Kiama Council
Popular SBS Tour de France commentator Mike Tomalaris will join this year's Bondi2Berry bike ride with a pit-stop in Kiama on Saturday 20 November.
The event raises money and awareness for Dementia Australia and the route specifically includes Kiama due to its status as a world-leading dementia-friendly town.
Kiama is internationally recognised for its Council-run Dementia Friendly Kiama project, which has partnered with Dementia Australia, the University of Wollongong and Kiama's local Dementia Friendly Alliance to make life easier for those living with dementia and their carers.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death among women. In 2020, there were an estimated 472,000 Australians living with the condition.
Dementia Friendly Kiama reaches out to local peopel and businesses to raise awareness, as well as undertaking works to improve Kiama's physical environment, such as providing better signage in public areas.
For Dementia Awareness Month in September, Kiama Council recognised 'Dementia Champions' in the community. The champions included Dennis Frost – a local resident and chairman of Kiama's Dementia Action Group. Dennis is living with frontotemporal dementia and has become highly sought after as a global speaker on dementia issues. And Graham Fairbairn, carer for his wife Robyn who is living with dementia, who has recently started a monthly 'Blokes Caring Support Group' to support men in similar circumstances.
Another Dementia Champion is Lynda Henderson, who cares for her friend Veda who was diagnosed with dementia in 2012. Lynda gave evidence at the recent Aged Care Royal Commission on the medical, financial and emotional difficulties experienced by those living with dementia and their carers.
This year's Bondi2Berry ride comprises 150 fully vaccinated cyclists and is one of the first events of its kind to come through Kiama post-lockdown. Organiser Nick Young says he is looking forward to getting back on the bike after earlier having to postpone the event.
"One of the highlights of the ride is our visit to Kiama, and the stop in Hindmarsh Park. As a local government area with a commitment to being dementia friendly, it's wonderful to be able to stop and interact with the community. Thank you to Mayor Mark Honey and Kiama Municipal Council for the ongoing support since our inaugural event in 2016."
Michael Tomalaris will be part-riding, part spruiking the event – he'll be hyping riders up on the start line in Bondi, supporting Mark Honey and the team during the Kiama pitstop and welcoming the finishers in to Berry.
"More Australians are exposed to the effects of dementia than ever before," said Mr Tomalaris.
"I'm directly affected by the disease through the struggles of a family member. I'm happy to support and endorse the annual Bondi2Berry ride in a bid to help tackle this horrible illness," Mr Tomalaris said.
Ride photo Credit: Paul McMillan.
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