Voice joins carers campaign

The Voice Australia star Darren Percival is helping raise $5 million to build this country’s first unpaid carers support centre in Moreton Bay.

Percival says he felt “compelled” to join the campaign after opening The Carers Foundation Australia’s Unsung Heroes fundraiser.

The Voice runner-up in 2012 was profoundly affected by the unpaid carers’ stories of love, sacrifice and exhaustion he heard two years ago.

Such was the impact, Percival, Ronnie Benbow, CEO and Founding Director of The Carers Foundation and Dave Spicer wrote a carers’ anthem - Because I Care For You.

“I thought my role would begin and end with my performance, but the night turned into something far more profound,” Percival said.

“I was deeply moved - and not by the applause - by the stories of carers I met that night.

“I had no idea just how many selfless individuals dedicate their lives to caring for loved ones.

“I called Ronnie (Benbow) and asked how I could help raise awareness.”

The answer came to him in an Uber taxi on the way back to his accommodation.

“I felt compelled to write an anthem,” Percival said, “a call to action to shine a light on the often-unseen Australians caring for loved ones every day.”

Australia’s unpaid carers contribute about $77.9 billion of medical care to the economy each year, but many face burnout, compassion fatigue and declining mental health.

Ronnie Benbow OAM said she is “deeply proud to be launching our Gala and the Carer Anthem with Darren Percival”.

“This song captures the resilience, sacrifice and quiet courage that unpaid family carers embody every single day, often without recognition or support,” she said.

Unsung Heroes night brings together community and business leaders who step onto the stage as “Singing Heroes”, raising vital funds to support carers’ wellbeing.

Those funds will go to Australia’s first 24/7 Wellbeing and Recovery Support Centre for unpaid carers, being planned for Moreton Bay. Around $250,000 was raised in 2024.

It will provide early intervention and prevention support, physical, emotional and mental health recovery programs, education, restoration and connection.

The 2026 Unsung Heroes Gala is at Fortitude Music Hall, Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley on Saturday March 28 at 6pm.

Tickets, available through Humanitix, start at $195 per person for the Mezzanine Experience. Premium Gala Experience tables of 10 are available but limited.