Louise Faulkner – Carers

9 months ago

Conference 2025

In this compassionate and insightful presentation, Louise Faulkner, National Manager of Service Delivery for Wellways Carer Gateway, explains the vital role of carers, the scale of Wellways’ support network, and the real changes happening under Australia’s new National Carer Strategy.

About This Video

Louise shares a grounded, honest overview of the challenges and strengths of Australia’s carers, including:

The History & Mission of Wellways
- Began 45+ years ago from family-carer advocacy
- Now one of Australia’s leading mental health, disability, carer & community organisations
- Operating across VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT & TAS
- Always centred on carers’ lived experience
The Reality of Caring in Australia
- Carers save the Australian economy an estimated $77.9 billion per year
- Many face financial strain, reduced work opportunities and personal stress
- Carers often don’t identify as “carers”, which limits their access to support
- Why recognition, respect and visibility matter
Designing Carer Gateway: Advocacy from Within Wellways helped shape key components of Carer Gateway:
- Peer support
- Self-guided coaching
- Facilitated coaching
- Delivering services across Queensland and NSW since 2020
Partnerships & Community Reach
- Collaborations with The Parkinson’s Centre, Dementia Australia, First Nations communities and more
- Reaching remote regions including the Cape
- Shared mission: no carer should feel alone or invisible
National Carer Strategy 2024
- A long-awaited framework elevating carer voices
- Guiding future service design, access and reform
- Supports carers to balance caring roles with the rest of life
Practical Support: Hubs & “Wanda” Mobile Carer Vans
- Carer Gateway hubs: warm, safe, community-based spaces
- Newly opened Sunshine Coast hub in Nambour
- Services include planning, navigation, referrals, social connection and vocational coaching
- Wanda mobile vans reaching carers who cannot get to a hub
- Support now available 24/7 through the expanded contact centre
Audience Q&A
Louise addresses one of the biggest questions: “Why are carer support services so limited and difficult to organise?”
- Her response sheds light on barriers such as lack of self-identification and the need for broader awareness and reach.

Key Themes & Keywords

Carer Gateway, Wellways, Louise Faulkner, Parkinson’s carers, National Carer Strategy, unpaid carers, carer support services, respite for carers, mental health carers, disability and carer support, Nambour Carer Gateway hub, Wanda mobile support van, carer burnout, community partnerships, Parkinson’s Conference 2025.

Who This Video Helps

Carers and family members
People living with Parkinson’s
Community organisations & service coordinators
Aged care, disability & health professionals
Social workers, counsellors & peer workers
Anyone wanting to understand Australia’s carer support system

The Parkinson’s Centre Google Reviews

The Park - Parkinson's Centre

5.0

Based on 25 reviews

review us on

Mike Smith

3 years ago

I am thoroughly satisfied with the care and attention I receive as a Parkinson sufferer from the professional staff at The Park. They provide programs in a clean, modern facility with the latest knowledge and equipment. If you have been recently diagnosed with PD or have a more advanced condition, I can recommend The Park as the place to go to receive the best in individual or group physiotherapy.

Sue Russell

3 years ago

I really enjoy my physio at the new Centre. Barbara and Rory have done a great job so far. I'm sure the future extensions will give us
more opportunities to improve our mobility and mental health.
I am very happy that Barbara and Tina continue to offer Parkinson's
people the support needed.

John & Libby Edwards

3 years ago

I thoroughly enjoy my exercise classes at The Park. I feel safe, secure, welcome and supported. The gym is spacious and has excellent facilities. The equipment has been specifically designed, is brand new and satisfying to use. The Park is people orientated. There is a genuine sense of community fostered in classes. For me, The Park is a happy, welcoming place where I am encouraged to expand my boundaries. John Edwards

Susie Thomas

3 years ago

Barb runs an amazing program, and has such passion for improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s (and their carers). We’ve been coming to Barb’s classes for a couple of years and we love it. It’s the highlight of our week. My husband loves coming here, and so do I. If I could give 100 gold stars I would.

Leanne Wolfe

3 years ago

Well equipped gym. Easy parking. Experienced Parkinsons related Pysio therapists. Newly opened. Friendly front desk gentleman. Highly recommended

Helen Hall

3 years ago

I have attended class programs for two years and find the staff very professional, supportive and caring for the individuals and their journey. Programs suit all level of Parkinson's Disease within each class as well across the client cohort.

A wide range of equipment provides challenges for every level. Cognitive maintenance is a constant element of the classes - often causing much fun!

The premises are spotlessly clean - and air-conditioned. The location is easily accessed from the Bruce Highway and ample parking is available.

The classes typically have developed into friendly support groups.

Margie Doyle

3 years ago

I cannot speak highly enough of The Park - Parkinson's Centre. Barb is professional, friendly and caring as is Tina and Rory. I always feel very welcome and comfortable with all the great people in the class. I leave the class feeling motivated to keep exercising and to always try my best. The exercise room is spacious and I have everything I need to make the most out of my sessions. Good location and heaps of parking

Anon

3 years ago

The Park is an amazing facility with professional and friendly staff who focus on each individual client. As the name suggests The Park tailors for people with Parkinson’s. The new premises are modern and welcoming and the staff greet everyone by name. The staff are extremely caring and you feel very valued as a member of The Park Everything is scrupulously clean and hygienic. The clients often undertake regular group sessions so people get to know one other well without any expectations of more involvement than they are comfortable with. The equipment is innovative and fun to use and a lot of items used can easily be obtained cheaply for home practice which is a great bonus. The new premises are easy to access, with ample parking and the proximity of the Super IGA and excellent coffee shop are an added attraction . I highly recommend The Park to anyone with Parkinsons.

GRAHAM WHITE

3 years ago

The Park is an excellent facility for people with Parkinsons disease.
It is very accessible, with ample parking, and a has a very welcoming atmosphere on arrival. The programs are always varied, interesting, and topical.
Barbs, Rory and staff are always very positive and obviously care and committed to their clients.
I wish them all the very best for the future.

Megan Moore

3 years ago

Recent visits to The Park. We were met and welcomed in by the Receptionist and felt we were not just a number. We were made to feel special.
The Park location is great just off the highway. The equipment in the Gym is unique. Barb has put alot of knowledge and time into being able to assist and help not only Parkinson’s but people with brain disease.
The premises are well designed and clean and fresh. The best thing of all for me is there is a well equipped Disability Toilet. Overall a very impressive experience.

Movement For Parkinson’s

Make a Referral

Louise Faulkner – Carers

About This Video

Key Themes & Keywords

Who This Video Helps

The Parkinson’s Centre Google Reviews

Movement For Parkinson’s

The Parkinson’s Centre®

Clinic Contacts

Clinic Hours