By Lucy Waldron
Dementia Australia is set to visit the Southern Downs region, offering a series of informative workshops aimed at increasing awareness and support for those living with dementia.
As part of Dementia Action Week, which runs from Monday, 16 September to Sunday, 22 September, the organisation will focus on this year’s theme, “Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future.“
The Stanthorpe community has embraced this theme, with local organisations taking proactive steps to raise awareness. Recently, the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe and Stanthorpe Men’s Shed hosted a barbecue event to promote the upcoming Dementia Australia sessions.
Jim Barnes, a member of the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe, emphasised the importance of these workshops for the local community.
“Dementia is a condition that affects over 400,000 people across Australia, and given the elderly demographic of Stanthorpe, it’s crucial for our community to understand what dementia is all about,“ he said.
“We need to support those living with dementia and their carers.“
The Rotary Club of Stanthorpe has been actively involved in promoting dementia awareness through its “Dementia Friendly Stanthorpe“ initiative.
This program focuses on educating the community about dementia and providing support to those affected.
“Our efforts have primarily been on raising awareness, helping people understand what they can do to support those living with dementia. But now, we’re also looking to establish a support group for carers,“ Jim said.
Despite these efforts, Jim acknowledged that community engagement can be challenging due to the stigma surrounding dementia.
“But our goal is to make Stanthorpe a dementia-friendly community—one that is inclusive, supportive, and caring,“ he said.
The upcoming workshops by Dementia Australia are seen as a valuable addition to these ongoing efforts.
Jim stressed the importance of these sessions for anyone who has contact with someone living with dementia, whether at home or in a care facility.
“The workshops will provide general information about dementia, including the different types of conditions that fall under this umbrella.
“There’s also a virtual reality session that allows participants to experience what a person with dementia might be going through,“ he explained.
The workshops will be held on 10 September in Stanthorpe, with three sessions scheduled throughout the day to cater to different needs within the community, from 9.30am to 4.00pm.
Additionally, Dementia Australia will host sessions in Killarney on 9 September at Killarney Citizens Hall, in Warwick from 9 September to 11 September at the Warwick RSL, and in Toowoomba from 12 to 13 September.
For more information about the schedule, visit dementia.org.au/brain-hub-qld-southern-downs-toowoomba.
The Rotary Club of Stanthorpe encourages everyone—whether from Stanthorpe or beyond—to attend these workshops and gain a deeper understanding of dementia, contributing to a more informed and supportive community.
