About Us
What We Do
As Australia’s leading Young Carer organisation, we work with young people who provide unpaid care for a family member with a disability, illness or addiction across a range of direct support programs.
Over the past 10 years, 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. From cities to rural farms, we work in every corner of Australia, ensuring Young Carers are never left out, forgotten or lonely.
We’re working to improve the quality of life of Young Carers right across the country, with an ultimate vision to ensure that every single Young Carer around the world is supported by someone or something by 2030.
Our Team
Maddy
Founder and CEO
Tasha
State Manager (VIC)
Carla
State Manager (NSW)
Alex
State Manager (QLD)
Nat C
National Head of Programs
Steph
National People and Culture Manager
Emma
National Marketing and Events Manager
Nat M
Graphic Designer
Laura
Education Program Manager
Miranda
Family Support Worker
Amber
Family Support Worker
Yuval
Big Dreamers Coordinator
Cassie
Impact Measurement and Research Analyst
Taylar
Events and Fundraising Coordinator
Cath
Virtual CFO
Adam
Admin Assistant
Daisy
Chief Barketing Officer
Our Board
Michael Thurin
Board Chair |
Management Consultant | A.T. Kearney
Trevor Givoni
Clinical Psychologist | Department of Education and Training
Dana Rochwerger
Digital Acquisition Manager | Bared Footwear
Sally McLeod
Group Financial Controller | Forever New Clothing Pty Ltd
Amanda Shilkin
Independent Employee Experience Consultant | Inside Out Hub
Zoe Nasr
People and Culture Director at Remedy Drinks
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 Ambassadors
Dena Kaplan
Ariel Kaplan
Gemma-Ashley Kaplan
Alicia Banit
Michael Short
Our Partners
Donors
Our Family Support Worker, Amber and her cat, Charlie, with their special talent! 🌟 Do you and your pet have a skill to show off at our Young Carer Talent Show? 🐶 Register here: bit.ly/YC-GOT-TALENT
Head to our website for more info and to register your interest for our upcoming Big Dreamers programs in VIC, NSW and QLD 🔗🌟 #LDDreamBig
Flashback to one of our favourite Dream Experiences!! 🌟
A few years ago, Young Carer, Riley, spent the day with @reptileencounters and got up close and personal with his favourite reptiles. Reptile Encounters taught him all about these slippery, slimy and incredible creatures and how to care for them - and he also picked up his very own Bearded Dragon from them, called Dexter! 🦎
We're pleased to report that Riley and Dexter are still going very strong. Here’s some before and after photos of the two! 😍 #LDDreamBig
Our first Holiday Program in Brisbane! ☀️ After lots of Zoom sessions and phone calls, it was so exciting to finally meet some of our Queensland Young Carers as we explored the Museum, Spark Lab and Southbank together 🙌 Check out some of the photos from the day! #LDDreamBig
Introducing Mel Tran! Mel is a disruptor, an innovator, an activist and a social entrepreneur.🌟
Her work as a User Experience Designer and social entrepreneur has been recognised internationally, with awards and international public speaking gigs and summits. Her lived-experience, developed skills and knowledge allow for her work to span the disability, health and technology sectors.
With over eight years’ experience, and through her role as a UX Designer at @hireupaustralia, Mel specialises in bringing together the worlds of business, design and social impact. We can't wait for you to meet her at our Virtual Breakfast with Champions Event this Carers Week! 🙌
Find out more and book: bit.ly/CARERSWEEK-VIRTUAL 🎉
Monday's Holiday Program in VIC was all about SPORT! ⚽️🏀Dressed in our favourite sporting teams' colours, we were joined on Zoom by all sorts of inspiring athletes across cricket, AFL, netball and rowing! 🙌
We completed an epic workout with Australian netball player Julie Corletto, took a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport facilities, had a ball with AFLW North Melbourne players Emma Kearney and Kaitlyn Ashmore, and even had a special message for Young Carer, Xavier, from Marty Gleeson of Essendon. Swipe across to watch it unfold!
Thanks to all those who dropped into the session! We had an absolute BLAST! 🏆 #LDDreamBig
