Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak about fantastic initiatives in my Bonner electorate to increase support in the community for people living with dementia and for their carers. As you are aware, this month is Dementia Awareness Month. In Australia over 350,000 people are currently living with dementia. It is important to let these people and the people who care for them know the community supports them and their needs. That is why I want to bring attention to what FSG Australia is doing in Wynnum to help people with dementia.

FSG is working hard to establish initiatives that will help build a dementia-friendly community in Wynnum. Just recently, I had the privilege of attending their first dementia-friendly community cafe. It was great to see this friendly group of carers and people with dementia come together in support of each other. It is important to raise awareness and understanding of this condition that affects so many in our community. My staff recently took part in FSG's dementia education and training program, and many thanks must go to Ray Haggarty from FSG for running this excellent program that provides individual carers and their families with education, training and support. Training sessions are available to local businesses and groups, and I encourage those interested to sign up.