19/03/2026
Today we mark National Close the Gap Day — a day to stand with First Nations communities calling for justice, equality and healing.
Colonialism has lasting and ongoing impacts on the wellbeing of First Nations people in Victoria, where rates of mental distress, trauma, grief and other challenges to social and emotional wellbeing are far higher than among other communities. Many First Nations Victorians are walking with family, loved ones, kin and community members who are suffering, and too often, these carers remain invisible.
This year, Tandem is calling to put ALL mental health carers in the picture, including those in First Nations communities, whose knowledge, relationships and cultural leadership are so essential to healing and wellbeing.
Mental health carers are a large and diverse group. We come from all communities and backgrounds. We support people with a diagnosis, and those whose distress, trauma or grief has no label. Many carers are also navigating challenges such as discrimination, poverty, disability or the impacts of grief, trauma or displacement themselves.
Yet many carers remain invisible in the mental health and wellbeing system, under-recognised in other systems and services, and unheard in the public conversation. We’re working to change that and put ALL mental health carers in the picture.
