City of Mount Gambier will mark Dementia Action Week with the launch of new dementia-friendly resources at Mount Gambier Library and a community exhibition at the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre. The projects aim to support people living with dementia, their families and carers through greater connection, inclusion and community engagement.
Mount Gambier Library and the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre have developed initiatives that support people living with dementia to stay connected to their community, revisit meaningful memories and share personal stories.
Since 2021, Mount Gambier Library's Immersive Storytelling project has connected community members with local history and places of significance through virtual reality (VR) technology. Originally developed as a collection of short films featuring 360-degree footage of Mount Gambier alongside oral histories and historical photographs, the project has become a valued outreach program and armchair travel experience.
As part of Dementia Action Week, the Library is launching 'Immersive Storytelling: Home Discovery', a collection of dementia-friendly resources designed to bring immersive experiences directly into homes, aged care facilities and supported living environments.
"This project strengthens community connection by providing immersive VR experiences that spark memories, encourage conversation and support meaningful social interaction. It also creates opportunities for older residents to engage with new technology in an accessible and enriching way," Library Programs Officer, Local and Family History Danni Reade said.
The collection includes a Supported Access VR Kit featuring a VR headset loaded with Immersive Storytelling films, available for loan to aged care providers, dementia care services and carers.
The Library has also developed a series of Nostalgia Caddies containing local history resources, photographs, newspaper clippings, puzzles and a dementia-friendly Koto music player, all designed to spark memories and encourage conversation.
To help preserve personal stories for future generations, Oral History at Home Kits have been created to support families in recording memories through guided conversations and audio recordings. Featuring an easy-to-use voice recorder, the kits enable families to capture and preserve treasured stories.
"We are proud to support ageing well in our community by creating opportunities for people living with dementia to relive memories, share stories and remain connected with those around them," Library Operations Team Leader Sally Mann said.
The resources were developed in consultation with local carers, dementia advocates and aged care providers, and made possible through funding from the Office for Ageing Well's Age Friendly SA Grants program.
Meanwhile, the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre continues its commitment to becoming a dementia-friendly gallery. During the past three years, staff have worked alongside Dementia Australia and undertaken specialist training through the National Gallery of Australia to build their knowledge and skills in delivering inclusive arts experiences.
As part of this initiative, Riddoch staff have partnered with Boandik residents to deliver gallery tours and hands on art workshops that encourage creativity, social connection and self-expression.
The outcomes of these workshops will be showcased during Dementia Action Week, from 21 to 27 September 2026, in an exhibition at the Riddoch's South Link Gallery.
"The program has been enriching for residents, who enjoy getting out into the community to experience and create art, while also providing staff with valuable skills and rewarding experiences," Public Programs Officer Talie Teakle said.
Artworks created by residents from St Mary's will also be exhibited in the South Link Gallery from 16 September 2026.
These initiatives reflect Council's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and dementia-friendly community where people can connect, participate and thrive.
