The resilience of people living with dementia.
Following the success of the book “Unforgettable Voices” The Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) is calling for more stories from the community to be published in the 2nd edition in 2026. The book will contain stories and poems about different individual’s life journeys with dementia.
The aim of this project is to capture the untold stories of the lived experience of dementia from our communities and to raise awareness about dementia.
There are many assumptions made about people living with dementia but frequently abilities are overlooked and the need for communication and connections dismissed. The stories in the 1st edition highlight the importance of maintaining friendships, sharing celebrations, the benefits of music, exercise and creative activities and especially family relationships.
Several stories were written by people living with dementia who shared their experiences and how they have worked to maintain control of their lives and continued to participate in their local community.
Interested writers unsure of how to get started with a story or poem can take advantage of the support available from members of the DFC Alliance.
Please see below PDF's to download for Tips for getting started, Author registration & consent form & Information sheet.
One of the DFC's most significant endeavours this year was the Brain Health in Sport seminar. Following numerous volunteer hours dedicated to organising and promoting the event, it successfully concluded on September 21st.
It was a splendid evening with over 100 attendees setting the stage. Niko, our lively emcee, and Uncle Bill's Welcome to Country, coupled with the opening remarks delivered by MP and DFC Alliance patron Leslie Williams, set a warm tone for the evening, an honour for all in attendance.
Dr. George provided an enlightening look into the medical aspects of CTE, its impact on the brain and the individual. Kayleen Doyle was a powerhouse presenter, offering further insights into CTE's effects and a personal perspective on caring for someone with probable CTE, including prevention tips. A key takeaway was the possibility of enjoying sports while protecting brain health. Kayleen also introduced connecters.org.au, a support network she established for those with probable CTE. Robbie O'Davis, a former NRL player, shared his experiences living with probable CTE, from disorientation to battling dark thoughts, and how ConneCTErs Australia played a role in saving his life.
We were honoured by the presence of the 'Family of League' The intermission featured delicious food, provided along with the venue at the wonderful Sails Resort and the event concluded with an engaging Q& A session with Dr. George, Kayleen, Dr. Boyko, and Mark MacGibbon, sparking lively audience interaction.
In summary, the event highlighted the critical importance of brain health in sports.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our sponsors, speakers, attendees, and the DFC volunteers who contributed immensely to the event's success.
The Creative Writing Project aimed to collect stories and poems about people living with dementia and their carers.
The title "Unforgettable Voices” aims to show the resilience of people living with dementia and we captured the untold stories of the lived experience of dementia in our local community while raising awareness about dementia.
The stories are from the perspective of the person living with dementia, family carers, extended family members, professional carers and friends.
On completion of the project several stories will be compiled into a book and available for sale in 2024.
A reading of the stories was held on the 25th September at the Port Macquarie Library.
This project is a collaboration with the Port Macquarie Hasting Fellowship of Australian Writers. The DFC alliance appreciates their involvement.
The singing group 'Memories in Melodies' has been established to enhance the wellbeing of individuals living with dementia and Parkinson's, as well as their caregivers.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) and Soul Sounds Music Therapy. Phoebe Thompson-
Star, a Registered Music Therapist, spearheaded the project. She advocates for the use of music to aid those affected by Dementia and Parkinson's, highlighting its vital role in wellbeing.
When we engage with music every part of the brain activates at once, creating a very meaningful gateway to communication and memory. It not only keeps the mind active and maintains cognitive function, but also shows significant benefits in its ability to improve quality of life and increase feelings of social connection
For people living with dementia or Parkinson’s wanting to join “Memories in Melodies”, its first session is Monday 17 June at 10am.
To register, call 0493 758 540, email [email protected] or visit the dementia friendly Port Macquarie website.
In the 2021 National Rugby League season, there was a concerted effort to eliminate head-high tackles as incidents of contact around the head had risen significantly since 2017, with a reported 700 percent increase. With the growing concern of dementia now affecting retired NRL players, the Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) Alliance came up with a plan to host a fundraiser at the local football grounds to raise awareness about the relationship of head knocks (concussion) and dementia.
These workshops provided community engagement, fostered exploration and curiosity for people living with dementia. Participants were found to improve their communication and expressed pleasure with the experience taking place among historical items in the local museum where hidden stories were discovered. Feedback from participant H “I enjoyed it very much. I liked the questions and all the different answers. My grandmother had a fox collar so that part reminded me of her. I liked being right next to the Glasshouse. That was a surprise. I want to go back to the museum and look at everything because a member of my family has her wedding dress there. I have been thinking about my visit a lot.”
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