Local support for carers

By Lua Ikenasio

Jun 23, 2025

The Rights Information and Advocacy Centre is inviting local carers to join its monthly walking group. Photo by Michael Lloyd

In collaboration with Bendigo Health, the Rights Information and Advocacy Centre is running a walking group for carers in Echuca.

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The walking group meets from 10am every second Wednesday of the month at the Leslie St car park before setting off towards Beechworth Bakery for a complimentary coffee.

The walking group is open to all carers, whether they care for children or the elderly, and offers a chance for carers to do something for themselves.

RIAC carers support co-ordinator Carolyn Maltese said it was primarily about meeting other carers.

“The idea is more about getting together and having a chat more than the walk,” she said.

“It’s a chance for carers to get together and find that they’re not on their own, to validate their experiences and to get out of the isolation that comes with being a carer.

“It’s an informal forum where everyone just gets the chance to kick back, and it’s their time. The aim of it is really about self-care.”

Ms Maltese also uses the opportunity to make carers aware of any new information or services that may be of interest to the carers and to keep carers up to date.

The walks are not obligatory, so carers are invited to come along when they can and can opt to skip the walk and meet the group about 10.15am at Beechworth Bakery if they’d prefer to just have a cuppa and a chat.

The next carers walk will be held on Wednesday, July 9 and does not require any prior registration.

On the same days as the walks, Ms Maltese also runs a self-care hub for parents of children with a disability at the Echuca Neighbourhood House between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Ms Maltese said although the group was small currently, if they could get a few more carers, she could offer more.

“It’s a chance for parents to sit down and have that discussion about their experiences and to share resources, and they get to know what's going on in that area,” she said.

“In groups that I run in Bendigo, I get massage therapists, art therapists and that would be my aim long-term once the group gets a little more traction.

“For a carer to come along and have some downtime, maybe get a free massage, something that they wouldn't have the spare funds for and certainly wouldn't spend on themselves — that can be really, really helpful.”

For more information about the carers walks or the self-care hub, contact Carolyn Maltese on 0488 605 363.