Unconditional documentary highlights the contribution of unpaid carers

Unconditional is a documentary by Charles Sturt PhD candidate Dalanglin (Dalang) Dkhar’s study, which launched in March 2024, in Canberra. The film explores the lives of four full-time, unpaid carers through raw and unfiltered footage. Dalang, a full-time carer for her autistic son, used her personal experiences to inform the documentary.

With over three million (ABS, 2022) unpaid and unrecognised carers in Australia facing lower wellbeing and financial insecurity, compared to average Australians, this research highlights their significant contributions to society. The documentary highlights the emotional and practical realities of caregiving featuring stories like Megan, who cares for her adult daughter with cystic fibrosis, and Razi, who has been caring for his elderly parents for fifteen years.

Since its premiere, the film has influenced ACT policymakers, increasing the visibility of carers. Dalang’s partnership with Carers ACT has led to the documentary’s inclusion in government training, discussions for a Carer recognition card, and advocacy for carers in workplaces and communities.