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 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

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

Celebrate Every Body – Family BBQ, Bendigo

Bring your picnic rug and join the Bendigo Health Carer Support Services team to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

Date: Monday 1 December 2025

Time: From 4.30 pm - 7 pm

Where: Lake Weeroona, Napier St, Bendigo (northern carpark and lawn area)

ENJOY FREE:
Sausage sizzle
Donuts and ice cream
Face painting
Fun activities

Registration is essential by Monday 24 November 2025.
To register please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1491913

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

Cats the Musical

Cats the Musical

Enjoy a stress-free day to relax with music, laughter, and good company. Travel by bus to Melbourne for a musical, with a picnic lunch included.

7 January 2026

Bus collection points:

Times are approximate.

8am Maryborough
8am Bendigo
8.40am Castlemaine
9am Kyneton
9.20am Woodend
9.30am Gisborne

Return drop offs will commence in Gisborne from approx. 5.30pm then onwards for other locations.

Time and locations will be confirmed with you before your trip.

As tickets are very limited, we ask carers to only attend one show.


Registration is essential by December 19, 2025.

To register please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1501082

For more information, contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services:

[email protected] or phone 03 5454 7719

Anastasia the Musical

Anastasia the Musical

Enjoy a stress-free day to relax with music, laughter, and good company. Travel by bus to Melbourne for a musical, with a picnic lunch included.

28 January 2026

Bus collection points:

Times are approximate.

8am Maryborough
8am Bendigo
8.40am Castlemaine
9am Kyneton
9.20am Woodend
9.30am Gisborne

Return drop offs will commence in Gisborne from approx. 5.30pm then onwards for other locations.

Time and locations will be confirmed with you before your trip.

As tickets are very limited, we ask carers to only attend one show.


Registration is essential by January 16, 2026.

To register please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1501087

For more information, contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services:

[email protected] or phone 03 5454 7719

Caring for Someone Living with Mental Illness Workshop Series - Bendigo

Caring for Someone Living with Mental Illness Workshop Series - Bendigo

We are currently inviting expression of interest for our Caring for Someone Living with Mental Illness Workshop Series in 2026.

This two-part workshop (2 × 2-hour sessions) will be led by a Consultant Psychiatrist and a Mental Health Nurse.

Topics covered:

  • Self-care strategies and stress management
  • Recognising signs of stress and burnout
  • Setting boundaries
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Mindfulness techniques
  • Carer rights and available supports

To express your interest please visit https://www.trybooking.com/1501106

For more information, contact Bendigo Health Carer Support Services:

[email protected] or phone 03 5454 7719