JOSH ARIENI UNSUNG HERO LEGACY PROGRAM

The Carers Foundation Australia, in collaboration with Mike and Joanne Arieni, and the Arieni family, is incredibly proud of the Josh Arieni Unsung Hero Legacy Program.

Established in 2023, this special program was created to honour family carers by granting them a wish—an experience of their choice that allows them to rest, recover and feel genuinely recognised and appreciated for all they do to support their loved ones.

Each year, Mike Arieni dedicates funding to enable a selection of carers to enjoy a well-deserved experience that brings joy, relief and recognition.

Community members are warmly invited to nominate a carer they know who truly deserves a heartfelt “thank you”.

This program holds deep significance.

Josh Arieni was a kind and compassionate young man who cared for his grandmother for several years, helping to maintain her dignity and quality of life. In 2020, the Arieni family suffered the unimaginable loss of Josh in a tragic car accident.

The Josh Arieni Unsung Hero Legacy Program honours his memory by supporting carers who, like Josh, give selflessly and often without recognition.

Last year, several extraordinary carers received unforgettable experiences thanks to this beautiful initiative.

You can read the stories of some recipient carers from the past few years below.

ABOUT THE CARERS FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA

The Carers Foundation Australia is passionate about supporting family carers.

For over 22 years, Ronnie and Michael Benbow have been providing life-changing and live-saving carers wellbeing programs for thousands of family carers.

These carers are saving taxpayers and the government more than $100 billion every year in replacement health care costs, yet receive little to no remuneration for doing so. To be clear, these carers are undertaking medical care, at home, with no training or support.

There are hundreds of thousands of young carers under the age of 24, some as young as eight, caring for their sick parent or sibling. The Carers Foundation Australia provides family carers with programs to help them rest, restore their own wellbeing and recover from the impact of caring.

Additionally, each year the Foundation organises beautiful Christmas lunches for family carers since many will not get to experience or celebrate otherwise due to their caring responsibilities.

These Christmas lunches are on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, and expanding to Toowoomba and the Central Coast, and each event is attended by approximately 80 or more family carers. All Carers also receive gift bags as typically they won’t receive any gifts on Christmas day.

We believe all carers are amazing people and provide outstanding care for their family members, usually at the expense of their own wellbeing, social life and happiness. They do not seek thanks or acknowledgment and assume the role of a carer for someone they love without demanding anything in return. They all simply care and have their own stories to tell.

The introduction of the annual ‘Josh Arieni Unsung Hero Legacy Program’ shines a light on these carers, acknowledges their stories and recognises those who may have had a particularly challenging year by saying an extra ‘thank you’ for being an amazing person.

ABOUT THE ARIENI FAMILY

Mike and Jo Arieni both have huge hearts and are passionate about supporting local not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

In 2020, Mike, Jo, and their family suffered an unimaginable loss when Mike’s son, Josh, tragically died in a car accident.

Josh Arieni was a beautiful young man who had a kind heart and saw only the good in people. For several years, he had helped his dad by taking on the role of a carer for his grandmother to keep her in the family home for as long as possible and maintain her quality of life and dignity.

The Josh Arieni Unsung Hero Legacy Program is a fitting tribute to a wonderful young man and another way for the Arieni family to keep Josh in the hearts of everyone and have a positive impact on family carers, the way Josh had a positive impact on everyone he met.

This program acknowledges and raise awareness for family carers who often go unrecognised in our communities, and most importantly to remember and honour a very special young man who was the light in everyone’s life – Josh Arieni.

The inaugural program was launched in December 2023 and was a huge success, acknowledging carers from the Moreton Bay/Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane regions.

Family members, support workers, the public or carers themselves are able to nominate carers who deserve to be acknowledged and recognised for what they do, with family carers to be recognised as part of our Carers Christmas lunches.

A MESSAGE FROM MIKE ARIENI ABOUT THE JOSH ARIENI UNSUNG HERO LEGACY PROGRAM

Mike Arieni was single father caring for his mum while juggling long work hours and raising two sons. Mike’s son, Josh, also took on the responsibility of helping care for his grandmother.

Josh was a kind-hearted, compassionate, caring young man, adored by everyone who knew him.

Tragically, in 2020 Josh passed away following a car accident, leaving an unimaginable void in the lives of his family and the community.

In honour of Josh’s memory and the impact he had on those around him, Mike sought to create something meaningful.

With the support of The Carers Foundation Australia, the Josh Arieni Unsung Hero Legacy Program was launched as a tribute and ongoing legacy to Josh’s generous, beautiful spirit.

This program supports family carers by offering special experiences to those who selflessly care for others, often without recognition. It serves as a reminder of Josh’s legacy and acknowledges the true Unsung Heroes – carers – who face their own struggles but continue to show strength and love for their families.

If you know a carer who is facing challenges, or if you are a carer yourself, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

LEGACY STORIES

ANNA & JOHN

Anna and John care for their two wonderful sons who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

There’s no sugar coating, life is tough for this pair, with Anna caring for them during the day while John works full-time and then John providing relief for Anna when he returns home.

In particular, they spent years fighting for one of their sons’ basic personal needs while attending a special school, they eventually withdrew him and started the daunting journey of shedding the trauma school had brought him. He is now blossoming at his own pace where together they meet every hurdle he has.

When submitting their nomination for the Josh Arieni Unsung Heroes Legacy Program, Anna and John simply asked for time away together, time where they could have some support and simply be Anna and John for a glimmer of time, rather than carers.

Through this program, we were pleased to be able to grant their wish, and below is their feedback on the experience:

We had such a sensational weekend. A big lead up with medical appointments, wheelchair delivery, instructions written, food prep, support worker timetable etc, to making sure everything was set for us to be away, but totally worth it.

It was wonderful to walk into accommodation and not have to do a risk assessment of all breakables, to order spicy food and not have to worry about what the boys will eat, we were able to stay in accommodation with stairs (giving us an elevated view of the rainforest), we got to sleep in the same bed without one of us having to comfort our youngest son, we took 2 bags and not the whole kitchen sink. Lunch was delicious, I had gnocchi John had fish, followed by chocolate tastings plate and wine, and John got to sit with me without having to rush his meal to roam the gardens with our son while I scoffed down my last mouthful, we got to ask questions and have a conversation through our wine tasting, and we got to sleep through the night and sleep in beyond crack of dawn. And most importantly, we got to talk and reconnect, beyond ‘how was your day?’

This whole experience is such a foreign feeling, it’s hard to put into words how much it has meant to us both. We so needed it, life just gets in the way and you forget how much you need it. Thank you from the very depths of our hearts. THANK YOU!

KATHIE

Kathie has been a full-time carer for her daughter, Miranda, since she had an accident at school when she was eight years old.

Miranda acquired a brain injury and epilepsy as a result of the accident and has required full 24/7 care for many years.

Miranda’s condition has had a significant impact on the entire family with her siblings experiencing mental health issues and Kathie suffering through years of carer related stress, marriage breakdown and separation.

Through this program, we were thrilled to support Kathie on a dream trip to Mon Repos to witness the turtle hatching!

Following the trip, Kathie had the below to say about her experience:

GEORGE

George cares for his aging mother with very little support, and has his own health issues, which makes it more difficult. George had to give up his own professional life and loves to care for his mum. George’s dream experience was to do a Camel trek, so this was made partly possible with the Josh Arieni Legacy Programs. Here is George’s feedback.

Dear Ronnie, Caroline, and Mike –

Firstly, I would like to thank the Josh Arieni Legacy 2024 Program (Mike Arieni) and The Carers Foundation Australia (Ronnie Benbow) for financially contributing to the cost of my Camel Trek to Clayton Station in the far-north of South Australia.

A thank you as well to Caroline Lovett (Australian Carers Foundation CEO Support) for assistance afforded in bringing my once in a life time bucket list trip to fruition.

And a thank you too to Karen, Paul and staff of Camel Treks Australia for ensuring my trek was well recorded in photographs, videos and drone footage.

My time away was not just a holiday – it was the adventure I had to have. I haven’t been camping for years, let alone anywhere near a desert. I had the time of my life.

The most amazing experience I have ever had.

One thing you soon learn about camels is they have distinct personalities and temperaments. My “Bella” was so placid and really loved her morning brush-down and a scratch behind her ears; we connected very quickly.

I spent three whole days riding with “Bella” across the desert, over the dunes; we went everywhere.

Albeit getting high up on a camel can be scary and seem like getting into a dentist’s chair, just relax, chill, and go with the flow and you’ll soon find the experience so enveloping and relaxing. I even nearly fell asleep a few times – but I didn’t.

Now here’s a tip on the fly you best remember: the flies come in their thousands just after the crack of dawn. Do take an insect net and when eating, face the direction of any wind or breeze, otherwise it’s flies in the eyes, up the nose, over the food, in your drink, and covering your person.

What made the trip more memorable were the staff and support crew: Karen the owner (always willing to share her years of experience and adventures), Paul co-director (a man of many talents with the direction finding abilities of a homing pigeon), Raj the chef (such a culinary magician), Matis the senior cameleer (and jack of all trades), Baxter – photo bomber extraordinaire, and Chris (junior cameleers), and of course my fellow travellers.

Thank you again for making this possible.

SAMANTHA

Sam cares for her mother and uncle, who both require 24/7. Sam was beyond exhausted and at breaking point when she was nominated for the Josh Arieni Legacy program.

All Sam wanted was to find some peace and time to recover her mental health. Sam found a writing retreat to attend which allowed her to find solace, companionship and her creativity once again that had been lost from caring 24/7.

Here is Sam’s feedback –

To the incredible team at The Carers Foundation, the Arieni family, and everyone who made this possible,

To say I was at my wits’ end when I stumbled across The Carers Foundation would be a gross understatement. I had signed up for a Wellness Day with zero expectations—assuming it would be just another service that, in theory, existed for carers but in reality only reinforced the loneliness and exhaustion of this role. But from the moment I arrived, something shifted. For the first time in a long time, I could breathe.

At that moment, I didn’t have to explain why I looked like I hadn’t slept in weeks, why I struggled to form words, or why tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I had found—if only for a day—a safe space. That one day was the difference between completely breaking and finding the strength to keep going. It gave me something to hold onto—the hope of another Wellness Day, another opportunity to just be me, in all my exhausted, unravelling reality.

So, when I received the call from Caroline in December telling me that I had been nominated for the Josh Arieni Legacy Award, it was… bittersweet. When she asked what I would want if I won, the only things that came to mind were a haircut and a gym membership—simple things, things that “normal” people don’t have to think twice about but had become luxuries beyond my reach.

I wanted to feel normal again. But the irony was, stress had already taken most of my hair—a haircut wouldn’t change that. And the gym? Well, I hate the gym. But I guess I thought maybe it would offer me a different kind of torture to distract from the one I was already living.

And then… I won.

It was an honour so deeply beautiful in its origins—a tribute to Josh Arieni’s legacy, a recognition of the unseen, the exhausted, the ones who give everything and receive so little in return. But it was also a reality check. This was my life now. I had always loved awards—chasing them, earning them. But this one? This was an award I never wanted simply because the cost of “membership” into the carers’ club had been too high.

I also didn’t even feel worthy of it. How could I accept an award for something I felt like I was failing at? I was exhausted. I was barely holding on. I looked around the room at perhaps 200 other carers, all of whom deserved to be seen, to be acknowledged. I felt undeserving.

Bless Ronnie and Caroline for their patience in helping me see otherwise—in helping me accept that I mattered too. And bless Caroline for gently questioning my initial request. A haircut? A gym membership? Would that really change my world, even for a moment?

The truth was, it wouldn’t. I had lost touch with myself so completely that I didn’t even know what I needed anymore. As carers we learn that our needs come last in the gruelling and relentless list of everything that we have to get done. In a single conversation, Caroline uncovered something I had forgotten—my love for writing. Writing had always been there, quietly waiting for me, but in the chaos of caring, I had buried it. Unlike everything else I had once been, writing could fit into my new reality.

And so, instead of a haircut or a gym membership, I was given something so much greater—a place at a Writers’ Retreat.

Five days away.

Five days of uninterrupted sleep.
Five days of not having to cook.
Five days of adult conversation.
Five days where I didn’t have to make huge, impossible decisions.
Five days where I could just exist, where I could remember who I was before all of this.

I called my writing “trauma dumping” because that’s exactly what it was. Others at the retreat were crafting novels, but I was just trying to put into words the thoughts and feelings that tormented me at night. And by the end of it, I had rediscovered the therapeutic escapism, the catharsis of writing, again.

Coming home was hard. The reality hadn’t changed. But, just like the Wellness Days, I had been refuelled. I wasn’t running on empty anymore.

That retreat didn’t fix my life, but it gave me a tool. And today—on the second anniversary of becoming a carer—instead of drowning in depression, I am writing. Nothing spectacular. Just words, thoughts, feelings. But I am here. And that wouldn’t have been possible without the gift I was given to attend the Writers Retreat..

To Ronnie, Joan, Caroline, Mike, Josh (bless his soul), and everyone behind The Carers Foundation—thank you. Thank you for seeing us. Thank you for giving us space to breathe, to exist outside of our caregiving roles, to be people again. Thank you for reminding us that we are not invisible.

And to Mike and the Arieni family—I cannot thank you enough for funding this retreat for me. Your generosity, your belief in carers like me, changes lives. You have given me more than just a break—you have given me a piece of myself back. And for that, I am forever grateful.

I have also included at the bottom a ‘trauma dump” poem entitled Reflection written at the retreat.

With Gratitude, Sam

BOB & VAL

Recently we had the privilege of a 5 night “ get away” at Golden Beach – our favourite holiday destination after being one of the winners of sharing our story of caring for our daughter for over 55 yrs for her as she was born with severe sight & hearing & murmur on heart caused from my contacting rubella in the first few weeks of my pregnancy .

She suffered a stroke some years ago so now needs a wheel chair to be escorted around in & i am very grateful for the good Lords’ strength He has given us each new day & especially for the beautiful caring, gentle Daddy/husband who has gone out on a limb to advocate for any of her needs over the years of caring which has taken it’s toll on his health but he never complains but willing to keep on keeping on as long as we have the strength to do so.

Over the many years of caring we have been supported by two or three different support groups for some time but nothing can compare to the depth of understanding & insights of “Carers Foundation “ & the difference their programme has made to our lives in being spoilt to have quality time away of late to “ JUST BE!!!”.

Caroline , Ronnies’ right hand team organiser went above & above in organising the right accommodation for us & to gain new strength to continue our caring role again. This has put a fresh spring in our step.

This particular group, led by Ronnie & her very gifted team are greatly needed as no one else understands or does anything like they do is shared by us who are not “spring chickens any more “ but speak honestly from our vast experience over so many years !!!!

We would really luv to c more grants gifted to “Carers Foundation” to be used to support the growing number of carers on Sunshine Coast to be made available to give the support & care they deserve in sacrificing their lives in giving of themselves each day for so long & every encouragement is very much received with great gratitude.

In deepest appreciation,

Val and Bob

LOUISE

In December 2023, The Carers Foundation Australia launched the Josh Arieni Legacy Program in memory of Josh. The program is supported by Mike and Jo Arieni to give back to unpaid carers in the community.

While the inaugural event aimed to support one carer, Mike and Jo generously ended up supporting an experience/ gift of their choice for three unpaid carers.

This month, our first carer, Louise took the opportunity to enjoy her experience. Louise has been the sole carer for over two decades for her son who has Lennox Gastaut syndrome, or beautiful syndrome as Louise calls it, because her son possesses such beauty inside.

Louise has always wanted to stay and enjoy Hastings Street, Noosa and enjoy a pamper day spa. The Josh Arieni Legacy Program was able to grant this wish for Louise in March, providing two nights away at the beautiful Sandcastles Noosa and a spa package at Noosa Springs Spa.

The Carers Foundation caught up with Louise to find out how much this experience meant to her:

“I feel very grateful, honoured and privileged to have been chosen as one of the Josh Arieni Legacy Program winners.

Being a Carer can be exhausting beyond words, isolating, lonely, frightening and draining.

To know that people care makes you feel less lonely and less isolated and supported which truly helps us to keep going.

To be given the opportunity to take one of my bucket list items and stay in a place I’ve dreamt off for 55 years and escape for a weekend and rest and just be me is hard to put into words, just absolute gratitude. It gave me the ability to come back to being a carer and get up each day and keep going.

Most of all this award is about remembering Josh and have his legacy live on and create awareness, which is something I’m very passionate about. I had a lovely time and feel rested, I feel very blessed and grateful.

I thought a lot of Josh and how this all came about and I’m glad that I can be part of his legacy.

Thanks to all who made this happen.”

We are so pleased you had a relaxing time, Louise.

A huge thank you goes out to Mike Arieni and Jo for bringing the idea of the annual Josh Arieni Legacy Program to us and supporting such amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our carers.

Thank you Noosa Springs Spa for giving Louise a memorable and relaxing spa experience.

A huge shout out for Shannon and Mark at Sandcastles Noosa for welcoming Louise and providing a last minute poolside upgrade after they received a cancellation. It just was the icing on the cake for Louise.

Thank you Alyce Renderos at B.OKideas for the surprise welcome gift pack waiting for Louise on arrival at Sandcastles Noosa.

Finally thank you to Caroline Lovett, Credible Source Solutions & the WOW! Awards for making all this happen smoothly!

ANNE

Anne is the mother of 2 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) which is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakening and loss, primarily affecting young boys.
Her boys both require 24 hour care, 7 days a week.

Anne is totally devoted to her boys and has sacrificed everything for herself to make sure they have the best life possible. She will do anything for them, and is one of the most resilient, compassionate and devoted mother we know.

Anne’s dream was to go to SeaWorld and swim with the dolphins, which was organised through the Josh Arieni Legacy Program, and it changed her life.

Anne had the best time and was so grateful to have been gifted this experience.