Holstep Health acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded lands and waterways where we work. We acknowledge the enduring impacts of colonisation and the sorrow of the Stolen Generations. We pay our deepest respect to Elders past and present and honour their enduring connection to Country. We recognise their ongoing care for these lands over countless generations and commit to listening, learning, and walking together toward a future grounded in truth, respect, and justice.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their caring roles
For First Nations people, caring for someone within family or community is a natural part of the cycle of life. But you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re looking after Nan or Pop, someone with a health issue or disability, or anyone who needs day-to-day support, free help is available for you too.
What support is available?
If you’re supporting someone in your family or community – younger or older, it is also important to look after your own wellbeing. It often helps to talk to someone about your experiences and how you are coping. Many services are delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), ensuring that services are designed and delivered by and for the community. This includes ACCO based counsellors and Yarning Circles to meet and connect with other carers.
Carer Gateway offers free, confidential services that understand your cultural values and responsibilities.
Our carer support services include:
- Coaching and counselling to keep your mind strong and talk through your worries
- Peer support groups to meet other carers who get what you’re going through
- Tailored support packages for things like transport, equipment or extra help at home
- Respite care so you can take a break and look after your own wellbeing
- Emergency planning and carer cards to give you peace of mind if something unexpected happens
- Information and referrals to other services that respect culture and community
You don’t have to carry it all on your own, support is here, and it’s FREE.
I am an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carer – what should I do next?
Any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is caring for someone at home or in the community.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, friend, or loved one living with disability, a medical condition, mental health challenges, alcohol or drug dependency or frailty due to ageing. You don’t need to live with, be related to, or provide full-time care to the person you are supporting.
Ask yourself:
- Do you help them with cooking, cleaning, or shopping?
- Assist with personal care like dressing or bathing?
- Manage medications or appointments?
- Offer emotional support or companionship?
- Organise appointments or services for them?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may be a carer and eligible for free support.
You do not need a referral to use this service.
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time or request a call back here.
If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, let us know so we can connect you with the right support—including culturally safe services and ACCO-based counsellors.
Most services are free. A contribution to the cost of respite may be needed. This will be discussed with the carer before the services start.
Key links – for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carers
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people care for family members. Alongside payments, there are many other resources available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers:
- Carer Gateway has a list of income and financial supports available to carers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Strategy has information on the delivery of the NDIS in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
- The First People’s Disability Network Australia has information for people caring for someone with disability.
- Aboriginal Community Elders Services (ACES) have two co-located residential aged care facilities – the Nursing Home and the Hostel. The other aged care programs are the Koori Community aged Care Packages (KCACP) Program & the Out of Home & Community Care Planned Activity Group (PAG).
- The Victorian Aboriginal Health Services (VAHS) offers medical, dental and social services.
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) offers over fifty programs across Victoria.
- Djirra offers practical support to all Aboriginal women and particularly to Aboriginal people who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past.
- Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) offers referrals, advice/information, duty work and case work assistance.
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