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The Young Carer Wellbeing Hub launches in February! Sign up now to be the first to know when bookings open.

About Us

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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.

A young Maddy and her Co-Founder, Bec, sit proudly in front of a bright blue Little Dreamers poster the is pinned to the wall. The poster features our original Little Dreamers logo (a fairy silhouette holding a wand) and a collage of photos that are too small to decipher. Maddy wears a red beanie and a striped white off the shoulder top, and Bec on the right has long light brown hair and a fringe, with a light grey and pink t-shirt.

Our Story

Our story began when our Founder and CEO was just nine years old and asked the very question that still drives us today, “who cares for the carers?”

Maddy grew up caring for her younger brother, who had a range of chronic illnesses, and her mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. At nine years of age, she identified a gap in the support system for Young Carers and began to raise awareness through fundraising events and stalls.

Over a decade later and with more than 6,500 young people reached nationwide, Little Dreamers is Australia’s leading Young Carer organisation. Across a range of key support programs co-designed with young people in caring roles, we’re breaking down barriers and empowering youth, with a vision to ensure that every Young Carer around the world is supported by someone or something by the year 2030.

 

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About Us

Young Carers

A Young Carer is someone aged 25 or under who provides care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction, or frail age.

We know from experience that being a carer can be an amazing thing. Young Carers often learn compassion, kindness and empathy from having a caring role, and develop an incredible bond with the person they care for. But being a Young Carer can also significantly impact on one’s education, social life, employment and mental and physical health. That’s where we come in!

Did you know?

  • It’s estimated that 1 in 10 young people in Australia are carers
  • Young Carers are twice as likely to be disengaged from work or study than their peers
  • Carers have higher rates of poverty than non carers
  • 2 in 3 Young Carers experience mental health challenges

 

More statistics

Our Team

Maddy's Headshot
Maddy

Founder and CEO

Erin's Headshot
Erin

People and Culture Manager

Sammy's Headshot
Sammy

Marketing and Communications Manager

Laura's Headshot
Laura

Head of Programs

Tasha's Headshot
Tasha

Family Support Manager

Lindsay's Headshot
Lindsay

Executive Manager (Carer Gateway)

Natalie's Headshot
Natalie

Branding and Communications Manager (Currently on Parental Leave)

Jasmine's Headshot
Jasmine

Marketing and Design Coordinator

Jacqueline's Headshot
Jacqueline

Fundraising & Events Manager

Jacqueline de Mamiel's Headshot
Jacqueline de Mamiel

Young Carer Voice Lead

Amy's Headshot
Amy

Peer Support Practice Lead

Tahnee's Headshot
Tahnee

Coaching Practice Lead

Richard's Headshot
Richard

Counselling & Intake Lead

Casey's Headshot
Casey

Young Carer Mental Health Clinic Lead

Amber's Headshot
Amber

Young Carer Engagement Lead

Melanie's Headshot
Melanie

Young Carer Engagement Coordinator

Amelia's Headshot
Amelia

Family Support Worker

Lisa's Headshot
Lisa

Programs Lead

Bec's Headshot
Bec

Programs Lead

Clara's Headshot
Clara

Regional Program Lead (Lismore)

PJ's Headshot
PJ

IT Administrator

Janine's Headshot
Janine

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Sydney

Brooke's Headshot
Brooke

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Brisbane

Lucy's Headshot
Lucy

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Brisbane

Kathryn's Headshot
Kathryn

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg

Louisa Dettmann's Headshot
Louisa Dettmann

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg

Lyndel's Headshot
Lyndel

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Bundaberg

Chantell's Headshot
Chantell

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Peer Support) Toowoomba

Rebecca's Headshot
Rebecca

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) Brisbane

Christina's Headshot
Christina

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) Bundaberg

Ashleigh's Headshot
Ashleigh

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) NSW

Erin T's Headshot
Erin T

Young Carer Support Coordinator (Coaching) Toowoomba

Melita's Headshot
Melita

Community Engagement Coordinator (QLD)

Elizabeth's Headshot
Elizabeth

Volunteer Coordinator

Gurpavan's Headshot
Gurpavan

Young Carer Counsellor (QLD)

Josie's Headshot
Josie

Young Carer Counsellor (QLD)

Niamh's Headshot
Niamh

Young Carer Counsellor (QLD)

Daisy's Headshot
Daisy

Chief Barketing Officer

Our Board

Tom Levi GAICD: Chair's Headshot
Tom Levi GAICD: Chair

Principal at Nous Group

Michael Gilbert: Treasurer's Headshot
Michael Gilbert: Treasurer

Senior Finance Business Partner at Australia Post

Dana Rochwerger's Headshot
Dana Rochwerger

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

Darren Lomman's Headshot
Darren Lomman

Business Owner

Esther Nelson's Headshot
Esther Nelson

Legal Counsel

Our Ambassadors

Elise Pulbrook's Headshot
Elise Pulbrook

Dena Kaplan's Headshot
Dena Kaplan

Ariel Kaplan's Headshot
Ariel Kaplan

Gemma-Ashley Kaplan's Headshot
Gemma-Ashley Kaplan

Little Dreamers Australia

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Our Advocates

Little Dreamers

"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."

Little Dreamers

"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?"

Little Dreamers

"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! ✨
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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
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