This Carers Week, let's celebrate the extraordinary individuals who provide unwavering support to their loved ones. We want to honour the countless caregivers who go above and beyond to make a difference in people's lives.

To highlight the incredible work of our community's caregivers, we've gathered five inspiring stories. These stories showcase the compassion, dedication, and resilience of those who provide care.

Please join us in recognising and appreciating the invaluable contributions of caregivers everywhere.

Tara T.

Nominated by her mother Julie T.

"I want to nominate my daughter Tara.

She has had to stop work as a head mixologist and basically give up her life move back home when l had cancer in my leg and it effected my lymphoedema so bad that l am no longer able walk or look after myself - all my daily needs, she now has to help me with.

Plus, [she] looks after her dad that has had a fall and has bleeding on the brain as well as many spine operations. My elderly mother, who l looked after, is now her responsibility to care for, as well as cook, shop, clean for everyone and organising medication.

Now she is trying to plan a wedding and l am unable to run around and help her with this. [It] breaks my heart how selfless she is and always cares for us with love and a smile on her face. [She] says "mum, you looked after us when we where little - it's my turn now to help."

l know all daughters are wonderful but she is a nurse, cook, cleaner, organiser, driver and, above all, keeps our spirits up when times get hard without complaining at all."

Robin S.

Nominated by his wife Anne C.

"My husband Robin is my carer. I have MS and am in a wheelchair.

Although I am relatively independent there are times I fall or struggle and he is always there to pick me up or help me. He finds ways to make my life easier - made a gadget that lifts the foot of the bed to help my swollen feet.

He is caring and loving to a fault, wakes up to help me into bed, never complains and is always cheerful and happy. He takes his phone everywhere in case I need him, hangs around in the morning to make sure I don't have problems getting out of bed.

He took on the care of our neighbour, an old farmer, who developed terminal lung cancer. He bought him to live with us, took him to doctors appointments, liaised with his doctors and children, managed his treatments and medications until he was good enough to go home.

I can't tell you the million little things he does to make my life better. I admire and love him more than I can tell. He is one in a million and I feel blessed to have him in my life."

Julie L.

Nominated by her husband, Garry L.

"I can only type left handed with 1 finger, both hands are there but not much use, so wont be [too] long. My wife Julie has given up everything. I suffered a stroke, went to hospital, caught staph, suffered sepsis came out 4 months later in [a] wheelchair, [unable] to walk again and suffering incontinence.

Julie was there every day always trying to keep me upbeat. [She] basically runs my life now, along with her own. If that's not real love, I don't know what is.

I know I can't ever thank her enough, so this is just my little way. I love you very much Julie."

Vaetolu M.

Nominated by her grandson, Amaziah O.

"I am writing this on behalf of my brother Amaziah. My brother is non-verbal, blind and is Autistic on the spectrum. The person I feel that deserves acknowledgement is my Nana.

At the age of 3 my brother did not walk and would cry and cry to be picked up and carried everywhere. My Nana put a stop to that because he was a big boy and very heavy. My Nana worked on strengthening Amaziah's legs every day, and as I watched my Nana position my brother up against the wall and help him move his legs to step sideways, there was hope for my brother. My Nana did this for months.

Before Amaziah's 4th birthday, he took a couple of steps without any support - which was the highlight of the day. His limbs became stronger and he is able to walk around independently with minimum guidance.

My Nana once told me that Amaziah deserves to have the best quality of life and she wants for him is to be happy. My Nana does everything for my brother, like bathe him, brush his teeth, cut his hair, prepare his meals a certain way (because he is very fussy with the texture of his food), and knows when he is in pain by the tone of his voice and observing his body language.

My brother is 13 years old [now] and my Nana changes my brothers nappy and cleans him several times a day. My Nana has now arranged for support for Amaziah to be taken to school throughout the week and outings, which he really enjoys.

My Nana is amazing because of all the things she does for my brother and for my sister."

Shelley G.

"I am a full time carer for my beautiful 11 year old grandson who has Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and is now non ambulant. I also have 14 year old twins who are ASD and ADHD.

My life is very hectic, appointments most days, exercise and stretching schedules, swimming and daily routine. I also work part time as a chef in a childcare centre.

My life is full of love and caring, these special needs kids are so wonderfully full of life and love. Our house is an absolute mad house, but so full of happiness and love. I cherish every moment. We certainly have our bad days, but never go to bed upset or angry.

We are grateful for every moment that we get to spend together."