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 15 July
  • Tuesday 26 August
  • 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 8 July
  • Tuesday 12 August
  • 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 15 July
  • Tuesday 19 August
  • 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 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, 9 September, 2025 with a second program starting Tuesday, 11 November 2025.

Dates:
September 9, 16, 23 and 30
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.

School Can’t Education Session - Echuca

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, 30 August 2025
Time: 11am - 12noon
Venue: Echuca Neighbourhood House, The Annex. 39 Landsborough St, Echuca

Program is free and as spaces are limited, registration is essential.
To register please click here.

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

Community Service Connections - Wycheproof

Enjoy a free lunch and discover services and support available in your local community.

Teams will be available in person to explain the wide range of services they offer, provide helpful resources, and answer any questions you may have. It's a great opportunity to learn more about local support programs, ask questions in a relaxed setting, and enjoy a meal on us.

Services include:
Bendigo Health Carer Support Services
East Wimmera Health Service
Mallee Family Care
Inglewood & Districts Health Service

Date: Tuesday 29 July, 2025
Time: 12noon - 2pm
Venue: Wycheproof Senior Citizens Building - Broadway (next to Shire Office)

Registration essential by Tuesday 24 July, 2025.

To register please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1434697

 

For more information, contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services:

[email protected]

03 5454 7719