Community spirit alive and well for Lithgow Dementia Alliance

Two long-time Dementia Australia supporters, Dementia Advocate Jeff Thurlow and Lithgow Dementia Alliance member Kas Hilton, were recognised with awards last month and we extend our congratulations to them both for their well-deserved recognition.

Jeff was recognised with the Community Spirit Award at the Lithgow City Council Ability Awards for his role in local dementia advocacy.  Jeff, who lives with dementia, has spent the past two years advocating for change in his local community by establishing a dementia-friendly community in Lithgow.  

Jeff received the award on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Kas, who is one of Jeff’s support workers, was recognised with a Volunteer of the Year award as part of the Australia Day celebrations in Lithgow. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Lithgow Dementia Alliance, an essential support group for people living with dementia in the region.

Kas has been a proactive advocate with the Lithgow City Council, organising fundraising events and seeking funding to support vulnerable members of the community.

Congratulations Jeff and Kas and thank you for all you do to help improve the lives of people living with dementia. 

Would you like to know more about dementia alliances in your area? A dementia alliance is a group of people who are working together to make their community more dementia friendly. Each dementia alliance is unique, reflecting the community and the interests and preferences of the people involved.

Find out more at get-involved/dementia-friendly-communities

Pictured: Dementia Advocates Jeff Thurlow and Sebastian Caruso.