Message from outgoing DAAC Chair Bobby Redman

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone had a great break over the summer period and also hope that with so many of you facing really bad weather conditions at the moment, you haven’t been too severely impacted.

It is with mixed feelings that I am letting you know that this will be the last time I write a report for Advocacy in Action. 

Due to deterioration in my health, I have had to come to the difficult decision to step back from some of my “work” commitments, including my role with DAAC. 

I have been on the Committee since 2017 and am in my fourth year as Chair, so it will leave a big gap in my life. 

Although I stepped down from DAAC in mid-March, I will, of course, continue my advocacy work but at a reduced level, and will look forward to seeing many of you at the Advocates’ online drop-in meetings.

I would like to thank my fellow DAAC members for all their work and in particular the back-up that they have offered me in my role. 

I have seen some amazing projects come to pass over the past eight years.

I am proud and honoured to have been part of a group who have been heavily involved, and at times have led the way, in fighting for greater involvement of the living experience in leading research; strengthening the voice of the living experience with the development of the ALICE Project; and in “Strengthening Connections” for all Advocates, particularly those living in regional and rural areas, to name but a few that I hold particularly close to my heart.

I would also like to thank Dementia Australia staff for the work that they do both with and for all people living with dementia and their care partners, with my personal special thanks to Sally Lambourne (General Manager, Consumer Engagement) and Elena Sutcliffe (DAAC Secretariat), for supporting me, so strongly, in my role and for all the work that they do alongside the DAAC.

Finally, as I say au revoir, the usual reminder that if you have any news or queries, please feel free to contact me or other members of the DAAC on our email DAAC@dementia.org.au.  We are always pleased to hear from you.

Stay safe, everyone.

Warmest wishes,

Bobby Redman
Chair, Dementia Australia Advisory Committee
(e) DAAC@dementia.org.au