Arafmi Mental Health Carer Forum – Brisbane 2026 The Carer Journey: seen, heard and understood “The only people you can look straight in the eye and they’ll get you is other carers.” These words from Paul, one of the carers on our panel, captured the spirit of Arafmi’s 11th Mental Health Carer Forum: carers connecting, sharing what they have learnt and reminding one another that they are not alone. Over 100 carers joined us at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and via livestream. A special shout-out to Tracy Osbourne and the carers who gathered at the Bundaberg viewing party and joined the conversation throughout the day. No two journeys are the same This year’s theme, The Carer Journey, was introduced by Arafmi General Manager Alex Tyson, who invited everyone to consider what the carer journey means to them. Alex explained that some people become carers suddenly, while for others the role develops over many years. Some start caring as children, and many provide support for a long time before realising, I’m a mental health carer. While every journey is different, the Forum explored common experiences, from recognising the caring role and finding support during tough times, to looking after