About Us
What We Do
Hello! We're Australiaβs leading Young Carer organisation, supporting young people who provide unpaid care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, substance use or frail age, in VIC, NSW and QLD. Since our launch in 2009, we've become a game changing force in the Young Carer space, developing internationally recognised best practice programs and changing the lives of thousands of Young Carers around Australia.
Across a range of direct support programs, both in-person and online, we're working to improve the quality of life of Young Carers across five key areas of risk: education, employment, mental and physical health, social wellbeing and financial literacy.
Our Team
Maddy
Founder and CEO
Erin
People and Culture Manager
Laura
Head of Programs
Tasha
Family Support Manager
Lindsay
Executive Manager (Carer Gateway)
Natalie
Branding and Communications Manager (Currently on Parental Leave)
Jasmine
Marketing and Communications Manager
Jacqueline
Fundraising & Events Manager
Kristie
Quality and Compliance Lead
Jacqueline
Young Carer Voice Lead
Amy
Peer Support Practice Lead
Tahnee
Coaching Practice Lead
Richard
Counselling & Intake Lead
Sara
Young Carer Wellbeing Hub Lead
Romi
Young Carer Wellbeing Hub Program Facilitator & Office Coordinator
Kirsten
Young Carer Wellbeing Hub Art Therapist
Amber
Young Carer Engagement Lead
Melanie
Young Carer Engagement Coordinator
Amelia
Family Support Worker
Lisa
Programs Lead
Bec
Programs Lead
Clara
Regional Program Lead (Lismore)
PJ
IT Administrator
Janine
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Sydney
Brooke
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Brisbane
Lucy
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Brisbane
Kathryn
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg
Louisa
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg
Lyndel
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg
Chantell
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Toowoomba
Beck
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) Brisbane
Christina
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) Bundaberg
Ashleigh
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) NSW
Erin T
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) Toowoomba
Melita
Community Engagement Coordinator
Elizabeth
Volunteer Coordinator
Gurpavan
Young CarerΒ Counsellor (QLD)
Josie
Young CarerΒ Counsellor (QLD)
Niamh
Young CarerΒ Counsellor (QLD)
Daisy
Chief Barketing Officer
Our Board
Tom Levi GAICD: Chair
Principal at Nous Group
Dana Rochwerger
Co-Founder at Not a Pony, Head of Digital and Funday Sweets
Darren Lomman
Business Owner
Our Ambassadors
Elise Pulbrook
Dena Kaplan
Ariel Kaplan
Gemma-Ashley Kaplan
Our Advocates
"Young Carers are some of the most resourceful and resilient people around. Heavy responsibilities rest on their shoulders and they face and overcome challenges, often daily, that most adults would struggle to solve. We should champion all children and young people in caring roles, recognise their talent and support them to have the choices and freedom that the rest of us take for granted."
"There is an emerging consensus that around 10% of children and young people are Young Carers. They are involved in various caring roles for an ill or disabled relative/parent in their family, such as showering them, helping them to the toilet, keeping an eye on them, etc. These children represent a hidden army of young people who are also family carers. They will be on your street, in your community, in your schools . . . . can you see them yet?"
"If youβre a young adult caregiver, I implore you to share your story. Make yourself known. This may mean opening up to a friend, forming an online peer support group, or meeting with your state representative. Whatever you do, however seemingly big or small, is incredibly important in ensuring that the world knows that you serve an invaluable role as a young adult caregiver. Your acts of sacrifice are courageous and inspiring, particularly in a society that increasingly argues that todayβs millennials are selfish and narcissistic. You are irreplaceable. You matter."
"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 incredible Young Carer Voice Lead, @jacq.dm, writes about "The importance of Centring Lived and Living Experiences" in our newest blog post. Read more at the link in our bio π«
"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 incredible Young Carer Voice Lead, @jacq.dm, writes about "The importance of Centring Lived and Living Experiences" in our newest blog post. Read more at the link in our bio π«
This week, we were thrilled to welcome the Minister for Carers and Volunteers, The Hon. @rosspencemp, to our Big Dreamers Alumni Camp!
The Minister joined one of our powerful workshops exploring the impact of being a Young Carer, diving deep into topics like building healthy relationships, creating a support plan, and crafting meaningful, caring stories β not just the what but the why behind sharing them.
Our Young Carers felt truly seen and heard. They shared openly, connected deeply, and walked away feeling validated and empowered, knowing their voices are helping to shape change.
A heartfelt thank you to Minister Spence for her time, genuine engagement, and supporting this camp through Victorian Government funded programs, including Support for Carers and Additional Carer Respite. It means the world to our Young Carers. β¨
This week, we were thrilled to welcome the Minister for Carers and Volunteers, The Hon. @rosspencemp, to our Big Dreamers Alumni Camp!
The Minister joined one of our powerful workshops exploring the impact of being a Young Carer, diving deep into topics like building healthy relationships, creating a support plan, and crafting meaningful, caring stories β not just the what but the why behind sharing them.
Our Young Carers felt truly seen and heard. They shared openly, connected deeply, and walked away feeling validated and empowered, knowing their voices are helping to shape change.
A heartfelt thank you to Minister Spence for her time, genuine engagement, and supporting this camp through Victorian Government funded programs, including Support for Carers and Additional Carer Respite. It means the world to our Young Carers. β¨
You already know our 16th Birthday Gala Dinner is going to be epicβ¦ but letβs talk about our incredible celebrity guests bringing the vibes on the night!
π€ Christian OβConnell (@mrchristianoconnell) - Host of Melbourneβs #1 Breakfast radio show on @gold1043 is serving as our MC! Expect plenty of laughs, quick wit, and the kind of energy thatβll keep the night buzzing from start to finish.
π΅ DJ Jodilly (@jodilly) - You may have seen her slay on Asiaβs Next Top Model, but trust us - sheβs just as fierce behind the decks as she is on the runway!
Itβs all happening - iconic guests, delicious food, live and silent auctions, and the ultimate β80s Prom party! And the best part? Every ticket sold helps support Little Dreamers continue to improve the quality of life of Young Carers.
When: Saturday 17th May from 7pm-11pm
Where: Ormond Hall, Melbourne
Still need tickets? Donβt wait - come and celebrate 16 years of impact with us!
Get your tickets β‘οΈ bit.ly/LD-turns-16 or via the link in our bio!
You already know our 16th Birthday Gala Dinner is going to be epicβ¦ but letβs talk about our incredible celebrity guests bringing the vibes on the night!
π€ Christian OβConnell (@mrchristianoconnell) - Host of Melbourneβs #1 Breakfast radio show on @gold1043 is serving as our MC! Expect plenty of laughs, quick wit, and the kind of energy thatβll keep the night buzzing from start to finish.
π΅ DJ Jodilly (@jodilly) - You may have seen her slay on Asiaβs Next Top Model, but trust us - sheβs just as fierce behind the decks as she is on the runway!
Itβs all happening - iconic guests, delicious food, live and silent auctions, and the ultimate β80s Prom party! And the best part? Every ticket sold helps support Little Dreamers continue to improve the quality of life of Young Carers.
When: Saturday 17th May from 7pm-11pm
Where: Ormond Hall, Melbourne
Still need tickets? Donβt wait - come and celebrate 16 years of impact with us!
Get your tickets β‘οΈ bit.ly/LD-turns-16 or via the link in our bio!
π£ UPDATE: The YCAC application deadline has been extended ONE WEEK and closes at 11:59 pm Sunday, 27th April. Additionally, please note that Young Carer Advisory Committee Members will serve a 12-month term on the Committee from July 2025 to June 2026.
Calling Young Carers! π¨
Little Dreamers is launching a Young Carer Advisory Committee (YCAC) to ensure weβre meeting the needs of Young Carers nationwide. Weβre looking for eight passionate members (ages 16-25) located anywhere in Australia, with lived or living experience as Young Carers who have been a part of Little Dreamers programming. If this sounds like you, apply TODAY at bit.ly/ycac-app or follow the link in our bio.
Applications are open from 9am Wednesday 2nd April to 11:59pm Sunday 20th April. Accepted Committee members will be reimbursed for their time via an honorarium.
π We encourage folks from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, neurodiverse, and regional/rural communities to apply.
π£ UPDATE: The YCAC application deadline has been extended ONE WEEK and closes at 11:59 pm Sunday, 27th April. Additionally, please note that Young Carer Advisory Committee Members will serve a 12-month term on the Committee from July 2025 to June 2026.
Calling Young Carers! π¨
Little Dreamers is launching a Young Carer Advisory Committee (YCAC) to ensure weβre meeting the needs of Young Carers nationwide. Weβre looking for eight passionate members (ages 16-25) located anywhere in Australia, with lived or living experience as Young Carers who have been a part of Little Dreamers programming. If this sounds like you, apply TODAY at bit.ly/ycac-app or follow the link in our bio.
Applications are open from 9am Wednesday 2nd April to 11:59pm Sunday 20th April. Accepted Committee members will be reimbursed for their time via an honorarium.
π We encourage folks from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, neurodiverse, and regional/rural communities to apply.
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of Young Carers across Australia? Come volunteer with us! We are in need of volunteers for our upcoming School Holiday Programs and could use your help.
We`d love for you to join us if:
π You have a valid Working With Children check
π Have availability between the 8th and 24th of April
π Enjoy engaging with and supporting Young Carers!
Volunteers will receive a certificate upon completion and placement hours if needed. To sign up, head to bit.ly/volunteer-LD β select `School Holiday Programs` under `Areas of Interest`, and we`ll be in touch shortly.
To learn more about our upcoming School Holiday Programs, head to littledreamers.org.au/events or follow the link in our bio!
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of Young Carers across Australia? Come volunteer with us! We are in need of volunteers for our upcoming School Holiday Programs and could use your help.
We`d love for you to join us if:
π You have a valid Working With Children check
π Have availability between the 8th and 24th of April
π Enjoy engaging with and supporting Young Carers!
Volunteers will receive a certificate upon completion and placement hours if needed. To sign up, head to bit.ly/volunteer-LD β select `School Holiday Programs` under `Areas of Interest`, and we`ll be in touch shortly.
To learn more about our upcoming School Holiday Programs, head to littledreamers.org.au/events or follow the link in our bio!
Flip, Play and Connect at Hervey Bay! π€ΈββοΈ
Join us for an epic day of gymnastics, Free G, and non-competitive ball sports! Make new friends, play games, and enjoy a pizza lunch! π
β Who: Young Carers aged 7-17 living in and around the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast of QLD regions
π When: Monday 14th April | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
π Where: Hervey Bay, QLD
β¨ What`s included:
β
All food and drinks supplied
β
Fun activities all day!
π« Transport not provided
Don`t forget to bring a water bottle, a hat and wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Let`s make some awesome memories! Register now at bit.ly/shp-april25-qld or by following the link in our bio!
Flip, Play and Connect at Hervey Bay! π€ΈββοΈ
Join us for an epic day of gymnastics, Free G, and non-competitive ball sports! Make new friends, play games, and enjoy a pizza lunch! π
β Who: Young Carers aged 7-17 living in and around the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast of QLD regions
π When: Monday 14th April | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
π Where: Hervey Bay, QLD
β¨ What`s included:
β
All food and drinks supplied
β
Fun activities all day!
π« Transport not provided
Don`t forget to bring a water bottle, a hat and wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Let`s make some awesome memories! Register now at bit.ly/shp-april25-qld or by following the link in our bio!