LiveBetter’s well-received Carers' Big Lunch series is set to expand, with new events planned for Orange and Broken Hill next month, and then Wagga Wagga and Dubbo in early 2026.

It follows the successful first round of the series launched in Orange earlier this year, and which has since visited Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Griffith, Dubbo, and Mudgee.

According to LiveBetter’s General Manager of Carer and Family Services, Kelly McLeay, these free events offer unpaid carers a rare opportunity to step away from their caring role, enjoy a two-course meal, connect with others on a similar journey, and learn about the supports available through Carer Gateway.

A national survey conducted by Carers NSW in 2022 found that 54 per cent of regional carers feel socially isolated or highly socially isolated, Ms McLeay said.

The study also identified three in five regional and remote carers were the sole carer for the person they cared for and spent on average 109 hours per week caring, with 52 per cent providing 24/7 care, she added.

“The very nature of caring responsibilities can mean that carers become disconnected from their friends and communities, resulting in social isolation and loneliness,” said Ms McLeay.

“We’re thrilled to expand these events to more locations and believe they will help to tackle some of the distress being experienced by regional carers.”

Hosted by former ABC newsreader Juanita Phillips, each event will also feature special guest Australian singer and Dementia Australia Ambassador Adam Harvey, who will share his personal caring story.

“We want to see even more carers leave these events having made meaningful connections – and come away with the powerful realisation that they’re not alone,” Ms McLeay added.

Unpaid carers interested in attending the upcoming Carers' Big Lunch in Orange on November 26 can find out more through Carer Gateway.