In celebration of Dementia Action Week, GreenConnect Dementia Respite participants gathered under gloriously sunny skies at GrowAbility Native Nursery in Mildura on Tuesday 17 September. This special morning tea is part of the group’s monthly get-togethers, which take place on the third Tuesday of each month.

On Monday 16 September, the GreenConnect team and participants from the Bendigo area gathered for a heartwarming lunch at Jan’s, nestled by the serene Lake Eppalock. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for meaningful connections and delightful conversations, as well as a chance for our new team members to meet some of the participants.

Recently, members of the Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) had the opportunity to tour Costerfield House in Heathcote, soon to be relocated to Reflections at Eppalock. The visit was part of an ongoing collaboration aimed at enhancing dementia care in the region. The new location, which will also be home to the Jin Lab Garden, is set to offer a supportive and enriching environment for visitors.

La Trobe University’s Occupational Therapy students, Kyle Laver and Eric Lu, recently made significant strides in GreenConnect’s Assessment and Certification Project, aimed at helping businesses better serve people living with dementia and their carers. The project culminated in the development of an innovative assessment tool, designed to identify small yet impactful changes that can enhance the safety and comfort of all visitors, particularly those affected by dementia.

On Tuesday 3 September, the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project hosted a memorable day trip to Hattah Lakes, marked by perfect weather and enriching experiences. Following what felt like weeks of high wind and dust, the weather gods delivered a calm, clear, sunny day, ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Hattah Lakes.

On Wednesday 4 September, Heathcote Dementia Alliance (HDA) hosted a team workshop that marked a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration between HDA board members and the newly appointed GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project team. The gathering was a unique opportunity for members to meet face-to-face, gain a deeper understanding of each other’s roles, and align their collective vision for the future of dementia care.

We are proud to share that the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project received a Highly Commended award at the 2024 Future of Ageing Conference, held in Sydney on 29 August 2024. This recognition underscores our innovative approach to dementia respite care in the Loddon-Mallee region.

We are delighted to introduce our newly formed Business Assessment and Certification Team. This team is at the forefront of our efforts to enhance dementia-inclusive environments across the Loddon-Mallee region.

Participants in the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project in Mildura recently embarked on a delightful day trip, thanks to the hospitality of Murray Offroad Adventures. The outing, which blended the beauty of almond blossoms with a serene lunch on a Murray River sandbar, provided a refreshing escape for all involved.

In just a few months since our launch in April, our GreenConnect team has been bustling with activities across the Loddon-Mallee region, creating enriching experiences for carers and people with dementia. From serene walks in native nurseries to lively cultural outings and peaceful lakeside lunches, we’ve been dedicated to immersing our participants in the natural beauty and vibrant community spirit that our region has to offer.

Under a clear blue sky and a cool winter breeze, participants of GreenConnect Mildura embarked on a picturesque bus trip to Werrimull and Lake Cullulleraine, experiencing a day filled with nature, art, and newfound friendships.

In a beautiful intersection of cultures and shared experiences, the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project recently organised a serene outing to the Atisha Centre for people with dementia and their carers. Joining the group were members from the Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC), making it a day of rich cultural exchange and peaceful exploration.

On a crisp and bright day, the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project team organised a memorable outing for people with dementia and their carers to the Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled deep in the serene bushland near Chewton. This sanctuary, known for its diverse array of Australian wildlife, provided an enriching and engaging experience for all who attended.

GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project recently hosted a heartwarming and engaging gathering for people with dementia and their carers at the “growAbility” native nursery, part of The Christie Centre’s social enterprise in Mildura. This event, the first of many planned monthly meetups, provided a serene and supportive environment where participants could connect, share experiences, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

A new, groundbreaking program in the Loddon-Mallee region that uses the power of nature as respite for people with early-stage dementia and their carers has already achieved remarkable success in combatting the effects of the disease and improving quality of life.

GreenConnect Dementia Respite recently received an exciting opportunity from Dementia Australia to enhance carers' knowledge of dementia through a cutting-edge program using virtual reality technology. The program, known as EDIE for family and carers (Educational Dementia Immersive Experience), allows carers to experience the world through the eyes of those they care for who have been diagnosed with dementia.

GreenConnect Mildura participants recently embarked on a memorable adventure to the Murray River, thanks to a local off-road bus tour operator. This trip offered a refreshing change of pace for four individuals with dementia, their four carers, a care friend, and our Mildura Respite Care Coordinator for GreenConnect Dementia Respite, Kaye Matthews, who all enjoyed a cool yet gloriously sunny day immersed in nature and making new friends.

The recent Interfaith Dinner brought together individuals from various cultures and faiths, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and connection. The highlight of the evening was a keynote speech by a representative of the Hindu faith, who shared insights about his church in Melbourne and the various activities they engage in.

Over the past few months, our team at GreenConnect has been diligently laying the foundations for our ground-breaking project. Designed as an innovative-first pilot initiative for the Loddon-Mallee, our goal is to elevate the quality of life for carers and those they support, particularly those in the early stages of dementia, by offering tailored respite experiences outside of traditional aged care facilities.

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