September 23, 2024

Through the looking glass: hundreds will come together at the Annual Illawarra Dementia Forum

Attendees will go down the rabbit hole at Alice in Wonderland inspired art expo

Hundreds of people will join forces in Fairy Meadow on Wednesday 25 September at the 12^th Annual Illawarra Public Dementia Forum.

The annual event, organised by the Illawarra Dementia Forum Working Party, will bring together experts to discuss the latest advancements in dementia research and care.

Leading dementia advocate and researcher, Associate Professor Lyn Phillipson, from the School of Health and Society at the University of Wollongong (UOW) said the event is an opportunity for people to come together and learn from leading professionals in the field.

“I’m passionate about improving information and connections living with dementia and their care partners and this event provides the perfect opportunity to do just that,” Professor Phillipson said.

“Around two-thirds of people living with dementia live in the community and learning more about it can help people to live well and know how to provide better support.

“The theme for this year’s event is preparing for the future. The more dementia-focused events we hold and more awareness we raise, the better communities and future we create.”

Associate Professor Phillipson is a key member of the organising committee alongside key dementia and aged care advocates Ms Val Fell (OAM) and Mr Dennis Frost, a person living with dementia. In 2022, Val was appointed to the Council of Elders which engages on many aspects of aged care from the perspective of the quality and safety of care and the rights and dignity of older people.

“I’ve been organising the event since 2012 and it’s wonderful to see how much its grown in that time,” Ms Fell said. “Education and knowledge are pivotal to people living with dementia and their carers and I encourage everyone to attend the event and hear the latest information and research about dementia care.”

“Having people with dementia like me, talk about their lived experience, is also a central part of the forum. It really helps to break down peoples misconceptions around dementia,” said Mr Frost.

Other speakers attending the forum include Mr Nick Morgan, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO Dementia Australia; Marie Alford, Dementia Support Australia; carers of people living with dementia and people with dementia; allied health professionals and others associated with dementia friendly communities and dementia research.

This year’s forum offers a new opportunity for people with dementia to showcase their creative skills. Throughout the day, forum attendees will have the opportunity to explore an Alice in Wonderland inspired art exhibition of wonderful creations including visual art, poetry, written work, woodwork and more.

Associate Professor Phillipson said the Alice in Wonderland inspired art expo is new concept that aims to breakdown misconceptions around people living with dementia. There will also be several information stalls on display, music therapy entertainment by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and a Dementia Australia Virtual Reality Experience.

Event details

When: Wednesday 25 September 2024

Time: 9.30am start (finish at 3pm)

Location: Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow

More information

This event is free to attend. Attendees must register online: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/12th-annual-illawarra-dementia-public-forum-tickets-907372424347

Associate Professor Lyn Phillipson, Ms Val Fell and Mr Dennis Frost are available for interviews.