National Carers Week runs from 11 to 17 October 2026. It's a time to recognise the more than 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. This year's theme is "Care for a carer: Making carers visible". If you care for someone with an NDIS plan in Tarneit, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing or elsewhere in Melbourne's west, this is a good week to stop and think about the support available to you, too.
Caring is a big job, and breaks matter
Family carers often juggle personal care, appointments, paperwork, work and the rest of family life. Many don't think of themselves as "carers" at all, just a parent, partner, sibling or friend doing what needs doing. Taking a regular break isn't a luxury. It helps you stay well, and it helps the person you care for keep getting consistent, reliable support.
Respite through the NDIS
For many families, respite is funded through the NDIS plan of the person you care for. It can look different depending on their plan and needs, for example a support worker coming to your home so you can step out for a few hours, or a short stay away from home. The NDIS funds the participant's support during that time, which in turn gives you a break.
Our guide to NDIS respite care explains the different types of respite, how they're funded and who they're for. If you're not sure what's in your family member's plan, their Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or the NDIA can help you check.
How support coordination can lighten the load
A lot of caring is coordination: finding providers, booking supports, keeping track of the plan and following up when something changes. If the person you care for has support coordination in their plan, a Support Coordinator can take on much of that work with them. They can help:
- explain what's in the plan and how it can be used
- find and connect with providers, including for in-home or respite support
- keep supports running smoothly and sort out problems as they come up
- prepare for plan reassessments and talk through options if needs change
You can read more about our support coordination service, or ask the participant's Support Coordinator what they can help with.
Support for you as a carer: Carer Gateway
NDIS supports are for the participant. Support for you as a carer is available separately through Carer Gateway, an Australian Government service. Carer Gateway offers free services for carers, including planned and emergency respite, coaching, peer support groups and online skills courses. You can call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, to find out what you're eligible for.
Small steps for Carers Week
- Make one call. Ring Carer Gateway or chat with your family member's Support Coordinator about respite options.
- Write down what you do. A simple list of the care you provide each week helps when talking with providers or at plan reassessments.
- Plan a break. Even a few regular hours a week can make a real difference.
- Connect with other carers. The National Carers Week website lists events and catch-ups around Australia, including in Melbourne.
How Tenax Supports can help
Tenax Supports is a registered NDIS provider based on Tarneit Road in Tarneit. We work with participants and their families across Melbourne's west through in-home support, support coordination and community access. If you'd like to talk about support for the person you care for, call us on 03 7018 8666 or send an enquiry. There's no obligation, and we're happy to just answer questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Carers Week 2026?
National Carers Week runs from 11 to 17 October 2026. The 2026 theme is "Care for a carer: Making carers visible".
Can the NDIS fund respite for family carers?
Respite is funded through the NDIS plan of the person you care for, as a support for them that also gives you a break. What's available depends on their plan and needs. Their Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or the NDIA can help you check.
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government service that offers free support for carers, including planned and emergency respite, coaching, peer support and online skills courses. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, or visit carergateway.gov.au.
How can a Support Coordinator help family carers?
A Support Coordinator works with the participant to explain their plan, connect with providers, keep supports running smoothly and prepare for plan reassessments. That can take a lot of the organising off a family carer's plate.
Does Tenax Supports work with families in Tarneit and Melbourne's west?
Yes. Tenax Supports is a registered NDIS provider in Tarneit offering in-home support, support coordination and community access across Melbourne's west. Call 03 7018 8666 to talk with our team.
Caring for someone with an NDIS plan in Melbourne's west? Contact Tenax Supports on 03 7018 8666 or through our enquiry page.