Continence Health Australia is proud to announce nominations are now open for the Carer of the Year award, which is to be presented at the 34th National Continence Health Conference in Melbourne.
About the award
The Carer of the Year Award acknowledges the important – but often overlooked – role of the 3 million at-home carers across Australia. Many of these carers are responsible for the complex role of providing bladder and bowel care.
This award recognises the essential role carers play in our community.
Continence Health Australia's Carer of the Year Award highlights the extraordinary contribution carers play in our community.
If you are a carer, or know someone who is a carer that deserves to be recognised, please submit your nominations for the Carer of the Year before 1 February 2026.
How to enter
This award is open to unpaid carers from all around Australia and nominations are invited from family, friends, health professionals or the person being cared for.
The winner of the Carer of the Year award will receive a prize of $1,000, which will be announced at 34th National Continence Health Conference in Melbourne.
To nominate a carer for the award, please submit a nomination form by 1 February 2026.
The following questions are included in the application form:
- How long has the person been a carer?
- What challenges has the carer faced in being a carer?
- What does the carer do to help maintain the dignity and quality of life of the person being cared for?
Frequently Asked Questions
- All unpaid carers are eligible to apply for the award.
- Previous Carer of the Year winners are ineligible to apply.
- For the nomination to be considered, the nominator must confirm that:
- The carer provides continence care
- The carer has been notified before making the nomination
- The carer is happy for their story to be published on continence.org.au and in Bridge Magazine
Anyone can nominate a carer. This includes the carer themselves, a family member, friend, a health professional or the person who receives care. Nominators must notify the carer before making a nomination.
The winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000.
Please click here to complete the nomination form. The form must be submitted before 7 March 2025 to go into the running.
The winner will be announced at the 34th National Continence Health Conference 13-16 May 2026. They will be notified by email and their details will be published on continence.org.au and in Bridge Magazine.
Carer of the Year 2025: Keren Franks
Keren Franks has dedicated more than 22 years to caring for her daughter Bella, who lives with Kabuki syndrome and complex health challenges. From managing kidney reflux and severe constipation to supporting Bella’s mobility needs, Keren’s commitment has been unwavering. Her love and resilience shine through, even during the toughest times, and she encourages other carers to seek support and prioritise self-care.
Beyond her role as a carer, Keren founded Young Leaders of Tasmania, a charity that connects mainstream students with children living with disabilities to foster inclusion and leadership. Her advocacy has helped secure government funding to expand the program statewide. Keren’s strength and compassion earned her the Carer of the Year Award at the 33rd National Conference on Incontinence.
