November 2024: Update from the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee
Hi Everyone,
As mentioned briefly in the last issue, the DAAC met for our annual face-to-face meeting last month, and what a few days it was. Our meeting went over four days, so as you can imagine, everyone was pretty exhausted by the end of the week. I would like to commend all the DAAC members who pushed through and remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout. Those who underestimate people living with dementia should see the work that our group got through – I think we sometimes surprise ourselves. Some of the areas of focus included:
- The Strengthening Connections project
- Dementia innovation and technology
- DAAC engagement with the Dementia Australia Board
- The Aged Care Act
- Dementia Australia’s Strategic Plan
- Dementia Australia’s policy priorities
As well as welcoming our two newer members, Russ Martin and Lil Mirtl, our long-term member Kevyn Morris attended his final DAAC Meeting. Kevyn has been a member of DAAC since 2017 and I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Kevyn for his tireless work in that time.
We were pleased to welcome:
- Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan
- Dementia Australia Board Chair Merran Kelsall AO
- Board Members Tony Newman and Meegan Fitzharris and
- Dementia Australia Executive Director Dr Kaele Stokes
who all attended a number of sessions.
I would like to thank our committee as well as the supporting staff for all the preparation and ongoing support we received at this meeting.
On another note, it was great to see so many Advocates, lots of both familiar and new faces, at the Dementia Advocates’ October online drop-in meeting.
The numbers are consistently high and the meetings are a great opportunity to catch up with each other and hear what’s going on around the country.
Finally, the usual reminder that if you have any news or queries, please feel free to contact me or other members of the DAAC on our email DAAC@dementia.org.au.
We are always pleased to hear from you.
Until the next time.
Bobby Redman
Chair, Dementia Australia Advisory Committee
(e) DAAC@dementia.org.au