Funding boost to support respite care for Victorian carers

LOCAL organisations can now apply for new funding to expand respite care services for unpaid carers under the state’s Additional Respite for Carers Program 2025-27.

The program offers grants of between $30,000 and $1 million per year for two years to groups providing in-home support, day activities, overnight or emergency respite, and camps.

Applications are open to carer support organisations, peak bodies, health services, councils, and neighbourhood houses.

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence said the funding would give carers much-needed time to rest and recharge.

“Victoria’s dedicated carers give so much to their loved ones and communities – they deserve the chance to rest, recharge and take care of their own wellbeing, which is what this funding will deliver,” Spence said.

“Our investment in Victoria’s unpaid carers is a reflection of the valuable role they play in the lives of many people who rely on their support on a daily basis.”

More than 700,000 Victorians provide unpaid care for family members, friends, or loved ones, including people with disabilities, mental illness, chronic conditions, or older Victorians.

The previous funding round delivered more than 200,000 hours of respite across the state.

Past recipients include Australian Multicultural Community Services, which ran a Multicultural Carers’ Wellbeing Café, and Little Dreamers, which provided additional respite activities for young carers under 25.

Applications close on March 25.

For more information, head to vic.gov.au/additional-respite-funding