Last week, Dhelkaya Health was proud to attend and participate in the Dementia Australia Castlemaine Brain Hub, hosted in partnership with Dementia Australia and Mount Alexander Shire Council

It was a great day, with more than 40 community members gathering to enjoy a cuppa, share stories and connect with information and resources about the dementia supports available locally.

More than nine organisations came together to showcase the services and supports available to people living with dementia, their families and carers. It was fantastic to see such a strong network of organisations supporting our local community, including Bendigo Health Memory Clinic, Dementia Support Australia, Department of Health, Dementia Alliance, Treehouse4two, Reflections @ Eppalock, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Dhelkaya Health, Tarrengower Dementia Alliance, Central Highlands Rural Health and Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG).

Our wonderful Janice Kebede also spoke about her work in Residential in Reach across the shire. Janice supports a number of people living with dementia and their families and has more than 20 years’ experience educating and working alongside people living with dementia. As Janice says, “People living with dementia are my favourite people.”

It was so valuable to be face-to-face with our community and hear directly about what people need. We spoke with many community members seeking walking groups, respite options for carers and support navigating My Aged Care, and it was wonderful to be able to provide guidance and connect people with appropriate supports.

A huge thank you to Dementia Australia and Mount Alexander Shire Council for bringing our local dementia support community together. Days like this highlight the importance of connection, collaboration and making sure people living with dementia and their carers know they’re not alone and that support is available.