Expo shines a caring light on heroes of the sandwich generation

CARERS across the Bass Coast and South Gippsland were recognised as unpaid heroes at the 2026 Carer Expo held at Berninneit as part of the Bass Coast Seniors Festival.

Aligning with the National Carers Week theme of ‘caring for a carer makes carers visible’, the free event showcased local resources, networks, and professional assistance with Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) the key provider.

Iris Gillard from LCHS said carers often fail to recognise their own invaluable roles.

"We are trying to reach out to the people who often don't recognise themselves as carers," Gillard said. "A typical comment would be, 'I'm just looking after my husband or wife or a parent.' They don't realise they do a lot more than would be expected."

According to Gillard, the responsibilities of a carer can quickly multiply. Carers frequently become chauffeurs for medical appointments, manage complex medications, and take on all the cooking, cleaning, and maintenance in the home.

“This unpaid workload can become overwhelming,” she said. “Particularly when conditions like dementia are involved, often forcing carers to sacrifice their own social lives, hobbies, and friendships.”

The expo specifically targeted the sandwich generation or those simultaneously looking after ageing, frail parents, and a spouse or child with a disability. "For these people, it is really difficult having to navigate the aged care system and NDIS for their parents, and spending a lot of time on the phone," Gillard explained.

"We're trying to keep people at home," Gillard said. "Largely because they're happier at home, and it’s more cost-effective and cheaper for everyone."

The event provided essential support not just for those seeking personal care options, but also for the dedicated network of family, friends, and neighbours who assist them.

Guest speakers from Latrobe Community Health Service led interactive Q&A sessions and informative discussions designed to help attendees plan for the future, make informed health decisions, and stay connected to local networks. To foster a welcoming atmosphere, attendees were treated to a light lunch and refreshments.

National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and coordinated with the assistance and participation of the National Carer Network.

Anyone can become a carer at any time .

“You can encourage carers to talk if that is helpful for them,” is one suggestion from the National Carer Network. “Offer to provide carers with a break and time for themselves to recharge, by running errands for them, helping with household chores like laundry, cleaning, cooking, budgeting and shopping, and helping them to plan social activities.”

Carers often prioritise the well-being of others over their own needs. The National Carer Network reminded carers to take care of themselves and prioritise their own physical and mental health.

For those who missed the Cowes Expo the Latrobe Community Health Service will host a ‘Learn, Connect and Share’ event on Wednesday, October 28 from 10am to 2pm at the Inverloch Community Hub.