About Us
What We Do
Hello! We're Australia’s 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

Sammy
Marketing and Communications 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 Design Coordinator

Jacqueline
Fundraising & Events Manager

Jacqueline de Mamiel
Young Carer Voice Lead

Amy
Peer Support Practice Lead

Tahnee
Coaching Practice Lead

Richard
Counselling & Intake Lead

Casey
Young Carer Mental Health Clinic Lead

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 Dettmann
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg

Lyndel
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg

Chantell
Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Toowoomba

Rebecca
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 (QLD)

Elizabeth
Volunteer Coordinator

Gurpavan
Young Carer Counsellor (QLD)

Josie
Young Carer Counsellor (QLD)

Niamh
Young Carer Counsellor (QLD)

Daisy
Chief Barketing Officer
Our Board

Tom Levi GAICD: Chair
Principal at Nous Group

Michael Gilbert: Treasurer
Senior Finance Business Partner at Australia Post

Dana Rochwerger
Digital Performance Marketer at Bega Group, Co-Founder at Not a Pony

Darren Lomman
Business Owner

Esther Nelson
Legal Counsel
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 you’re 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 today’s millennials are selfish and narcissistic. You are irreplaceable. You matter."
Our 2023-2024 Annual Report has officially landed! ✨ It’s packed with insights, including a message from our CEO and Chair, stories of the meaningful impact we’ve made, and a look back at some of our most memorable moments. From key milestones to the positive change we’ve driven, it’s a reflection of the incredible year we had thanks to your support! Check it out via the link in our bio 🔗
Huge news! Meet Young Carer @aristea.h, who’s been nominated for not one, but TWO categories in Victoria’s 2025 Young Achiever Awards!
Aristea’s incredible contribution includes years of volunteering, advocacy, and leadership. At Little Dreamers, she has participated in our Young Carer Advocacy Program, provided expert lived-experience recommendations at Young Carer consultations, and been a guest speaker at various advocacy events raising awareness about Young Carers.
Now serving as a Humanitarian Affairs Peace Ambassador, Aristea continues to be a powerful voice for Young Carers.
We’re so proud to see her efforts recognised! Join us in cheering Aristea on as she heads to the awards gala on May 9 where the winners will be announced.
Read more at the link in our bio! ✨
Being a Young Carer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Values in Action is a supportive six-session therapy group where Young Carers aged 18-24 can explore emotional challenges, build self-compassion, and develop practical coping tools for personal growth.
Guided by professional counsellors, you’ll:
🚀 Learn strategies to manage stress and tough emotions.
🚀 Build confidence in making choices that reflect your values and goals.
🚀 Connect with other Young Carers who understand your journey and share experiences in a safe space.
This group is all about real talk, shared learning, and discovering ways to care for yourself while caring for others.
Who: Young Carers aged 18-24 living in QLD and NSW
Where: Online 💻
When: Every Thursday for six weeks beginning on February 13th at 5.30-7pm QLD time | 6.30-8pm NSW time
To register for the Values in Action counselling sessions, send an email through to referrals@littledreamers.org.au or follow the link in our bio!
The Young Carer Wellbeing Hub is coming soon!
Our brand-new wellbeing hub for Young Carers in VIC is on its way. Want to stay in the loop? Expressions of interest are now open! Sign up with your email address over on our website to receive updates and be the first to know when bookings open.
Find out more and register your interest now at www.ycwh.org.au or by following the link in our bio. 🚀
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Hub!
As we wrap up another epic year, Little Dreamers board and staff want to take a moment to thank you all for your continued support, wish you a safe and happy holiday period, and a fantastic start to 2025!
Please note that our offices will be closed from December 24, 2024 and reopening on January 6, 2025, while our team enjoys a relaxing break. ✨
Thank you again for being part of our journey and helping us provide invaluable support to Young Carers across Australia. See you in the new year!
Give the gift of wellbeing this holiday season! 🎁 There`s just two days left to donate to our campaign to fund the setup of the Young Carer Wellbeing Hub (the Hub). Your donation will help provide our community with a much-needed space for Young Carers to focus on their wellbeing. From therapy tools to comfy furniture, every donation, even a small one, helps this vision become a reality. Give today and make a lasting impact at bit.ly/holiday-wish-list or via the link in our bio.
#YCWHub