Thriving Communities Qld

29/09/2026

National Carers Week 2026 (11–17 October) is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and support Queensland's 642,000+ carers who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends. 🤍

Carers are everyday people who look after someone in need. They can be family members, friends, or neighbours.

If you are a carer, join [tag] Carers Queensland this October for a series of events designed with you in mind — a chance for you to feel recognised, connect with others and take time for yourself.

Register for a series of free webinars featuring lived experience voices and practical advice for carers:
📅 1 October – Starting your carer journey: What I wish I knew.
📅 6 October – Balancing work and care: Support and training for working carers.
📅 8 October – Caring for yourself while caring for others.
📅 15 October – Supporting a loved one through a hospital stay.

Whether you're new to caring or have been on the journey for years, these sessions offer practical insights, real-life experiences and helpful strategies to support you in your caring role.

Register today and join Carers Queensland online👉 https://collections.humanitix.com/carers-queensland-webinars

To find out more about National Carers Week, visit 👉 https://carersqld.com.au/news-events/national-carers-week

We are proud to support National Carers Week and acknowledge the diversity, strength and contribution of carers of all ages and backgrounds.



[Image description: A person sitting on the floor with a young child, playing with colourful building blocks in an indoor living space. The child is holding a blue block while the other person sits closely behind them. Decorative blue and pink curved graphic ribbons sweep across the left and right sides of the image. At the top, a dark blue banner contains the words 'Care is everywhere' in large blue text, accompanied by a pink heart-shaped line graphic. At the bottom of the image, over a dark gradient overlay, the text reads 'Carers Week Queensland 11–17 October'.]

National Carers Week will be running from 11 – 17 October, shining a light on the 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care to a loved one.

Care is everywhere, and this year’s national theme, “Care for a carer: Making carers visible,” encourages all of us to recognise, support and care for the carers in our families, workplaces and communities.

This National Carers Week we're making carers visible.

We see and celebrate the diversity, strength and contribution of carers of all ages and backgrounds.

Join us this October for a series of events designed with you in mind - a chance for you to feel recognised, connect with others and take time for yourself.

Learn more and be a part of the celebrations👉https://zurl.co/KXS83

22/09/2026

Looking for trusted disability news, information and resources?

The Australian Government's Disability Update newsletter helps people with disability, families, carers and community supporters stay informed about the latest news, resources and community stories.

📩 Subscribe today: www.health.gov.au/using-our-websites/subscriptions/subscribe-to-the-disability-update-newsletter

[Image description: A photograph of two women standing outside in the sun looking at blooming lavender. Text above the image reads Disability Update newsletter and the word 'subscribe' in an oval circle. Next to it is an arrow hovering over a circle. A dark blue band at the bottom of the image reads health.gov.au.]

✉️ Stay up to date on disability matters with our new Disability Update newsletter.

Disability Update brings together news, reforms, consultations, events and useful resources, all in one place.

Whether you're a person with disability, family member, carer or advocate, the newsletter will help you stay connected and informed.

To learn more and subscribe, see the comments below. 👇

21/09/2026

This week is Dementia Action Week. 📢

Dementia affects thousands of Queenslanders, as well as the families, friends, carers and communities who support them.

Talking about dementia helps build understanding, reduce stigma and create communities where people feel supported and included.

By starting conversations, we can:

🤝 support people living with dementia and those who care for them
🧠 improve understanding and awareness
💙 help create more inclusive and connected communities

Whether it's a conversation with family, friends, neighbours or colleagues, every conversation can make a difference.

ℹ️ Find out more about dementia and available support:

🔗 https://www.dementia.org.au/

[Image description: Two people seated side by side at their dining table, in conversation, with their kitchen in the background.]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH4_T-HqRXI&t=2s

We’re pleased to share this year’s theme for Dementia Action Week: ...

16/09/2026

Could you recognise the warning signs of a severe thunderstorm?

Severe storms can develop with little warning and bring dangerous weather that affects people, homes, businesses and communities.

⚠️ The Bureau of Meteorology issues severe thunderstorm warnings when storms are forecast to produce:

🌩️ large hail
🌩️ damaging winds
🌩️ heavy rainfall.

Being prepared and staying informed can help keep you safe.

Check out this video to learn what makes thunderstorms "severe", how warnings work and what action you can take to stay safe.

If you would like to receive important weather alerts on the BoM Weather app, find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/2s399k9a

15/09/2026

Congratulations to Nicholas "Nicky" Gower on being inducted as a Queensland SES Life Member.

For 49 years, Nicky has answered the call to help Queensland communities through floods, cyclones and other emergencies, supporting Queenslanders when they needed it most.

From the 1978 South East Queensland floods to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, his dedication to volunteering, leadership and helping others has made lasting difference to communities across our state.

Over nearly five decades, Nicky has also mentored generations of SES volunteers, sharing his knowledge and helping build a stronger, more resilient Queensland.

Congratulations Nicky, and thank you for your remarkable service to Queensland communities. 💙🧡

[Image description: The first photograph is of two men in formal uniforms, the man on the left is holding a medal. The men are standing in front of a stage and screen with text that reads "Life Member, presented by Danny Beade, Acting Chief Officer, SES Nicholas Gower". The second photograph is of five SES officers, all in dress uniforms, with the man in the centre holding a medal. A woman to the left of the photograph is wearing a cream jacket and navy dress. A dog wearing an orange vest is in the foreground of the photograph.]

13/09/2026

Applications are now open for Homegrown Round 2 of Queensland's Destination Events Fund.

🎉 Grants of $15,000 to $100,000 are available to support uniquely Queensland events that attract visitors, generate overnight stays and deliver lasting benefits for local communities.

Applications close 6 October.

To learn more and apply: https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/what-we-do/queensland-events/queensland-events-funding/destination-event-funding

[Image description: A photograph of a community event. A woman is at the centre, swinging a yellow hula hoop around her waist. The text reads 'Funding for Community Events to attract visitors and boost our local economy].

Delivering more events across Queensland through Destination 2045 🎪

We're investing in more events and more opportunities for Queensland communities that attract visitors and strengthen local economies.

Applications are now open for Homegrown Round 2, Queensland's Destination Events Fund. Grants of between $15,000 to $100,000 are available to support uniquely Queensland events that drive visitation, generate overnight stays and deliver lasting benefits for local communities.

It’s all part of our plan to deliver better services through a stronger economy by building a strong pipeline of events.

Applications close Tuesday 6 October. More information 👉 teq.queensland.com

09/09/2026

Today is R U OK? Day, a day that encourages us to stay connected to those around us and have meaningful conversations that could change a life. 🫶

It's a reminder to check in with a neighbour, friend, family member or colleague who may be struggling.

Start a conversation using these 4 steps:
1. Ask R U OK? You could start by saying you've noticed them not seeming like themselves lately.
2. Listen with understanding.
3. Encourage action. This could look like encouraging them to see their GP, or even asking how you could help them take the first step.
4. Check in. Follow up with them and ask how they've been feeling since your last conversation.

Ask R U OK? any day because a conversation could change a life. For more information, visit https://www.ruok.org.au/

[Image description: A yellow background with black text that reads "Ask are you okay? any day. R U O K dot org dot au.]

08/09/2026

🎆Brisbane Festival is here! 🎆

The Queensland Government is proud to support Brisbane Festival 2026, delivering more free, inclusive and community-focused arts experiences for Queenslanders across Brisbane from 4 to 26 September 2026. 👩‍🎨🎵

Our funded Neighbourhood Centres will help facilitate an inclusive and accessible Communities Workshop Program as part of Brisbane Festival, bringing music, dance, fashion and visual arts to the suburbs of Brisbane. 🤝

Through its support of Brisbane Festival, the Queensland Government is helping activate public spaces, strengthen community life and support a safe, vibrant day and night economy that benefits local hospitality, live music, entertainment and small and family business.

To find out more about the Neighbourhood Centres Communities Workshop Program, visit https://ow.ly/sVIm50ZKrBF

To find out about other free and paid activities suitable for all ages, visit https://ow.ly/pmJM50ZKrBE

[Image description: A group of diverse individuals with and without disabilities gathering for a photo at a community arts workshop.]

06/09/2026

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Queensland Child Protection Week — a wonderful achievement in raising awareness that child protection is everybody’s business.

From 6–12 September, we can all play our part to raise awareness of child protection.

▶️ Start a conversation when you see someone you know is struggling with parenting. Triple P offers free parenting courses www.triplep-parenting.net.au

▶️ Offer a family you know practical support. Family and Child Connect is a free service that makes connections to local services to help families get the support they need. www.familychildconnect.org.au

▶️ Become a volunteer in your local community. You could be a mentor to children through or you can contact to ask about opportunities to help children and young people.

▶️ Become a foster or kinship carer. Learn more about foster care at www.qld.gov.au/fostercare

▶️ Report your concerns at www.qld.gov.au/reportingchildabuse

▶️ Become a Child Safety Officer. Every child needs someone. So does every family – what if it’s you? To learn more about this incredibly rewarding career, go to www.qld.gov.au/csocareers

For more information about Queensland Child Protection Week, go to https://childprotectionweek.org.au

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/09/2026

📣 Calling community organisations across Queensland!

Do you have an idea to celebrate and support carers during National Carers Week? Carers Queensland is offering $500 Community Activity Grants to help fund local events and activities that connect, recognise and support carers.

If your organisation is eligible, we encourage you to apply. Know a group that would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with your network.

📅 Applications close 11 September 2026.

🔗 Read more and apply: https://carersqld.com.au/news-events/national-carers-week/carers-week-community-activity-grants/

[Image description: A photograph of two older women giving each other a high five. The tile reads Carers week Queensland. Community Activity Grants now open. Apply now]. "

🎊 We are excited to introduce our new Community Activity Grants to support eligible organisations in Queensland to create meaningful experiences for carers this October.

From morning teas and creative workshops to cultural gatherings and wellbeing activities, we’re looking for ideas that celebrate, connect and support carers.

Grants of $500 (excluding GST) will be available.

Expressions of interest are now open.

Apply today 👉https://zurl.co/9tYBt