journeys and Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc to continue doing the wonderful work they do, which makes such a difference in the lives of local carers."

To see the full list of recipients, visit the Supporting Carers Locally Grants Program website.

Pictures from Victorian Department of Health Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback to shape safer roads through New Road Safety Strategy Plan until 10 September 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape its new Road Safety Strategy through community workshops and an online survey, aiming to reduce crashes and improve safety for all road users across the shire.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.