By Tanya Faulkner
A new initiative in Knox has been created with the intention to make life easier for locals.
More than 3000 residents in the Knox municipality are living with dementia, with some requiring full-time carers to help them in their day to day life.
Council has partnered with Dementia Australia to help build awareness, understanding and acceptance of dementia, so people living with dementia can participate in the community and remain active.
The announcement is timely, coinciding with dementia week, which runs from 18 September to 24 September.
Knox Mayor Cr Marcia Timmers-Leitch said Council’s Dementia Advisory Group is hosting an information session and mini-expo to raise awareness of dementia and highlight services for people living with dementia and their carers in Knox.
In 2021 records showed that 3,219 people in the Knox community were living with dementia, and it has been estimated that this number may rise to almost 8,000 by 2058.
The plan has been adopted with Dementia Australia with goals to improve the lives of those living with, and caring for locals with dementia.
Cr Timmers-Leitch said council plays an important role by supporting people living with dementia and those close to them to live as well.
“We have developed the Knox Dementia Friendly Action Plan to guide the council and support Knox to work towards becoming a more dementia friendly community,” she said.
Actions included in the plan are increasing awareness of dementia, advocating for the provision of affordable and convenient transport, seeking funding for a sensory garden and facilitating physical activities.
Cr Timmers-Leitch said people living with dementia have been involved in the development of the plan.
“Our dementia plan aligns with the Council Plan to foster inclusivity, equality, belonging and safety within the community,” she said.
The Knox Dementia Friendly Launch will be held from 10:30am to 1:30pm on Tuesday 19 at Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater.
Entry is free and doors will open at 10am.
Register at stickytickets.com.au/EZ80E or call 9298 8827.
For more information about services and support for dementia, or to obtain an information pack, contact Council via dementiafriendly@knox.vic.gov.au or 9298 8000
