During April, I was very pleased to attend and open the 'Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities Workshop'. Held in partnership with Alzheimer's Australia NSW at the Prince Henry Centre in Little Bay, the workshop was attended by Ita Buttrose, National President Alzheimer's Australia and local government representatives, policy makers, academics and service providers and focused on how we can all work together to build dementia-friendly communities.

For the past six years Randwick Council has delivered information forums to its residents, in partnership with local dementia advisory services and Alzheimer's Australia, to help reduce the social stigma associated with dementia, and help local residents to access vital support programs.

As dementia is likely to affect an increasing proportion of our ageing residents, I think it is very important that Council continues its existing programs and looks for even more ways to increase awareness in our community. We will be providing training sessions on how to recognise the symptoms of dementia and how to respond appropriately. We will also continue to work jointly with key stakeholders and specialist providers, like the 'Alzheimer's Memory Van' which will attend many community and Council events, in an effort to successfully create a dementia-friendly Randwick City.

More information for residents or carers can found on Council's website or by visiting the Fight dementia website.

Councillor Scott Nash
Mayor of Randwick          @randwickmayor