New Guide to Carer Gateway Services for defence and veteran families
We are proud to share our new Guide to Carer Gateway Services, created to support defence and veteran families who are providing care to a loved one. Featured in our Resource Hub, this guide brings together clear, practical information about the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway, a free national initiative offering services, resources and support designed specifically for carers.
Whether you are caring for someone with disability, a chronic or life-limiting condition, a mental health illness, or an ageing loved one, this guide will help you understand what services are available and how to access them to help both you, and your loved one. From counselling and peer support to emergency respite, financial assistance and coaching, Carer Gateway provides valuable help so that carers don’t have to navigate their journey alone.
Why Carer Gateway is important for defence and veteran families
Carers in veteran families often juggle multiple responsibilities while navigating complex support systems. Finding the right services can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially when each stage of the journey brings different needs, whether during service, post-service, or after the passing of a veteran. Sometimes it’s difficult to navigate what you need via the internet, so we’ve put it all in the one place for carers to browse!
Caring can take an emotional, financial and physical toll. By providing carers with tailored information about Carer Gateway, this guide aims to reduce confusion, make support easier to access, and empower carers to look after their wellbeing as well as that of the person they support.
What’s in the guide?
The Guide to Carer Gateway Services brings together key information in one place, including:
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Counselling and emotional support – free, one-on-one or group sessions in person or by phone.
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Peer support groups – connecting carers to others with similar experiences.
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Respite care – planned and emergency options to give carers a much-needed break.
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Coaching and skills courses – practical programs to help carers balance responsibilities and build resilience.
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Financial assistance – information on support programs and bursaries, including specific help for young carers.
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Tailored support packages – services such as transport, cleaning, or equipment to ease the load of day-to-day caring.
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Resources and extras – including the Carer Conversations podcast and how to make an emergency care plan.
The guide also answers frequently asked questions, outlines how to get started, and provides direct contact information so families can connect with Carer Gateway services in their local area.
Explore the guide
You can access the Guide to Carer Gateway Services in our Resource Hub here.
We encourage you to share this guide with any defence and veteran family members who are in a caring role. By increasing awareness of the support available, we hope to make it easier for carers to stay informed, connected and supported.
