About Us

Our Volunteers

The DFC was established to develop the first dementia friendly community in NSW, here in Port Macquarie.

Formed in 2012—the first alliance of its kind in Australia—the DFC brings together people living with dementia, carers, health professionals, community organisations, local businesses, and volunteers. The Alliance works in collaboration with Dementia Australia and is guided by the voices and experiences of those living with dementia, who are actively involved in both membership and leadership.

The DFC’s core purpose is to reduce stigma, increase community awareness, and ensure people living with dementia remain valued, visible, and connected members of the community. Through education, advocacy, and community programs, the Alliance promotes understanding, addresses communication barriers, and encourages practical changes to make everyday environments more accessible and dementia-friendly.

Key goals include fostering inclusion, enhancing social participation, empowering individuals, and reducing isolation. The Alliance delivers community education sessions, takes part in local events, and runs programs such as the weekly memories in melodies music therapy group and creative writing projects that amplify the voices of people living with dementia.

We welcome other individuals and groups to join and share their enthusiasm and experiences. Please email us at [email protected] for more information or phone 0433 134 827

Contact Us

Our Board Members

I became a member of the DFC in 2019, following on from a volunteer telephone crisis supporter with Lifeline. During that period, I was also providing full-time care for my mother, who lives with dementia. I completed a Diploma in Dementia Care through the University of Tasmania—an invaluable resource during my caregiving journey. I have a strong passion for raising awareness about dementia and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their carer’s in the community.

- Karen Dubois Caregiver of a loved one living with dementia. DFCA Vice President & Treasurer

Dementia Friendly Community Dementia Friendly Community

“I joined to help explain what it's like to care for someone with dementia. To assist with ideas for educating the public and businesses about people with dementia. Also to encourage those in important positions in creating a DFC in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas”. Joined DFC Port Macquarie in 2017. Amazing help, amazing journey!

- Kerry West Carer for husband with Vascular Dementia and Parkinson's, at home 7 years and nursing home 3 years.

Recently deceased Oct 2026. DFCA Board Member

“I have been a member for many years. Worked with people with dementia and past carer for family member with dementia”

- Gai McPherson, Retired Dementia Nurse and Consultant for Dementia and Aged Care standards. DFCA President

My name is Lyn Murphy. For the last 20 years of my working life I was privileged to
work with and support people and their carers living in this community with dementia.
I am now a person living with Alzheimer’s. My desire is to continue to support others
on this journey and to share my knowledge and experience from my professional life
and as a person living with Dementia.
Being included and supported as part of Dementia Friendly Communities Alliance
has given me purpose and the platform to be a part of welcoming change in how we
see and live with dementia.

- Lyn Murphy, Supporter currently living with Dementia. DFCA Board Member

Kellon Beard is an accomplished business leader with over 35 years of experience across various sectors, including regional advocacy, human resources, procurement, and strategic development. Renowned for his integrity and commitment to regional growth, Kellon has held key management roles, actively contributed to the Mid North Coast’s economic advancement, and served on multiple community boards. Kellon retired from full time employment in July 2025.

- Kellon Beard, Regional Manager Business NSW (retired) DFCA Secretary

I have worked as a Community Manager with The Smith Family, a CHSP Coordinator for
Baptist Services and after moving to the Mid North Coast in 2014 I worked as an Aged Care Advocate for Seniors Rights Service for 16 years. Now retired, I present regular information sessions on aged care services at our local libraries.
Because of my experience and my working background, I am committed to supporting and informing the community on issues around ageing and in particular people’s experiences of and with Dementia.

- Jillian (Jill) McDonnell, Community Manager with The Smith Family, a CHSP Coordinator for Baptist Services, and Aged Care Advocate for Seniors Rights Services (Retired). DFCA Board Member

“I have a special interest in Montessori methods for dementia care. I am focused on creating a DFC from a professional and personal perspective, having worked in this field in several locations including Port Macquarie and the experience with family relatives including my mother living with dementia.”

- Margaret Allen, Registered Nurse, M.N. (Clinical Gerontology) Dementia Consultant. Retired.

“I joined to give insight about dementia from someone who is currently living with dementia. I feel that too many decisions have been made, at all levels, without considering our input.”

- Graeme Atkins, currently living with dementia. Dementia Alliance International.

“I joined the DFC to share how I live well with Alzheimer’s and to support our community to better
understand ways in which they can support people living with dementia.”

- Nell Hawe, Dementia Advocate

“I am passionate at a personal and professional level about contributing to developing Dementia Friendly Communities”

- Sharen Marshall, Registered Nurse and TAFENSW Head teacher for Health Aged Care and Nursing. Sharen holds a Masters Health Science (Healthy Ageing and Aged Care) and Masters in Vocational Education and training degrees.

“I joined to be involved in the promotion of dementia friendly services and environments within the Port Macquarie community”

- Jade Sinclair, 18 years in aged and community care industry. Trained in Montessori for dementia. Omnicare.

“It’s my passion to build inclusive and connected communities, which offer continual opportunities for people living with dementia and their care partners to experience unique and meaningful experiences. As a member of the DFC, together we are in the position to push for change and work towards reducing the stigma surrounding dementia in our local communities, one step at a time.”

- Lisa Hort, Creative Engagement and Ageing Specialist, TimeSlips, Creative Storying Certified Facilitator and Founder of Unique Collaborations

I have been working with people living with Dementia and their families living in the community for the past 10 years. I have learnt so much from those that have opened their hearts and homes to me. I want to remind the people living in the community there are supports available to support you through your journey starting with the DFC and their members and Dementia Australia.

Kaye Lilley - Care Partner & Trained in Montessori for Dementia

“Not only is it my role it is also my passion to support our community and be in a position to help others. I was invited to join the DFC when it was originally launched as a representative of Clubs. It is important to have this connection as Clubs play such a vital role in the community.”

- Jenny Edmunds, Community & Sports Manager at The Westport Club.

“It is my hope that over time the Dementia Friendly Alliance will be instantly recognised by the local community for it's role in creating Dementia Awareness.
Knowledge is power - be informed on what it means to be living with Dementia”

- Sarah Ashton, Dementia Advocate, member of the National Advisory Committee for Dementia Australia, member of Lions and National Seniors.