Drenching rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of a dedicated group of about 30 people who took part in the first ever Walk for Dementia event in Yeppoon on Friday, September 25.
Starting at Appleton Park on Anzac Parade, the walk took participants to the gazebo in Beaman Park on James Street, where they enjoyed a sausage sizzle, cupcakes, and refreshments.
Dementia Services Manager Lachlan Brown did the honours with a speech, while former Centacare staff member Billy Smith – who has recently been diagnosed with dementia – undertook the raffle draw.
Lachlan said while dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia – and an estimated 450,000 Australians live with the condition – that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
“The one thing we want you to take away from today is that it is possible to live well with dementia, and that we all need to do better to create conversations around dementia,” Lachlan said.
The walk was held as part of national Dementia Action Week, which aims to get more Australians talking about dementia to help build greater understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen support for those affected.
If you would like to find out more about our Dementia Together program, visit: www.catholiccarecq.com/services/dementia-together
