The healing power of humour is being used by Carers Victoria to provide support to the state’s carers through a series of events called Mingle 2010

First held four years ago, ‘The Mingles’, as the events have become fondly known, were initially only open to members, but this year have been opened to all people who identify as a carer.

The upcoming events, being held in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon, feature comedian and special guest speaker, Tracy Bartram and playwright and multi-talented entertainer Roland Rocchiccioli.

The gatherings provide a chance to come along, meet other carers, have fun, and receive information and support of benefit to all carers, whether they are working or not.

Roland, who understands the pressures of being a working carer, features as our carer interview for this edition and shares a very touching story about his experience of caring for his mother.

Tracy is also a working carer, as well as being a radio personality, comedian, activist and singer.

The mother of a 15 year-old-son with special needs, Tracy said she relishes motherhood while being well aware of the challenges of keeping all the balls in the air!

She will be a special guest speaker at Mingle 2010 and share her story as well as some laughs.

At 30, Tracy ditched a successful sales career for the life of a novice comedian. She did three years of stand-up comedy, writing her own one-woman shows, then moved on to a stellar radio career, most notably on Melbourne’s top rating breakfast show ‘Tracy and Matt in the Morning’ on FOX FM.

These days she’s a regular on 774 ABC Melbourne. She’s appeared on all TV networks and has travelled as far afield as the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival to perform her unique style of stand up comedy.

Kate Topp, Membership and Fundraising Officer for Carers Victoria, said as the Mingle events were always popular and held in set venues, it was essential to book a place.

This year, with extra funding from a special grant by from the federal Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Mingle events have been able to be opened to a wider cross-section of carers.

“This year we have aimed to reach hidden carers – people who might not necessarily identify as a carer and therefore not know what supports are available to them,” Kate said.

“Each year for ‘The Mingles’ we try and include an element of comedy, while also selecting the performers and guest speakers on the basis of their being able to identify with carers themselves.

“Comedy is a great way to reach out to a great cross section of people and we always get positive feedback from those attending.”

Already places at the Melbourne event are fast running out so you need to register immediately if you want the chance to attend. The event details are:

• Bendigo - Wednesday 5 May, 10.30 am registration, 11.00 am to 1.30 pm, Quality Resort All Seasons Bendigo, 171-183 McIvor Rd, Bendigo.
• Traralgon - Saturday 15 May, 10.30 am registration, 11.00 am to 1.30 pm, Century Inn 5 Airfield Rd (Cnr Princes Hwy), Traralgon.
• Ballarat - Wednesday 19 May, 10.30 am registration, 11.00 am to 1.30 pm, Mecure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre, 613 Main Road, Ballarat.
• Melbourne - Saturday 29 May, 10.30 am registration, 11.00 am to 1.30 pm, RACV City Club 501 Bourke St, Melbourne.

You can make a booking by contacting Carers Victoria on 03 9396 9561 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

They need to know your name, address, phone number and which Mingle event you wish to attend. After you have booked, and if a place is still available, they will send a confirmation letter with a map and directions on how to get there.