As part of the Ku-ring-gai Dementia Alliance (KDA), Ku-ring-gai Council is working closely with local businesses and extending its reach to culturally and linguistically diverse communities, to ensure that Ku-ring-gai remains dementia friendly.
The KDA will be focusing on training for customer service staff in a range of local businesses to ensure their cafes, restaurants and other venues remain accessible and ‘friendly’ to people with dementia.
Ku-ring-gai Council is also running a special outing for people with dementia and their families on 17 September, to mark Dementia Action Week. The ‘Brushstrokes and Bushwalks’ event at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives will include a Devonshire, an easy walk around the Sculpture Trail, a light lunch at an optional art activity.
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said Council and the local service providers were committed to supporting people with dementia, their carers and families.
“For people with dementia, the outside world can often be a confusing and hostile place. In Ku-ring-gai, we are working hard to support people with dementia and remove any barriers to access and inclusion,” Mayor Kay said.
“This is about ensuring that everyone in our community is treated with respect and dignity, and have a real sense of belonging.”
The KDA was established in 2022 as a partnership between Ku-ring-gai Council and local service providers, with the goal of improving support and reducing stigma for people living with dementia.
Since its formation, the KDA has:
• Held public information events in English, Mandarin, Korean and Hindi to raise awareness of dementia and reduce stigma
• Published the Understanding Dementia resource, which is available in a number of languages
• Hosted major events including the Dementia Expo and the Dementia and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Brain Summit.
In August 2024, Ku-ring-gai was formally recognised as a Dementia Friendly Community by Dementia Australia.
