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
Kristie
Quality and Compliance Lead
Jacqueline de Mamiel
Young Carer Voice Lead
Amy
Peer Support Practice Lead
Tahnee
Coaching Practice Lead
Richard
Counselling & Intake Lead
Sara
Young Carer Wellbeing Hub 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 Overnight Respite Camp is coming up soon, places are filling up, and we want you to come along and join the fun! ✨
Who: Young Carers aged 8-16
When: Tuesday 8th April - Wednesday 9th April
Where: Shepparton, VIC (transport from Melbourne will now be provided!)
Get ready for two epic days packed with flying fox, kayaking, archery, climbing, bush cooking, and swimming – plus loads of fun, new friendships, and unforgettable adventures! It’s your chance to challenge yourself, grow your confidence, and make amazing memories with an awesome group of Young Carers like you.
Register now at bit.ly/shepparton-vic or by following the link in our bio 🏕️
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.
That’s why, on Young Carers Action Day, we’re amplifying their message: Give Me a Break!
In this video, our team shares simple ways to 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.
Take a break out of your day today to learn more about how you can help. Even the smallest actions can make a big difference!
#YoungCarersActionDay
Young Carers Action Day: Six Ways You Can Help!
Young Carers juggle huge responsibilities while supporting loved ones. This Young Carers Action Day, here’s how you can make a difference, whether you’re an educator, an employer, a business owner, or an ally:
⭐ Offer Respite Care – Connect Young Carers to services that give them a break.
⭐ Raise Awareness – Share posts, use #YoungCarersActionDay, and spread the word!
⭐ Donate to Support Services – Donate to organisations like ours and help fund direct support and respite programs.
⭐ Support Flexible Learning – Schools and unis can offer flexible schedules to ease the pressure.
⭐ Help with Education and Careers – Offer guidance or references on job applications, CVs, or apprenticeships.
⭐ Provide Leisure Opportunities – Give Young Carers free or discounted access to gyms, cinemas, or classes.
Every small action counts!
#YoungCarersActionDay
At just 13, Young Carer Sienna gives so much of her time to caring for her sister, so for one night, it was all about her when ultimate dream came true: seeing Billie Eilish live in Sydney! The magic didn’t stop there - she also got the full VIP treatment with a luxury hotel stay, room service, and a rooftop pool overlooking the city. Epic!
Our Dream Experience program is all about giving Young Carers a once-in-a-lifetime moment that’s just for them, to acknowledge all the amazing work they do to support their loved ones - because they deserve it.
Huge shoutout to @ticketmerchantau for the concert tickets and @pullmansydneyhydepark for the incredible stay!
📸 Swipe to see Sienna’s dream come true!
At Little Dreamers, our 4-14 year old Young Carer cohort has a pretty even gender split. Yet, our records show that girls and women aged around 15 and above are disproportionately represented in caring roles.
Outdated gender stereotypes mean that girls and women are still more likely to take on unpaid caring responsibilities, often at the expense of their own education, career, and wellbeing. These expectations start young, which is why identifying Young Carers early and providing the right support is so important. No young person should feel like family caring responsibilities are theirs to manage just because of their gender.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience of Young Carers everywhere and commit to breaking down barriers so that every young person - regardless of their gender identity - has the opportunity to thrive! ✨ #youngcarers #internationalwomensday #iwd
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the launch of our Young Carer Wellbeing Hub in St Kilda yesterday!
We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to share our new vibrant and welcoming space with our supporters, board, staff, and community.
A big shout out to our VIP guests:
⭐ Josh Burns MP
⭐ Nina Taylor MP | @ninataylormp
⭐ David Southwick MP | @davidsouthwickmp
Thanks to:
⭐ @garypeer for providing much needed coffee
⭐ @allthingsequal.org.au for catering
⭐ @fullformstudios for our signage
Lastly, we could not have brought the Hub to life without the support of the Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation, and all our incredible donors.
At the Hub, we are committed to cultivating a place of respite and mindfulness, allowing Young Carers to take a break from their caring duties and focus on their own wellbeing and this is just the beginning!
To stay up to date with the Hub, follow us over at @ycwhub.
📸 Photos by @faz.io