September 2022: Update from the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee (DAAC)

Hello Everyone,

It’s Springtime, I don’t know about you, but I’m really looking forward to getting out and about in some warmer weather. This, of course, means that we are heading into Dementia Action Week, a busy time for all Dementia Advocates. Wishing you all the best in your activities over the coming month.

In July, we sadly farewelled committee member Jenni Lawson who stepped down to focus on her health and her family. We wish her well, knowing that she will continue with her Dementia Advocacy work in Far North Queensland. The next DAAC recruitment round will begin shortly, so please look out for more information.

In August, Dennis Frost and I presented to the Dementia Australia Board at their face-to-face meeting in Canberra.  Our focus was: “Where we have come from, our achievements and our goals for the future”. The presentation was well received and a great opportunity to both reflect and to look forward. 

Our monthly meetings have seen discussions around Dementia Australia’s Number 1 Strategic Priority: Timely diagnosis and support, with CEO Maree McCabe and Executive Director Kaele Stokes. As a result of these discussions, a DAAC sub-committee has formed to work on a DAAC-led project to complement Dementia Australia’s focus in this area.

We have also discussed the current Aged Care Reforms, which can’t happen quickly enough for many of us. The Department of Health and Aged Care are developing a new departmental webpage about dementia and invited DAAC to provide feedback on this. We have also been involved in some planning for Dementia Action Week.

As part of the committee video project, a DAAC playlist has been created on the Dementia Australia YouTube account. More videos will be added throughout the year.

Until the next time,
Bobby Redman
Chair, Dementia Australia Advisory Committee (DAAC)

As always, should you wish to raise any matters with the DAAC, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us at DAAC@dementia.org.au

Find more information about the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee.

Photo: (L-R), Jenni Lawson, DAAC Member, Val Schache, DAAC Member,  Juanita Hughes, DAAC Member, Kevyn Morris, DAAC Member,   Dennis Frost, Vice Chair, DAAC, Ann Pietsch, DAAC Member,  Bobby Redman, Chair, DAAC, Sarah Ashton, DAAC Member, Natalie Ive, DAAC Member