Working toward a more dementia-friendly Macleay
Dementia touches the lives of thousands of Australians, including families here in the Macleay. Kempsey Shire Council is taking steps to build awareness and create a more inclusive community, starting with our own staff and councillors.
Earlier this year, Council partnered with Dementia Australia to host three dementia awareness workshops for councillors, staff and community members. The sessions were well attended and positively received, helping participants gain a stronger understanding of dementia and how it affects people's daily lives, and how to respond more inclusively in their roles and interactions.
This work aligns with Dementia Action Week (15–21 September 2025), which carries the theme "Nobody can do it alone." A range of frontline Council staff took part, alongside elected representatives and local business operators, reflecting the importance of a whole-of-community effort.
Dementia can affect a person's mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. While it is much more common after the age of 65, it can affect people earlier in life — including those with early onset dementia. Nationally, more than 400,000 Australians live with dementia, and the numbers continue to rise. Building dementia awareness is about creating stronger, more supportive communities where people feel included.
Council will shortly commence a review of its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). As part of this process, we will seek community feedback and consider opportunities to strengthen awareness and inclusivity — including how dementia-friendly approaches could be reflected in the updated plan.
This year for Dementia Action Week, we encourage community members to take action by becoming a Dementia Friend through Dementia Australia. Together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive community.
To more and register as a Dementia Friend, visit Become a Dementia Friend: Dementia Australia
