Tandem Carers

19/02/2026

We’d like to wish a blessed Ramadan to all who celebrate.

It’s a challenging time for so many faith communities in Australia and we hope this holy month brings peace, joy and generosity.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, marked by fasting, prayer, spiritual growth and charity. The month is significant to Muslims as when the Qur’an was first revealed to the prophet Mohammed (PBUH) over 1,400 years ago.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food during daylight hours and break their fast after sundown with family and friends, in a communal meal called Iftar.

Find out more here: https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-ramadan-and-why-does-it-require-muslims-to-fast-180139

16/02/2026

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, we honour the strength, wisdom and diversity of families, carers and supporters who walk alongside people with mental health challenges.

In the Chinese Zodiac, this coming year is the Year of the Fire Horse – with the horse signifying energy, confidence and speed, and fire signifying transformation, vitality and high energy.

Find out more: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/lunar-new-year-2026-fire-horse-what-to-know/mj0anue2q

16/02/2026

Last week, Victoria' Chief Psychiatrist, A/Prof Sophie Adams, reaffirmed the OCP's commitment to working alongside Tandem and strengthening the voice of families, carers and supporters in mental health reform.

"I have often referred families, carers and supporters to the many resources and information provided by Tandem," she said. "The OCP will continue to support the voice of lived experience family and carers and to work closely with Tandem to do this.”

"We recognise the spirit of the Royal Commission's intentions around including lived experience in leadership positions within mental health reform. We value the experience and expertise of family, carers and supporters and the roles they hold within the system."

12/02/2026

Today, we honour truth, strength and healing.

The anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations reminds us of the harm caused by the forced removal of First Nations children from their families, communities and culture - and the trauma that continues to be felt across generations.

At Tandem, we hold close both the ongoing impacts of this history and the remarkable resilience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities. Their strength guides us as we work toward a mental health system that is culturally safe, inclusive and healing - for everyone.

12/02/2026

We're delighted to congratulate Tandem member Rita Brown on receiving an Order of Australia medal to recognise her long-standing contribution to the mental health sector.

Rita is Chair of BPD Foundation and has spent more than a decade in a lived experience role in a mental health service.

We spoke to Rita earlier this week about her achievement, and she described it as a “huge honour” and “a humbling experience.” You can read more here: https://tandemcarers.org.au/p/Contents/Stories/Member-stories/Rita%20Brown%20OAM%20story.aspx

04/02/2026

Help to shape upcoming changes to NDIS planning

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is looking to change how planning works in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

They’re inviting feedback from people with lived and living experience, including family, carers and supporters.

The new planning pathway aims to give participants clearer information at every step, including:

- preparing for a support needs assessment
- completing the assessment
- building a plan
- using the plan

Have your say through the public consultation:
🔗 https://consultations.health.gov.au/ndis/nfp-public-consultation/

02/02/2026

Tandem members, join us at our February Members’ Meeting - our first gathering of the new year, and a chance to come together, connect, and shape the year ahead.

Join us in-person or online. Register now and check out our schedule of 2026 events at tandemcarers.org.au/events

Not a member? Join today for free at tandemcarers.org.au/join

27/01/2026

**UPDATE: The deadline for extensions for Tandem's research grants has been extended to Sunday, 8 March 2026.**

The Tandem Family Carer Lived Experience (FCLE) Workforce Development Research Grants each provide up to $15,000 for individuals or teams in the FCLE Workforce to design and deliver an original research project. 🙌

Find out more and apply: https://tandemcarers.org.au/research-grants

Are you a Family Carer Lived and Living Experience Worker (FCLEW) with an idea that could strengthen or grow the discipline?

Tandem’s Family Carer Lived and Living Experience (FCLLE) Workforce Development Research Grants are now open — offering up to $15,000 to lead your own research project.

This is a chance to:

🔹 Build your research skills
🔹 Advance the FCLE workforce
🔹 Create meaningful change for family, carers and supporters
🔹 Be supported through mentoring, coaching and a dedicated research symposium

👉 Learn more and apply before Sunday 8 February: https://tandemcarers.org.au/research-grants

25/01/2026

“Australia has an opportunity to choose a national day that unites rather than divides... Now is the time to take a much-needed step towards healing, reducing harm and honouring the lived experiences of our First Nations communities,” says Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc CEO, Dr. Jill Gallagher AO

Tandem supports our First Nations partners and community in saying that January 26 is not a day to celebrate. Read Jill’s words in full at https://www.vaccho.org.au/2026/01/22/opinion-some-call-it-australia-day-we-call-it-survival-day/
Here are 6 ways to support First Nations people today, from Clothing The Gaps: https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/blogs/blogs/6-ways-to-show-your-support-this-jan-26

Make no mistake – January 26 is a day of mourning.

It marks the beginning of colonisation and its devastating impacts – dispossession, genocide, cultural loss and intergenerational trauma.

The refusal to change the date is not because Aboriginal people haven’t explained why January 26 is inappropriate and hurtful because we have done so, clearly and consistently for decades.

January 26 is not a date of Australian tradition – it’s a choice.

It’s a choice that was made by governments, and it’s a choice that’s been changed before, so why can’t it change again?

Opinion by Dr Jill Gallagher AO.

First published on Cheek Media on 21 January 2026.

Read the full piece here > https://www.vaccho.org.au/2026/01/22/opinion-some-call-it-australia-day-we-call-it-survival-day/

22/01/2026

At 7.01pm today, we join Australians across the country in a minute of silence, remembering the 15 innocent lives lost and all those impacted by the Bondi Beach attack.

In observing the National Day of Mourning, we reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion and standing alongside one another. Today we say: Light will win.

22/01/2026

At 7.01pm today, we join Australians across the country in a minute of silence, remembering the 15 innocent lives lost and all those impacted by the Bondi Beach attack.

In observing the National Day of Mourning, we reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion and standing alongside one another. Today we say: Light will win.

05/01/2026

Are you a Family Carer Lived and Living Experience Worker (FCLEW) with an idea that could strengthen or grow the discipline?

Tandem’s Family Carer Lived and Living Experience (FCLLE) Workforce Development Research Grants are now open — offering up to $15,000 to lead your own research project.

This is a chance to:

🔹 Build your research skills
🔹 Advance the FCLE workforce
🔹 Create meaningful change for family, carers and supporters
🔹 Be supported through mentoring, coaching and a dedicated research symposium

👉 Learn more and apply before Sunday 8 February: https://tandemcarers.org.au/research-grants