With the 2025 Federal Election happening on Saturday 3rd of May, many Young Carers might be voting for the first time and asking: what does this election mean for me?

We’ve reviewed the major party platforms to highlight what’s being promised for Young Carers, young people, mental health, education, and support services. 

Please note, the below is not an exhaustive list of all of the pre-election commitments that the major parties and independents have made. We encourage you to use this guide as a starting point and do your own research. Some great resources include: The Conversation Policy Tracker and The ABC Labor and Coalition election commitments.

Support for Carers and Social Services

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Education and Support for Young People

Cost of Living and Community Supports

What this means for Young Carers

This election will impact how Young Carers access mental health services, education opportunities, carer support payments, and cost-of-living relief. Some key questions to think about when voting:

  • Are mental health services accessible and affordable for young people and carers?
  • Will education reforms reduce financial barriers and improve outcomes for Young Carers?
  • Are Young Carers and carers being recognised in government policies and funding?

While there are promising investments in health, education, and cost of living, Little Dreamers is disappointed by the lack of direct commitments to and for Young Carers, including dedicated mental health services, specific respite options tailored to their needs, and clear recognition of Young Carers in education support measures. Little Dreamers remains steadfast in our mission to ensure Young Carers are visible and supported across all areas of policy. Investment in Young Carers and the caring community is key to ensuring equal quality of life and opportunities across the country, irrespective of caring responsibilities or family circumstances. 

If you’re voting for the first time, your voice matters. Every vote shapes the future for Young Carers across Australia. 

As an organisation founded by a Young Carer, including lived and living experience has always been at the heart of our work. In 2009, our Founder and CEO, Madeleine Buchner OAM, used her living experience as a Young Carer to identify a gap in the support system for young people who cared for sick family members.

Let’s break down what it means to have lived or living experience as a Young Carer!

  • “Young” refers to people aged 4 to 25
  • “Carer” refers to people who provide ongoing support for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or conditions relating to aging
  • “Living experience as a Young Carer” refers to Young Carers who currently provide care for a family member
  • “Lived experience as a Young Carer” refers to Young Carers who previously provided care for a family member, or people above the age of 25 who provided care when they were in the ‘Young Carer’ age range (4 to 25 years old)

Growing up, Madeleine supported her brother, who has multiple chronic illnesses and her mother, who is a breast cancer survivor. This experience inspired Madeleine to fundraise within her local community to support Young Carers, eventually culminating in the business plan for Little Dreamers Australia. The passion and drive sparked by Madeleine’s personal experience continue to shape our approach to centring lived and living experiences today.

The importance of prioritising lived experience was highlighted in the 2019-2021 Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Recommendation 28 of the Commission’s final report called for the full and effective participation of people with lived experience. In line with this, the Victorian Department of Health has committed to centring people with lived experience of mental illness and psychological distress – as well as their carers, family members and supporters – in Victoria’s new mental health and wellbeing system. As an organisation working to improve Young Carers’ quality of life across five key risk areas, including mental and physical health, the Commission’s recommendations reaffirmed Little Dreamers’ support for lived experience leadership.

Within our staff cohort, we are fortunate to have a depth of Young Carer lived experience, with 65% of our staff members bringing lived experience leadership into their roles. Lived experience is vital in enabling us to design and deliver tailored, nuanced programs. We also recognise that the Young Carer space is constantly changing, so it is essential to centre the voices of current Young Carers by embedding their insights into all aspects of our work. 

Our ‘Young Carer: Advocate, Represent, Empower’ (YCARE) program, which launched in 2024, was foundational in our organisational approach to centring lived and living experiences through prioritising Young Carers’ voices. YCARE brought together 9 Victorian Young Carers between the ages of 15 to 18. YCARE participants shared their program preferences and provided input on our current program offerings. They also contributed to advocacy efforts at a federal level through their submissions to the National Carer Strategy Refresh. We are excited to launch Year 2 of the YCARE program in the coming months to build on the success of Year 1!

Expanding Young Carer Voice has been at the forefront of my work since I joined the Little Dreamers team as the Young Carer Voice Lead in August 2024. My role is dedicated to centring the voices of young people who have lived and living experiences as Young Carers. I have been proud to prioritise this through the creation of our very first Young Carer Advisory Committee (YCAC)! YCAC will serve as a platform for Young Carers to shape Little Dreamers’ programming and policies and to be involved in advocacy and research opportunities related to supporting Young Carers across Australia. 

We are excited to share YCAC’s work with you when the Committee gets underway in July 2025. This is an exciting next step in our continued commitment to prioritising lived and living experiences!

Written by Jacqueline de Mamiel

 

Today is Young Carers Action Day, and we’re amplifying their message: Give Me a Break!

Young Carers give so much of their time and energy to support family members who need care, but without proper breaks, it can be overwhelming.

We’ve put together a list of actions to share simple ways that educators, services, businesses, employers, and YOU can support Young Carers – whether it’s raising awareness, checking in on a Young Carer you know, or engaging with media that portrays Young Carers so that they can be represented in the mainstream.

Six Ways to support Young Carers

Provide Access to Respite Care Services

Local communities or carer organisations can connect Young Carers to respite services,  which allows them to take time off from their caregiving duties while ensuring their loved ones are well cared for.

Raise Awareness on Social Media 

Share posts about Young Carers Action Day, the challenges Young Carers face, and how others can help. Use the hashtag #YoungCarersActionDay to spread the word, follow organisations that support Young Carers, and encourage others to join in the effort.

Raising awareness is key to creating a supportive community for Young Carers. The more people who know how to identify Young Carers, understand their needs, and what they can do to support, the more likely they are to get involved.

Donate to Charities Supporting Young Carers 

Consider making a one-off donation or setting up a monthly donation to organisations like ours that directly support Young Carers by providing resources, respite programs, and advocacy.

Offer Flexible Time for Education or Activities

Schools, universities, and youth groups can allow Young Carers to take time off for self-care or attend activities that help them recharge. Creating flexible study schedules or offering special leave for Young Carers can make a big difference.

Encourage and Help with Job or Educational Opportunities

Support Young Carers with job applications, further education, or apprenticeships by providing guidance or acting as a reference. Offer to review their CV or assist with interview preparation.

Young Carers often miss out on opportunities due to their caregiving role. By providing support in their career and education, you give them a chance to build a brighter future while still balancing their responsibilities.

Provide Access to Free or Discounted Leisure Activities

Access to leisure activities helps Young Carers de-stress, stay active, and enjoy time away from their caregiving responsibilities. If you’re a local business or community center, consider offering free or discounted passes to gyms, cinemas, or recreational classes (e.g., dance, art, or sports) for Young Carers. 

Take a break out of your day to support Young Carers. Even the smallest actions can make a big difference!

Quite a common answer we get to this question directly from Young Carers is “I met other kids just like me…. I no longer feel like I’m alone” or “I found a place where I feel like I belong”….. Another piece of feedback that caught my attention recently was that the Young Carer felt encouraged by others within the group to speak up for herself.

Sit with that for a minute – close your eyes if you will….

In a world where routines may be centred around the care recipient’s needs or capacity, speaking up for your own needs as a Young Carer might be a brand-new skill, integral to your growth as an individual. Early intervention offerings such as the Peer Support program create that opportunity for this shared learning and personal growth, whilst exploring various topics.

Connection, Hope, Identity Meaning and Empowerment. The core themes from the evidence-based CHIME Model, which is centric to our Peer Support programs. Creating engaging and strengths-based programs which are led by Young Carers’ interests, our focus is on building trust and a sense of community within the group.

(Dis-)Connection in a fast-evolving digital era poses its own challenges that are slowly coming to light. Throw together in the mix being a Young Carer with limited access to activities or friendships outside of the school / work  / home environment and we potentially have many disconnected Young People. Loneliness and isolation are significantly detrimental to emotional and physical health. The Peer Support program aims to eliminate this disconnection by bringing Young Carers together, providing them with space to share commonalities and build relationships. Teaching staff from a school reported witnessing Young Carers “transforming themselves through shared common experiences. Shared understandings are powerful experiences that help Young Carers build their self-worth, leading to better self-esteem and belief in their leadership abilities.” 

Sit with this, shall we? Consider a world where Young Carers all have the space to engage within a Peer Support program, connect with other children / young people just like them, and fill their wellbeing buckets right up to the brim. At Little Dreamers, we strive to make this dream a reality, one Young Carer at a time…. Whether it be creating new friendships during a 3 day camp in the outback, connecting Young Carers in remote regions with online programs, forming communities within schools, sharing enjoyment at a theme park (School Holiday Programs), or in collaboration to provide Peer Support with various organisations that support our work. 

Now, this is the last time that I’ll request that you close your eyes… but this time, can you consider what it might mean for you to feel supported, seen, valued and heard as an individual.

Once you open your eyes, hold onto how that felt…. This is our mission in supporting Young Carers within our Peer Support programs. Ensuring that each and every Young Carer feels supported, seen, valued and heard.

If you’d like to join us and help to support Young Carers continue to participate in vital programs like Peer Support, consider becoming a regular donor!

Donate Now!

Thank you to all of the inspiring Young Carers out there. We see you.

Take care,

Amy

Peer Support Practice Lead (Carer Gateway Region QLD & NSW 2)

Yesterday marked the first day of Carers Week 2024 – an important week that encourages us to recognise, celebrate, and honour the incredible contributions of carers across Australia. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate those who dedicate their lives, often silently, to supporting others. From workplace morning teas to a simple call to a carer in your life to ask, “How are you, and what do you need?”, this week is about connection and gratitude.

At Little Dreamers, our focus is on an often-overlooked group – Young Carers. These remarkable young people, 1 in 10 across the country, give up parts of their own childhood to care for parents, siblings, or grandparents living with chronic illness, disability, mental health conditions, or substance dependence. Every day, they navigate immense challenges, balancing their care roles with education, friendships, and personal growth. And yet, they rarely ask for recognition, help, or applause.

We often talk about the hardships Young Carers face – educational disadvantage, social isolation, financial insecurity, and poor mental health. But what if we flipped the narrative? What if, instead of focusing solely on the obstacles, we highlighted the skills these young people cultivate through their care roles? Young Carers are resilient advocates, exceptional multi-taskers, skilled communicators, and We’ve just wrapped up our Spring School Holiday Programs, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous donors for making these programs possible. These programs give Young Carers a much-needed day of respite, a chance to connect with fellow Young Carers, and the opportunity to engage in activities where they can focus entirely on themselves.

Over the past two weeks, Young Carers have…

  • Learned how to juggle
  • Played arcade games and bowling
  • Visited the TreeTop Challenge Adventure Park for exhilarating physical activities
  • Enjoyed the many benefits of nature with a day out at a creek
  • Used their creativity with crafting, painting, and pottery making
  • Tried out sandboarding
  • Encountered sharks and rays
  • Visited Warner Bros. Movie World for a day of rides
  • Learned the art of karate
  • Experienced a day as a Zoo Keeper
  • Saw Beauty and the Beast on stage
  • And so much more!

We feel incredibly fortunate to provide such a wide range of fun activities to Young Carers across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. These and all the other programs Little Dreamers Australia offers would not be possible without the support of our amazing funders.

Our goal is to expand these programs nationally across Australia, but we can only achieve this with the support of generous donors like you. If you’d like to help us reach even more Young Carers, you can make a donation here.

Young Carers gain so many benefits from attending our programs, including:

Validation of their experience

I got time out with others that understand.


Social isolation and loneliness are common among Young Carers, making them a vulnerable and often overlooked group of young people in our community. When they attend our programs and meet other Young Carers in similar circumstances, they realise they are not alone. They have a group to connect with and share their worries and hardships with, developing deep connections that can last a lifetime.

Social connection

Everyone was kind to me.


Many Young Carers experience bullying at school because of their increased maturity due to their caring responsibilities or because their family member is perceived differently due to stigma surrounding disability. Our programs provide a safe space for Young Carers to connect socially, allowing them to relax and be themselves among people who understand them.

Time for themselves

I get to do things that I would otherwise never have the chance to do.


Young Carers often make sacrifices that others their age wouldn’t have to make. Our School Holiday Programs give them the chance to create new memories and do something they enjoy without worry or guilt.

Confidence building

I felt really proud.


Our programs give Young Carers the chance to push themselves, grow their skills, and build confidence, showing them that they are more than just their caring responsibilities.

Having fun

Having fun and feeling connected with other Little Dreamers.


At the end of the day, we want our Young Carers to have fun. Their smiles and excitement for the next program remind us how important it is to create these opportunities for support and respite.

This Carers Week, we’re asking you to join our donor community and help us continue providing ongoing support and experiences to Young Carers. Your support can make a lasting impact and help us achieve our mission of ensuring every Young Carer is supported by someone or something by 2030.

A donation of $50 per month would be an incredible contribution to the costs of running our programs. With your support, we can continue to offer Young Carers life-changing experiences. Please support Young Carers by supporting us today!

Donate Now!

If you would like to talk to someone about making a donation, please contact Jacqueline Coughlin at 03 7036 8148 or email jacquelinecoughlin@littledreamers.org.au.

Yesterday marked the first day of Carers Week 2024 – an important week that encourages us to recognise, celebrate, and honour the incredible contributions of carers across Australia. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate those who dedicate their lives, often silently, to supporting others. From workplace morning teas to a simple call to a carer in your life to ask, “How are you, and what do you need?”, this week is about connection and gratitude.

At Little Dreamers, our focus is on an often-overlooked group – Young Carers. These remarkable young people, 1 in 10 across the country, give up parts of their own childhood to care for parents, siblings, or grandparents living with chronic illness, disability, mental health conditions, or substance dependence. Every day, they navigate immense challenges, balancing their care roles with education, friendships, and personal growth. And yet, they rarely ask for recognition, help, or applause.

We often talk about the hardships Young Carers face – educational disadvantage, social isolation, financial insecurity, and poor mental health. But what if we flipped the narrative? What if, instead of focusing solely on the obstacles, we highlighted the skills these young people cultivate through their care roles? Young Carers are resilient advocates, exceptional multi-taskers, skilled communicators, and brilliant problem-solvers. They understand compassion at a level many of us can only aspire to, forging deep connections through their care.

But recognising their strengths isn’t enough. We need to do more than celebrate them; we need to support them. In our work at Little Dreamers, we believe that best-practice support for Young Carers is built on three essential pillars:

  1. Support for young carers as young people first:Every Young Carer is, at their core, a child or young person, with dreams, friendships, and aspirations outside their care responsibilities. We must empower Young Carers to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically by providing programs that meet their needs holistically, acknowledging both their care role and their individual identity.
  2. Education for safe caring:Caring can be physically and emotionally demanding and more often than not, Young Carers are never taught how to undertake their caring tasks. We need to equip Young Carers with practical skills, tools, and resources to care safely and effectively, ensuring their own wellbeing isn’t compromised. Supporting Young Carers means empowering them to care while also caring for themselves.
  3. Driving policy change and research:Lasting change requires more than individual support—it demands systemic transformation. We need to push for research and advocate for policies that recognise the needs of Young Carers, ensuring they are no longer invisible in the systems designed to support families and health.

These three pillars—support, education, and advocacy—are the foundation of everything we do at Little Dreamers. When woven together, they create a strong network of care that meets Young Carers where they are at and helps them grow, flourish, and lead fulfilling lives.

As we move through Carers Week, my challenge to you is simple: What role will you play? Can you start a conversation about Young Carers? Could you call someone you know in a care role and offer a helping hand or a listening ear?

This week is about more than just recognition—it’s about action. Together, we can create a future where no Young Carer feels isolated or invisible. A future where Young Carers have the same opportunities as their peers to learn, grow, and dream big. A future where the skills they develop through care aren’t just acknowledged but celebrated and nurtured.

Let’s make Carers Week 2024 a turning point. A moment when we move beyond awareness to action. When we see, support, and champion Young Carers—not just for one week a year, but every day.

To every current or former Young Carer reading this: I see you, I celebrate you, and I stand beside you. Thank you for all that you do, often without recognition or praise. You are the heart and soul of your families, and you are never alone in this journey.

If you’d like to directly support Young Carers, you can join us by becoming a regular donor which helps us continue our work making a significant difference to the lives of Young Carers!

This Carers Week, let’s raise our voices, lend our hands, and create a community that lifts carers up. Because when Young Carers thrive, we all thrive.

Happy Carers Week, 

Madeleine Buchner OAM

Founder and CEO, Little Dreamers

The Australian Department of Social Services (DSS) is developing a new National Carer Strategy, and they want to hear from you! This is your chance to have your voice heard and ensure that the challenges, hopes, and dreams of Young Carers are front and center in this important plan. 

What is the National Carer Strategy?

The National Carer Strategy is a big plan designed to help people like you who care for family members who need support. The government wants to know what would make your life better, what support you need, and how they can help you balance caring with school, work, and life. This strategy is their way of saying, “We see you, we hear you, and we want to make your life better.” They’re working on a plan that covers everything from mental health support to education and job opportunities, to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to thrive, not just survive.

Why is Your Input Important?

You have a unique perspective that no one else does. Your experiences, challenges, and ideas can shape how carers are supported in the future. This is a chance to tell the government what matters most to you and how they can make things better for you and those you care for.

Why Now?

You might be wondering why this is happening now. Well, a lot has changed since the last time the government had a big plan for carers. With new systems like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and changes in aged care, the way carers like you are supported needs an update too. Plus, with more and more people needing care, especially as our population gets older, it’s super important to make sure carers are getting the help they need. This new strategy is all about making sure the support for carers keeps up with these changes, so you’re never left behind.

How can you get involved?

We would love for you to submit your experiences, thoughts and ideas by answering one or more of the questions below. You can do this in a few different ways:

  • Written response (maximum 1,000 words)
  • Artwork
  • Recording

Our goal is to gather your insights and compile them into a submission that reflects the diverse voices and needs of Young Carers, which will be presented to DSS as part of the consultation process of the new National Carer Strategy. 

This is an opportunity for you to shape the policies and support systems that will directly impact your lives and the lives of those you care for. 

Questions for you to respond to:

  • Do you use the term Young Carer? Is there other language that you prefer to use?
  • What responsibilities do you take on as a Young Carer? Are you the main carer, or do you share responsibilities with others?
  • What does the term Primary Carer mean to you? 
  • What would make it easier for you to manage your caring responsibilities? Are there skills you want to learn to help you care better?
  • Have you engaged with carer support services before? What was your experience, and how could these services be improved?
  • Has anything ever made it difficult for you to take a break from your caring role? If so, what would help you feel more comfortable taking a break?
  • How do you manage school or work alongside your caring role? What would help you better balance these responsibilities?
  • What are the top three challenges you face as a carer? What do you think would make a big difference in your life and the life of the person you care for?
  • Have you joined any support groups for carers? What was helpful, and what could be better?
  • Do you belong to a diverse community (e.g., First Nations, CALD, LGBTQIA+)? How can the strategy better support you and others in your community?
  • Have you applied for financial support as a carer? What challenges did you face, and how could the process be improved?
  • Have you ever needed emergency help as a carer? What was your experience, and what could be done better?
  • Is there anything else you want to share about your experience as a Young Carer?

Once you’ve put together your response, submit it via the link below and have your voice heard! If you want to learn more about the National Carer Strategy, check out the Discussion Paper here.

Submit Your Responses Here

Submissions to Little Dreamers close at midnight, Tuesday 3rd September.

15 years ago, three teenagers stood in a room in Melbourne and asked people to care about Young Carers. We spoke about the prevalence of young people with caring roles in their families: 2-3 in every classroom. We also shared stories about some of the challenges that Young Carers face – increased rates of poor mental health, educational and financial disadvantage, and unemployment. We implored the room to ensure that young people with caring responsibilities in their home, also have access to the childhood that every child deserves. 

15 years ago today, on the 16th of May, those three teenagers launched Little Dreamers, a not-for-profit organisation designed to support siblings and Young Carers between the age of 4 – 25. 

So what does the world look like 15 years later? There are still 2-3 Young Carers in every classroom, we know that 2 in 3 Young Carers experience mental health challenges, 50% of Young Carers report having difficulty attending school every day, 50% of Young Carers live in households that are close to or below the poverty line, and Young Carers are one of the four most at-risk groups of young people in Australia. 

But we also know this is not inevitable. Young Carers are exceptional humans with a wide range of skills which any community, university or employer would be lucky to benefit from. Young Carers need to be identified and supported so that caring doesn’t stop them from having the same opportunities as other young people.

In the beginning, we launched with just one program, our signature Dream Experiences, to recognise Young Carers and acknowledge the role they play. We now deliver a range of direct support programs that have been built by Young Carers, for Young Carers. From day and overnight respite, through to tutoring, leadership programs, job readiness support, peer support, coaching, counselling and professional development for teachers; we now support close to 6,000 young people per year across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and we play a key role in championing the need to improve recognition and support for Young Carers right across Australia.

This year, for the first time, we will deliver over 12,000 hours of direct and impactful support in a 12-month period. This is no small feat and we have a lot to celebrate over the past 15 years. 

We have seen new legislation for Young Carers in the Carers Recognition Act; the development of state-based carer strategies that are inclusive of Young Carers; worldwide recognition for both Young Carers and Little Dreamers; improvements in identification of Young Carers and the introduction of education-specific policies that support teachers in how to support Young Carers in the classroom. We are proud to have been a part of some Young Carers’ stories for over nine years, watching them grow up into absolute game-changers in their chosen fields. To date, Little Dreamers has raised over $13.5 million to improve the quality of life of young people taking on unpaid caring roles in their families.

It’s easy to be distracted by how much there is still left to do, how many Young Carers still haven’t received the support they need, how much policy work is left to influence, how important widespread recognition and identification is in sustainably changing the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Young Carers who live in Australia. 

Today instead, we take a moment to celebrate the thousands of people who have helped us get to where we are:

  • Everyone who has come along to a Little Dreamers fundraising event;
  • Those organisations, government departments, community partners and individuals both in Australia and around the world who have shared our messages and championed Young Carers;
  • Our volunteers who have delivered direct support to Young Carers and helped out behind the scenes for over 15 years;
  • Every team member who has ever worked at Little Dreamers – past, present and future – where we are today wouldn’t have been possible without you;
  • Our board members – current and past – who have contributed their time, networks and funds to improve the efficacy and efficiency of our organisation; 
  • The funders who have contributed millions of dollars pioneering and recognising the needs of Young Carers; and
  • Most importantly, to our Young Carers and your families who have come along to our programs, become a part of the Little Dreamers family, and helped to shape what the future looks like for Young Carers for years to come. 

A personal thank you from me to our two other co-founders, Rebecca and Ash, for recognising the needs of siblings and Young Carers, for the many late nights we spent developing what Little Dreamers would look like 15 years ago, and for championing Young Carers from the very beginning. 

Finally, to the people who showed me what caring looked like – my beautiful family. From late-night ambulances to weeks in hospitals, hundreds of doctors appointments and even more hours spent advocating for fair and ongoing treatment and support, you showed me that anything is possible and that it should all be done with kindness, love and a tinge of sarcasm to keep even the heavy things feeling light.

So from me, and the entire Little Dreamers Family, to you, thank you for joining us on this crazy journey. The past 15 years have been filled with blood, sweat, tears, and so much passion, hard work and love for what we do. Here’s to the next 15 years, I am pretty excited for what’s to come. 

Maddy, Founder and CEO

Reading this and want to play your part in making a difference? We’re always on the hunt for new volunteers and for people to share the word about Young Carers, and if you’re in a position to do so, we would love for you to donate a multiple of $15 for our 15th birthday.