Celebrate carers at our Family Fun Day!

Join us for a fun and inclusive celebration of the incredible unpaid carers in our community. Whether you’ve been caring for years or are just beginning your journey, this family-friendly event is your opportunity to connect and be recognised.

October is a time to celebrate unpaid carers, especially during National Carers Week, which shines a spotlight on the vital role carers play. Some unpaid carers may have missed out on past events due to work commitments, lack of respite, or not yet identifying as a carer. That’s why our Family Fun Days are designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all carers, including the people they care for, and family and friends.

Bring your loved ones and enjoy fun, connection, and community spirit. Let’s come together to celebrate the vital role carers play in our lives.

What’s On:

🐐 Petting Zoo

By Eden Bann Cuties – thanks to The Smith Family

📸 Photobooth Fun

Download your free photo – generously provided by Pop Shock Photography

🌭 Free Sausage Sizzle

For the first 250 through the door – thanks to Rotary Club of Rockhampton Sunrise

🧵 Leathercraft Workshop

Make your own leather earrings or keyring – thanks to MyVardo

🎶 Live Music

Acoustic country vibes all day – thanks to Dammo D

🎮 Console & Board Games

Thanks to Cowman Gaming

🩺 First Aid Station

Thanks to ChaplainWatch

🦒 Meet Healthy Harold

Life-size mascot – thanks to Life Ed QLD

🧩 Sensory Games

Thanks to We Care Integrated Specialist Services

🚒 Fire Hose Target Practice

Thanks to our local Rural Fire Service

🧘 Sensory Breakout Room

A quiet space to recharge – thanks to the Endeavour Foundation

🏘️ Community Organisations & Info Stalls

🧺 Rockhampton Neighbourhood Centre & MyTime – Info + prize draw
🌪️ Rockhampton Regional Council Disaster Management Unit – Education & giveaways
🎯 Many Rivers – Info + ring toss game
❤️ Carers QLD Carer Program – Info stall
♿ Carers QLD NDIS Partner in the Community – Info stalls
🏦 Centrelink – Info stall
💊 Family Drug Support – Info stall
🧠 Arafmi – Mental health carer info + blow-up basketball
⚡ Ergon Energy – Info stall + giveaways
🎨 Rockhampton Children and Family Centre – Messy play! (Outdoor pavilion near Eden Bann)
🗣️ Donna Kirkland (Local Member) – Visit from 3pm–4pm

🛍️ Be Your Own Boss Marketplace

Meet recent graduates of the Gladstone BYOB program, browse and purchase their creations.

💬 BYOB is coming to Rockhampton! Chat with the team about this free program for people with disability to start their own small business.

❤️ Carers QLD – Supporting Unpaid Carers Across Queensland

Carers QLD is the Peak Body for unpaid carers in Queensland, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of carers and the people they support.

Thanks to the Carers QLD Board and Leadership Team, this event has been made possible for unpaid carers, the people they care for, and their family and friends. In addition to hosting the event, their generous support has funded many additional activities to ensure this remains a completely free event for all.

🎈 Balloon twisting
🎨 Two face painters
🧩 Giant Jenga
✂️ Craft materials …and more!

Who is an unpaid carer?

An unpaid carer is someone of any age who helps a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, or is frail due to age. You can receive Centrelink payments (like Carer Allowance or Carer Payment) and still be considered unpaid.

Accessibility Information:

The Robert Schwarten Pavilion is fully air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. It features step-free access to the entrance foyer and a low-incline ramp leading into the main Pavilion area.

Unisex, wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities are available within the Pavilion.

Street parking is available along Graham Acton Way, Lion Creek Road, and Exhibition Road.

If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to discuss your needs further, please don’t hesitate to contact the Carer Program team:

📞 1300 747 636
📧 carerprogram@carersqld.com.au