Victoria's Additional Respite for Carers Program 2025–27

Applications are now open for Victoria’s Additional Respite for Carers Program 2025–27, for organisations that provide respite care programs for Victoria’s carers. Carer support groups, peak bodies, health services, councils and neighbourhood houses are encouraged to apply for funding, which supports activities such as in-home support, day or group activities, overnight or emergency respite and camps.

Eligible groups can apply for $30,000 to $1 million per year over two years, to enable carers to take time away, addressing the critical need for accessible respite supporting carers from all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. Organisations delivering services that support rural and regional Victorians, those from diverse backgrounds and First Nations carers are particularly encouraged to apply.

Victoria’s more than 700,000 carers provide support to their family, friends and loved ones, including people with a chronic illness, disability, mental illness or older Victorians, with the Additional Respite for Carers Program having delivered more than 200,000 hours of respite across Victoria in the last two years.

“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,” Victoria’s Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros 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.”

Applications can be made here via the Victorian Government website until 25 March 2025.

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