Dementia Australia is delighted to announce Anthony Carbines MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and The Hon Nick Wakeling MP, Shadow Minister for Ageing as the new Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Co-convenors for Victoria.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Co-convenor role is important for bridging the gap between government and everyday Australians living with dementia.
"We know that without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia in Victoria is expected to increase to an estimated 150,650 people by 2028, and to 300,860 by 2058," Ms McCabe said.
"It is essential that we work with all parties government to do what we can to address the realities of dementia.
"I thank both Mr Carbines and Mr Wakeling for accepting the role of Victorian Co-convenors. I am looking forward to working with both members of parliament to facilitate this important program."
Member for Ivanhoe, Mr Carbines said he is honoured to accept the role as Co-convenor.
"I know my colleagues have valued Parliamentary Friends of Dementia since its inception in 2012.
"The expert speakers, resource launches and consumer stories that have been shared at events have been crucial to raising awareness about dementia and have contributed to an increased understanding about the impact of dementia within parliament and for the broader community," Mr Carbines said.
"It is a privilege to represent all Victorians impacted by dementia."
The Member for Ferntree Gully, Mr Wakeling said he is looking forward to helping Victorians with dementia through the Co-convenor role.
"I am thrilled to accept the role of Victorian Co-convenor of Parliamentary Friends of Dementia," Mr Wakeling said.
"The Parliamentary Friends of Dementia meetings provide a unique opportunity for all Members of Parliament to hear directly from Victorians impacted by dementia and to learn how we can improve their health, care and lifestyle outcomes."
Parliamentary Friends of Dementia is a Dementia Australia initiative that raises awareness among Members of Parliament about issues that impact people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers.
As the new Co-convenors, Mr Carbines and Mr Wakeling will champion the program within the parliamentary community and will provide a link between state government and the 114,779 Victorians living with dementia.
"I acknowledge the service of our outgoing Co-convenors, The Hon Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women, Minister for Youth and Emma Kealy MP, Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Shadow Minister for Women and Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family Violence," Ms McCabe said.
I thank them for their contribution and for making a difference to the lives of people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers."
Prior Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Dementia events have provided the opportunity to discuss important issues including dementia and driving, younger onset dementia and the NDIS, the launch of the Dementia Friends program, which encourages Australians to make positive difference in the lives of people with dementia.
The next event will be scheduled for later 2019.
Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 447,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer's Australia. Dementia Australia's services are supported by the Australian Government.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 Interpreter service available(The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative)
Dementia is a National Health Priority Area www.dementia.org.au
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