‘It Starts with You’ Forum in Canberra

In July, Dementia Australia and Nicole Lawder MLA co-hosted a Canberra Dementia-Friendly Community Forum at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre.  

Dementia Advocates Cam Stewart, Jane Thompson and Rebecca Scouller sat on an Advocate panel to discuss the needs, challenges and opportunities for a dementia-inclusive Canberra.  

Shadow Minister for Health and Wellbeing Leanne Castley MLA joined people with a lived experience of dementia, Dementia Australia staff, researchers, community members and stakeholders to hear what a dementia-friendly community is, explore practical examples and workshop ways of working together.  

The forum was well received and was an important step forward.

Next steps will include working towards setting up a Dementia-Friendly Alliance for Canberra.

If you are interested in being part of a Canberra Alliance, please contact Anthony.Parker@dementia.org.au.  

Thank you to everyone involved and to Cam, Rebecca and Jane for sharing their expertise on the panel. 

Photo: (L-R) Anthony Parker, Community Development Officer, Dementia Australia, Dementia Advocates Jane Thompson, Cam Stewart and Rebecca Scouller.