Our Organisation

Carers Queensland is the peak body representing unpaid family and community carers in Queensland.

We respond to the unique and changing needs of the 533,200 carers across the state and those they care for.

Carers Queensland started as the Queensland Council of Carers and established its head office in Camp Hill, Brisbane in 1989.

Since then, we have given carers a voice.

We champion equal rights and opportunities. We focus on providing support services to caring families based on what they need.

We are dedicated to making life better.

Our Vision

A community that celebrates diversity and inclusion, ensuring carers, people with disability and their families are enabled social and economic participation in society.

Our Mission

To make life better by connecting and enriching the lives of people in our community.

Our Values

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
  • Respect – Treating others how they want to be treated.
  • Diversity – A place for everyone.
  • Empowerment – Acknowledging strength in others.
  • Adaptability – Flexible and responsive to change.

How we work

Carers, the people they care for and their families are at the centre of everything we do; as such, we support self-directed services.

We encourage your personal growth and empowerment and we work with you to improve your quality of life.

We provide hands-on support to carers through our regional offices across Queensland, working in close collaboration with carers, other state and territory Carers Associations and strategic partners.

You can find our archive of annual reports and other corporate documents via our Publications page.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

Carers Queensland is actively committed to the creation and maintenance of a culture of safeguarding and recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We commit to providing a safe environment and supportive relationships for everyone we work with. We believe every individual has the right to be safe and respected, particularly those from culturally diverse backgrounds, individuals with a disability or any other vulnerability.

Carers Queensland employees and volunteers are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and will not behave in a manner that is harmful when working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Carers Queensland is committed to a person-centred strengths-based approach ensuring children, young people and vulnerable adults are at the centre of every decision made.

We pledge to actively listen to the voices of vulnerable people as we strive to make improvements in our services.

Our History – a timeline

  • 1988: Val French, Kay Thomas, Ailsa Whitehead, Maggie Smith host a forum, attended by 50 carers and decide to create an organisation that supports all carers.
  • 1989: The group receives Federal funding of $1.25 million and establishes the Queensland Council of Carers at the current Camp Hill location.
  • 1990: The CARE line (now Carer Advisory Service) is created as a helpline for carers
  • 1994: Offices are now operating in Brisbane North and South, Townsville, Rockhampton and Wide Bay.
  • 1996: The Queensland Council of Carers introduces the Non-English Speaking Background Carers’ Kit (now CALD program).
  • 1998: New offices open in Cairns and the Darling Downs.
  • 2002: Carer Mentor program (now Friends Care Online) is introduced.
  • 2003: The National Carer Counselling program begins.
  • 2003: FIRST magazine is launched.
  • 2003: The organisation becomes known as Carers Queensland.
  • 2004: Carer-Friendly Business Awards are introduced.
  • 2004: Young Carer Project launched.
  • 2006: Family Support and Advocacy program (now Guardianship and Advocacy) is introduced.
  • 2008: Offices are now operating in Toowoomba, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Mackay and Roma.
  • 2017: Carers Queensland becomes the NDIS Local Area Coordination Partners in the Community service provider for the Ipswich, Toowoomba, and Rockhampton service areas.
  • 2018: Carers Queensland becomes the NDIS Local Area Coordination Partners in the Community service provider for the Brisbane North & South, Beenleigh, Robina, Caboolture/Strathpine and Maroochydore service areas.
  • 2019: Carers Queensland celebrates 30th anniversary.

Carers Queensland Ltd Constitution

Carers Queensland Ltd is a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee.