Dementia Action Week 2025
Dementia Action Week will take place between Monday 15 and Sunday 21 September, with the aim of reconnecting and creating a dementia-friendly community.
Dementia Action Week is a national initiative led by Dementia Australia, and this year, the theme is "nobody can do it alone." This is a powerful message that reminds us that people living with dementia, as well as their friends, family, and caregivers, need a strong support network to thrive.
In the Southern Highlands, we are proud to have the newly formed Dementia Inclusive Southern Highlands (DISH) group working to build a more supportive and inclusive community. DISH's mission is to ensure that individuals living with dementia, their carers, and their families feel supported, included, and empowered.
This year, DISH and DISH-affiliated organisations are hosting some events during Dementia Action Week to raise awareness and bring our community together.
Dementia Action Week Events
Event 1: DISH Morning Tea
Date: Monday, 15 September
Time: 10:30 am - 12.00 pm
Location: Henrietta Rose Room, Bowral, 16-24 Bendooley Street, Bowral.
Details: Join Dementia Inclusive Southern Highlands at a social morning tea. Enjoy some tasty treats, try your hand at some creative activities, courtesy of Creative Space, and find out all about our Dementia Inclusive Southern Highlands group in a relaxed and welcoming space.
Bookings: For more information or to book a place at this event, please email dementia.inclusive.sh@gmail.com.
Event 2: Otto by Otto Film Screening (Proudly sponsored by Harbison)
Date: Wednesday, 17 September
Time: 10:30 am for an 11:00 am screening
Location: Empire Cinema, 327 Bong Bong Street, Bowral
Details: Join Dementia Inclusive Southern Highlands at this special film screening, including a local panel introducing the film. Speakers will include a local carer, Dementia Australia and representatives from Harbison’s new dementia-related allied health project. The film itself is an intimate family portrait, directed by Gracie Otto. This feature-length documentary is about her father, Barry Otto, whose career in Australian theatre, film and television has spanned more than 50 years.
Cost: $10 (includes a choc top OR small popcorn)
Bookings: For information, please email dementia.inclusive.sh@gmail.com. Bookings can be made directly via TryBooking.
Event 3: Dementia Action at Creative Space
Date: Thursday, 18 September
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Moss Vale TAFE, Kirkham Street, Moss Vale
Details: Come along to Creative Space this Dementia Action Week. From 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, The Carer Gateway Team will be running a self-care creativity session and a light morning tea. All welcome. From 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, get inspired by making neural knitworks! Where brain health meets accessible or intricate crafting. All materials are provided; however, yarn and small balls of wool are appreciated.
Bookings: For more information or to book your place at this event, contact creative.space@vinnies.org.au or 0417 847 492.
Why is this so important?
Dementia doesn’t just affect the person with the diagnosis; it impacts their entire social network. It is common for people living with dementia to experience social isolation and loneliness, often because friends and family are unsure how to interact with them after a diagnosis. This can lead to increased stigma and discrimination.
With an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, chances are you know someone who is impacted. This Dementia Action Week, we challenge you to reach out, reconnect, and show your support.
About DISH
The Dementia Inclusive Southern Highlands (DISH) group is a Dementia Action Alliance dedicated to building a dementia-friendly community. The group includes a range of people from health providers, aged care facilities, community groups, and people living with and caring for someone with dementia.
We invite you to get involved and help us create a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
For more information on dementia and support services, you can visit the Dementia Australia website or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
When
-
Monday, 15 September 2025 | 12:00 AM
- Sunday, 21 September 2025 | 11:59 PM
Location
Various