A delegation of healthcare professionals from South Korea's Public Health and Sanitation Division located in our sister city, Gwangju City visited Kiama on 26 April to assess Australia’s approach to aged care.

The group met with the Dementia Inclusive Kiama Project at the Kiama Uniting Church, where they explored the innovative strategies the members of the project are implementing in our community. 

The Dementia Inclusive Kiama Project was established in 2014 and has a focussed dedication to fostering dementia inclusive communities, pioneering research and initiatives that have earned national and global recognition. 

The project prioritises the involvement of people living with dementia in the decision-making processes, ensuring a specific look at the social implications of dementia. 

The visit offered the South Korean group insight into the project’s community health promotion strategies. Their specific interest lies in understanding how these initiatives enhance community understanding, skills, and capacity to support their own increasingly ageing population.

Majority of these strategies are developed from research that indicates strong social implications for the wellbeing of people living with dementia, recognising that remaining active and engaged in their community is a crucial component of their overall health. 

Kiama has a long record of engagement with South Korea through the International Alliance of Healthy Cities. Although Kiama Council has withdrawn from the International Alliance and Dementia Inclusive Kiama Project, the project continues with support from the Gerringong Rotary Club. 

Emeritus Mayor Sandra McCarthy recently joined the steering committee for the project. McCarthy expressed anticipation for the visit, highlighting her previous collaborative efforts with South Korea on public health promotion initiatives. 

This exchange represents a continuation of fruitful partnerships aimed at advancing dementia care and community health promotion efforts globally.