Message from new incoming DAAC Chair Ann Pietsch
Hello everyone,
My name is Ann Pietsch and I am the new DAAC Chair. I have been on the DAAC for nearly six years and a Dementia Advocate for many years.
The last month certainly has been a busy one. We farewelled Bobby Redman as DAAC Chair, which was very sad. The DAAC members elected me to become the next Chair. This is a great honour and something I do not take lightly.
For those of you who do not know about me, I will give you a brief introduction. I live in Adelaide with my husband, Timothy, who is my carer. I have a Senior Nursing Administration background and worked in the Health Commission of Victoria. Then in South Australia I worked for a brief time before having a family of four boys.
Later I worked in the community health area including running groups for elderly people, helping to keep them independent and in their own homes. There were some specific Memory Loss groups and even a Younger Onset Dementia group. I also helped care for my mother-in-law who had Lewy Body Dementia.
In 2012 aged 59, I was diagnosed with Younger Onset Dementia which now seems to be Lewy Body Dementia. I was fortunate to receive an early diagnosis, and this helped me to start advocating with Dementia Australia. (Alzheimer’s SA then). The word ‘dementia’ had little stigma for me as I was familiar with the word and its implications. As an Advocate I am involved in a wide variety of activities, including research and other dementia advocacy areas.
I would like to welcome two new DAAC members – Patrick Dare from Queensland and Anthony Pollock from South Australia. They are very welcome at DAAC and we look forward to working with them. Both Patrick’s and Anthony’s biographies are on the Dementia Australia website, as are all DAAC members. I encourage you to have a look through the variety of DAAC members.
Our DAAC face-to-face meeting in Sydney in March was an interesting and worthwhile two days. On day two we met with the Dementia Australia Board. This initiative was possible thanks to Dementia Australia Chair Merran Kelsall AO and Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan, working with Consumer Engagement General Manager Sally Lambourne. It was a momentous occasion.
I am looking forward to being DAAC Chair and with the support of DAAC members and with your support, I hope we can achieve great things for people living with dementia!
It is through Dementia Advocates that Dementia Australia understands what the important things are for us as people impacted by dementia. This is why it is so important to encourage people living with dementia, carers and families to become Advocates. As Dementia Advocates, we can all work towards de-stigmatising and normalising dementia in the community and more! As Advocates we need to represent all people impacted by dementia in Australia, often acting as a voice for them. We must always implement and adhere to our ALICE Principles.
Dementia Australia is always facing challenges and this year is no different with a Federal Election just around the corner.
We are the dementia experts and, as such, we must make our voices heard. Dementia must have a higher profile. I encourage you all to be in touch with your politicians, Federal and State, and express your concerns!
I invite you to attend the National Dementia Drop-in Sessions to meet other Advocates, have your say and hear what others have to say. Get to know your Consumer Engagement Coordinator, join local advocacy groups, Dementia-Friendly Communities, the Connecting Peers Program, research groups or others.
If you have any news or queries, please contact me or other members of DAAC on our email: DAAC@dementia.org.au. We are always pleased to hear from you.
Keep well and safe everyone.
Warm wishes,
Ann Pietsch
Chair, Dementia Australia Advisory Committee
Website www.dementia.org.au
Helpline 1800 100 500
DAAC Chair Ann Pietsch
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DAAC member Anthony Pollock
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DAAC member Patrick Dare
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