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A lifelong carer supporting carers Meet Tracy, supporting mental health carers in Bundaberg When Tracy sits down with a carer for the first time, she often asks a simple question, “And how are you going?”There’s usually a pause. “Most carers start by telling me all about the person they’re supporting,” Tracy says. “Then I ask about them. Sometimes that’s the first time anyone has.” For some, the question brings tears. For others, it takes a moment to even find the words. Tracy is Arafmi’s Carer Support Facilitator in Bundaberg and has been in the role since August 2025. She’s worked in the local mental health sector for eight years, building strong community connections along the way. In a regional area where trust matters, that history counts. But it’s not just professional experience Tracy brings to the role. “I’ve been a carer most of my life,” she says. Tracy grew up as a young carer and today continues caring for her adult children and her partner. That lived experience shapes the way she shows up for others. “I understand what it’s like when everything is about the person you’re supporting,” she says. “Sometimes carers aren’t even in touch with their own needs

Housing worries? Support and advice for carers Housing can be one of the biggest uncertainties carers face when thinking about the future. Renting, housing options and long-term stability are common concerns, especially when supporting someone living with mental health challenges and thinking about what the future might look like. In February, more than 40 mental health carers joined our Future Planning housing workshops (in person and online), to learn about housing options, renters’ rights and where to find support. We invited three guest speakers working across different parts of the housing system to share their knowledge and practical advice. Why stable housing comes first Ryan Twomey from Micah Projects shared how the service supports people who are struggling to find or keep housing. Carers can drop in for an initial conversation with the person they support. From there, staff can help explore options such as housing referrals, crisis accommodation or connecting with other services. Ryan also outlined longer-term housing pathways. This can include applying for Department of Housing, where applications are prioritised based on vulnerability, or exploring community housing providers, where rent is generally around 25% of a person’s income. Micah Projects works from a “housing first” approach, recognising that stable housing is often the first step in helping

Future Planning Workshop: Focusing on Rights and Support – 19 November 2025 Our latest Future Planning workshop, held on 19 November at the Greek Club, brought together carers, families and supporters for an important conversation about rights, advocacy, and planning for the future. This session centred on understanding the systems that shape mental health care and social supports, and how to navigate them with confidence. Championing Rights in Mental Health Services We were delighted to welcome Margaret Murphy, an Independent Patient Rights Adviser (IPRA) working within the Metro South Hospital and Health Service. Margaret’s role is unique: although IPRAs work in public hospitals, they are independent from mental health services, allowing them to offer impartial advice to patients, nominated support persons, families and carers. Margaret explained how IPRAs support people to understand their rights under the Mental Health Act 2016, offer guidance during difficult or confusing periods of care, and help ensure that people feel informed and heard. She shared useful resources, including fact sheets, brochures and videos, which are easily accessible for anyone wanting to learn more. One story she shared captured the impact of this service: “Without the help of IPRA I would have left the hospital and

Regional highlights: connecting for mental health and celebrating carers across Queensland in October October was a busy month for our team, as we travelled across Queensland, visiting Toowoomba, Gympie, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Charleville, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Ipswich and Kilcoy to connect with carers, families, communities and partners, and celebrate the vital role of mental health carers during Queensland Mental Health Week (4–12 October) and National Carers Week (12–18 October). We met many mental health carers who hadn’t connected with Arafmi before, giving us the chance to share information, offer support and listen to their experiences. These events also strengthened relationships with local services and organisations, opening new opportunities to work together to better support carers in regional and remote areas. Some of the highlights included: Noosaville Carers Lunch: Carers from Gympie and the northern Sunshine Coast enjoyed a relaxed lunch in Noosaville, organised with Meichelle Hughes from Family and Carer Support at Sunshine Coast Hospital. Ipswich Gala Dinner: Arafmi and Wellways Carer Gateway co-hosted the first Ipswich Gala Dinner on 10 October, with over 70 guests enjoying dinner, live music, dancing and prizes. 2025 National Carers Week Breakfast: Arafmi staff attended this event on the Sunshine Coast, hosted by Wellways

Brisbane highlights: connecting for mental health and celebrating carers across Queensland in October Across Brisbane, Arafmi hosted and joined a range of events throughout October for Queensland Mental Health Week (4–12 October) and National Carers Week (12–18 October), bringing carers, community partners and government representatives together to celebrate and recognise the vital role of mental health carers. Some of the highlights included: Attending the QLD Mental Health Awards hosted by Open Minds, shining a spotlight on the everyday heroes making a big difference in mental health. Launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health Carers Group (QLD) at Parliament House, an Arafmi-led initiative co-chaired by Kerri-Anne Dooley MP (Redcliffe) and Jonty Bush MP (Cooper), both with lived or living experience as mental health carers. We were proud to stand alongside carers, raising awareness and speaking with MPs about the challenges they face and how Arafmi supports them. Walk for Awareness, where our team walked side-by-side with carers to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, showing the power of connection and community. Equine-Assisted Carer Wellbeing Workshop, a calming day that gave carers a chance to pause, reconnect with their wellbeing and explore practical tools for self-care. Community stalls at