90 SECOND STATEMENT – DEMENTIA AWARENESS MONTH
Thank you Mr Deputy/Speaker. Today I rise to speak about fantastic initiatives in my Bonner electorate to increase support in the community for people living with dementia and their carers.
As you’re aware this month is Dementia Awareness Month. In Australia over 350,000 people are currently living with dementia. It’s important to let these people and the people who care for them know the community supports them and their needs.
That’s why I want to bring attention to what FSG Australia is doing in Wynnum to help people with dementia. FSG is working hard to establish initiatives that will help build a dementia friendly community in Wynnum. Just recently I had the privilege to attend their first Dementia Friendly Community Café. It was great to see this friendly group of carers and people with dementia come together in support of each other.
It’s important to raise awareness and understanding of this condition that affects so many in our community. My staff recently took part in FSG’s Dementia Education and Training Program.
Many thanks to Rae Haggarty from FSG for running this excellent program that provides individual carers and their families with education, training and support. Training sessions are available to local businesses and groups and I encourage those interested to sign up.