Wagga Wagga City Council will join communities across Australia in shining a light on National Carers Week from 12 to 18 October 2025.
The Coat of Arms on the Civic Centre will be illuminated in blue as part of the national Lighting Up Australia for Carers campaign, a movement designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding but often unseen contribution of carers in our community.
National Carers Week is held annually to acknowledge the 3 million unpaid carers across Australia, including 958,500 in New South Wales alone, providing ongoing support to a family member or friend living with a disability, mental health condition, chronic illness, alcohol or other drug dependency, or who is frail due to age.
Carers NSW highlights the difference between unpaid (informal) carers and paid care workers. Unpaid carers are family members or friends who take on the role without remuneration, often making significant personal sacrifices to support the wellbeing of someone they love.
Carers provide vital social and economic contributions, but many experience disadvantage and isolation.
By lighting up the Coat of Arms, Wagga Wagga will join the nationwide show of solidarity that aims to raise awareness, foster appreciation, and make the role of carers more visible within our communities.
Local carer Erica Batchelor from Forest Hill, shared her perspective.
"National Carers Week provides valuable recognition of the vital role carers play and the dedication required in caring for a loved one," Ms Batchelor said.
"As someone who cares for my neurodiverse daughter, I appreciate the awareness this week brings to the commitment and contribution of carers across the community."
