{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.bankaust.com.au/blog/{{slug}}" }, "headline": "{{title}}", "description": "{{desc}}", "image": "{{image}}", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Bank Australia", "url": "https://www.bankaust.com.au/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Bank Australia", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64d5d5beb2a67e9491ecdff8/64d5d5beb2a67e9491ece00c_BA-logo-white.webp" } }, "datePublished": "{{datePublished}}", "dateModified": "{{dateModified}}" }
Alert notice

10 September 2025 – Targeted SMS impersonation scams. We’re aware of scam SMS messages impersonating Bank Australia using personal details and fake passcodes to trick customers. Learn more

2022-10-07 2:57 pm
Back to blog
Impact

Meet the organisation supporting Victoria’s unpaid carers

Photo journal

Over 700,000 Victorians are currently providing unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbour. Here’s how Bank Australia customer Carers Victoria supports the unsung heroes of the state’s social and healthcare systems.

When we think of carers, often we think of nurses looking after patients in hospitals or aged-care facilities. We rarely consider the thousands of Australians providing unpaid care to family members and friends. In fact, according to Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott, many people in a caring role wouldn’t even consider themselves carers.

“A carer is someone who’s going above and beyond the usual to support someone who may have mental health challenges, a disability, health concerns or age-related frailty,” Judith says. “[Many carers] don't see that label or make that connection because they're busy doing the thing: caring. If you’re doing these kinds of things, you are considered a carer, and there’s information and support that can help you.”

Two people lean against the wheelchair of the man sitting in the middle

That’s where Carers Victoria steps in. Celebrating its 30th year, Carers Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to improve the lives of unpaid carers. There are currently over 700,000 Victorians providing unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbour, with around half that number giving over 20 hours a week of support. The team at Carers Victoria connects carers to government-funded resources, provides information on how to access services such as counselling and respite, offers education and training, and brings together members of the carers community for a meal, a chat, and a break.

“Caring is so rewarding, but it’s a tough thing to do,” Judith explains.

Indeed, caring can come at a personal cost. A 2020 national survey of carers found that almost half of respondents reported experiencing high to very high levels of psychological distress, while one in three felt highly socially isolated. A third of respondents said they didn’t get any time away from their caring responsibilities, with one in four reporting that they spent more money than they made within a 12-month period.

“We know that carers often experience poorer financial outcomes,” Judith says. “Research released this year found that, on average, a carer will lose about $40,000 of lifetime earnings for every year they’re in a primary caring role.

A man hugs an elderly lady

Carers Victoria wants to reach the point where every Victorian understands what a carer is, and why caring work is valuable. “An important part of what we do is advocate to both government and community to raise awareness and push for changes so that carers can be supported in their roles,” says Judith.

Public information campaigns – including media releases, partnerships and stories – are used to shed light on what care work comprises. “We connect with organisations like Bank Australia to help get that message out about what a carer is,” Judith says.

Some key developments Victorian carers would like to see implemented include flexible workplace arrangements, improved financial security, and consistent, accessible and affordable (or fully funded) support services.

An elderly lady wraps her arm around a child

“Carers are essential to our state. They make a big contribution both economically and socially, and are helping people who might otherwise be quite isolated to feel connected, supported and safe,” Judith says. “They are some of the unsung heroes of our health and social care system, and we need to support them better.”

Read more about Bank Australia’s incredible customers and allies doing great things for people and the planet.

Related stories

Impact

We’re flying high: supporting the Australian Bird of the Year 2025

Together with our customers, we’re committed to protecting nature and biodiversity. Now we’re taking that love of nature to new heights by supporting Australian Bird of the Year 2025 – bringing favourite birds to the public consciousness and inspiring action to protect them.

Impact

Episode  - “I’m in the right place.” Accessible Homes Australia is creating beautiful, safe homes for people with disability

On the northern tip of the Gold Coast, Hope Island is a purpose-built housing project that exemplifies inclusive, accessible living. Learn how Accessible Homes Australia (AHA), with the backing of Bank Australia, is helping revolutionise specialist disability accommodation in Australia.

Watch - 2 mins

Impact

How does rewilding in Australia actually work? The Forktree Project explains

On South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, up to 90% of native habitat has been lost since colonisation. Through grassroots rewilding initiative The Forktree Project – a Bank Australia community customer grant recipient – environmental scientist Tim Jarvis is determined to change that, one seed at a t

Impact

How to stay warm (and keep bills down) this winter

Feel like you’re constantly trying to stay ahead of the chill in your home? You’re not alone. Whether you’re renting, renovating or just trying to cut costs, here are an expert’s practical tips on staying warm and saving energy this winter.

Impact

‘I absolutely love where I live’: how accessibility and location matter to Shanon

Moving into a thoughtfully designed and purpose-built apartment has been ‘an absolute game changer’ for Shanon, a resident at AccessAccom’s Specialist Disability Housing (SDA) apartments in Woolooware, Sydney.

Impact

Big news: announcing our 2025 community customer grant recipients

At Bank Australia, we believe in the power of community. Every year, our Community Customer Grant Program supports customers making a positive impact within our key impact areas