Carer Events

Carer Events

Bendigo Health Carer Support Services organise events for carers from time to time. These events provide an opportunity for carers to take a break from their caring role and enjoy some time for themselves. Previous events have included painting sessions at Pinot & Picasso, walking groups and Carers Week luncheons. Click the drop downs below for upcoming events. If you would like more information please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services on (03) 5454 7719 or email [email protected].

Carer Support Groups

Walking & Wellbeing Group - Bendigo

This support group is for parents/carers of under 18 year olds. The group meets each Thursday at 9am at Lake Weeroona, during school terms.

Pre-registration is essential for all Carer Support Groups.

For more information or to register please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services on 5454 7719 or [email protected]

Carer Support Group - Rochester

Join other carers for a complimentary coffee and a chat from 10am at a local venue in Rochester.

2025 dates:

  • Tuesday 7 October
  • Tuesday 18 November

Pre-registration is essential for all Carer Support Groups.

For more information or to register please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services on 5454 7719 or [email protected]

Over 65 years Carer Support Group - Bendigo

Join this group of carers at 1.30pm on the second Tuesday of every month in a central Bendigo location.  Afternoon tea supplied.

2025 dates:

  • Tuesday 9 September
  • Tuesday 14 October
  • Tuesday 11 November
  • Tuesday 9 December

Pre-registration is essential for all Carer Support Groups.

For more information or to register please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services on 5454 7719 or [email protected]

Walking Support Group and Self-Care Hub - Castlemaine

First Wednesday of the month

9.30am Walking group open to all carers

  • Castlemaine Botanical Gardens followed by a complimentary coffee at Das Kaffee Haus.

11.30am - 1.00pm: Self Care Hub

  • Professionally facilitated, for carers of people aged under 18 years.
  • Castlemaine Community House.

2pm - 3.30pm: Self Care Hub

  • Professionally facilitated, for carers of adults.
  • Castlemaine Community House.

Registrations essential.
For more information or to register, please call Carolyn from RIAC on 0488 605 363.

Walking Support Group and Self-Care Hub - Echuca

Second Wednesday of the month 

Carers are invited to take some time out of their busy lives to engage in self-care and foster connection with other carers.

10am: Short Morning Walk and Coffee
Open to all carers.
Meet at the Leslie St Carpark then at Beechworth Bakery

1.00 - 2.30pm: Self Care Hub
For carers of people aged under 18 years.
Echuca - Murray CWA, 261 High St, Echuca
Professionally facilitated with a mix of self-care activities such as adult colouring, kinetic sand, knitting/crochet, art/craft, fiction book exchange and occasional visits from a professional masseuse.

Registrations essential.

For more information or to register, please call Carolyn from RIAC on 0488 605 363

Men’s Carer Support Group - Bendigo

Meet other male carers and enjoy a complimentary meal at a local pub.

6pm - 8pm on the third Tuesday of every month  (venue to be advised)

2025 dates:

  • Tuesday 16 September
  • Tuesday 21 October
  • Tuesday 18 November
  • Tuesday 16 December

Registration essential as spaces are limited.

For more information or to register, please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services
[email protected] or call  03 5454 7719

Art & Chat Group - Swan Hill

First and third Tuesday of the month

Paint, draw, collage, print making, sculpture, clay and pottery plus lots more.

Come and have a cuppa, chat and create anything you like in a safe place. Embrace any arty skill you like from week to week with guest presenters and supportive staff.

Time: 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Location: Swan Hill Neighbourhood House: 100 Gray St, Swan Hill

The group is open to all, with a focus on carers.

Hosted by staff from the Mental Health Carers Respite Program, Anglicare Victoria

For more information and to register, please call Cate U’ren from Anglicare on (03) 5036 3200

Carer's Art Group - Mildura

Carers are invited to be a part of an ART Carer Support Group in Mildura.

Enjoy a complimentary coffee while spending time with other carers in the region.

Date: Last Friday of the month - except December
Time: 10am - 12noon
Location: Local Cafe

Registration is essential as places are limited.

Venue address will be provided on registration.

For more information or to register please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services on (03) 5454 7719 or  [email protected]

Carer Events

Equine Assisted Learning - Woodend

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) offers physically and psychologically safe experiences with horses.

EAL gives participants an opportunity to explore issues or feelings that may be troubling them. It also provides a safe space to simply enjoy being with horses.

No riding is involved in this practice. Individuals do not need to have experience with, or knowledge of, horses to participate.

The first four week program will start on Tuesday, 16 September, 2025 with a second program starting Tuesday, 11 November 2025.

Dates:
September 16, 23, 30 and October 7
November 11, 18, 25 and December 2

Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Where: Hamer Equine Assisted Learning (HEAL) Woodend

Carers must be available for all four free sessions.

Limited spaces available and registration essential. 

To register please visit:

For more information, please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services:

[email protected] or phone 03 5454 7719.

Young Carer Social Group - Bendigo

Bendigo Young Carer Social Group - Expression of interest

Carer Support Services are looking for expressions of interest from young carers in the Bendigo region to join a social group.

Young carers will enjoy time on a large property with alpacas, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chooks.

Activities include: Nerf War, building forts, art, bush painting, bush cooking, gardening, arena sports, outdoor movies, and more.

There is no cost to participants.

Date: Bi-monthly

Time: Four hours on a Sunday.

Venue: Ironstone Hill 

Age groups: 14 - 17 years

If you know a young carer who is interested, please register them by visiting: https://www.trybooking.com/1369933

For more information, please contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services: [email protected] or phone 03 5454 7719

Carer Connection Lunch - Donald

Carers are invited to take a well-deserved break and enjoy a complimentary lunch while connecting with other carers.

Date: Wednesday 3 September
Time: 12noon – 2pm
Venue: Donald Hotel, 126 Woods St, Donald

Registration essential by Monday 1 September, 2025

To register please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1447886

 

For more information, contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services:

[email protected]

03 5454 7719

School Can’t - Bendigo

Is your child or young person struggling with school attendance?

Come along to this event and hear Tiffany Westphal, Director, School Can’t Australia, talk about the experience of School Can’t.

Learn about tools, support, and resources available to help you feel empowered and confident to advocate for your child.

The session will be followed by a light lunch and opportunity to mingle with other carers.

 

Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025

Time: 11am - 12noon

Venue: Lakeside Hotel, 286 Napier St, Bendigo.

 

Program is free and as spaces are limited, registration is essential.

To register, visit www.trybooking.com/DEJNP

Guided Art Experience – Mildura

Bendigo Health Carer Support Services invite carers to enjoy a FREE four part guided art series with Lisa from Red Earth Arts.

Relax and connect with other carers while mindfully creating.

Date: Tuesday 4, 11, 18 and 25 November
Time: 10am - 12noon

Venue: The Cottage, 278 Cureton Ave, Mildura

Program is free and spaces are limited. Registration is essential by Monday 3 November.

Carers must be available for all four dates.

To register please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1465484

Walking With Horses For Wellbeing - Mildura

Carers are invited to be a part of a FREE group equine assisted wellbeing program in the Mildura region.

The program involves interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional growth and learning. The therapeutic approach includes horses as a medium to address life challenges and improve emotional wellbeing.

Date: Wednesdays: 15, 29 October and 12 November 2025

Time: 9.30am – 1pm

Venue: Mildura region

Program is free and spaces are limited. Registration is essential by 1 October.

Available to carers 18 years and over.

Carers must be available for all three sessions

To register please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1464329