Dear Bugle readers,“I am encouraging interested local Kiama, Minnamurra, Jamberoo, Gerringong and Gerroa residents to grab their free copy today of the 2025 Seniors Diary which is now available with a strictly limited supply so it's a case of first in, best dressed to obtain your free copy,” Mr Ward said.“This publication combines important legal information with a practical diary and is a very popular and handy resource for our local seniors.“It contains a wealth of useful information, including useful telephone numbers and websites and empowers seniors with information about where to turn for help on issues that are important at this stage of their lives,” he said.“Produced in large font and filled with profound and funny quotes related to ageing, this easy-to-use diary covers a different legal topic every month.“The chapters cover legal information of relevance to older people, including retirement villages, financial, family and consumer issues, as well as elder abuse, disputes with neighbours and future planning.“It also includes helpful information about seniors' rights, online scams, aged care issues and helpful contact numbers for local agencies and services for seniors such as Legal Aid and Service NSW.“As these diaries are incredibly popular, please come on down to my Kiama electorate office today before we run out of a strictly limited supply of diaries,” Mr Ward said.Thank you for taking the time to read this note. If ever I can be of any further assistance, I would be delighted to help in any way that I can.Kind regards,GARETH WARD MP                   

In a significant boost for our local communities, a group of 10 passionate leaders have completed an intensive leadership training program, equipping them with the skills to spearhead Active Mindsteps—an innovative initiative designed to drive positive change for senior citizens.Active Mindsteps aims to maintain cognitive and physical function, while enhancing the existing skill sets of residents aged 60 and over. Held in group settings, the workshops foster social interaction among like-minded peers, reducing the risk of social isolation.“Our perception of ageing has evolved dramatically,” explained Dr. Christa Wood, program director. “With advances in medicine increasing life expectancy, today’s seniors are more focused on staying active, engaged, and living life to the fullest. However, alongside these advancements, cognitive decline has become more prevalent, with dementia-related diseases now the second leading cause of death in Australia.”Research shows that cognitive and physical activities, combined with social engagement, can delay the onset of cognitive decline and lessen its symptoms. Active Mindsteps directly addresses these factors through regular workshops featuring cognitive exercises, physical movement, and social interaction.The program draws inspiration from SelbA (short for selbstaendig und activ or "independent and active"), a highly successful initiative in Upper Austria that has been running for over 30 years. With more than 255 workshop leaders and 7,000 participants, SelbA has demonstrated its effectiveness in a longitudinal study by Professor Oswald from the University of Erlangen in Germany. The study confirmed that group-based cognitive and physical activities are more effective than individual exercises.The training for Kiama's Active Mindsteps leaders was conducted by experienced SelbA trainer Ursula Hirscher from Austria. Over the course of four weeks, the 10 leaders—hailing from diverse professional and community backgrounds—were trained to deliver engaging, impactful workshops starting February 2025 across the Kiama region, Illawarra, and Shoalhaven areas.Workshops will run in 90-minute sessions over 8–10 weeks and will be held multiple times a year. A small fee will cover hall hire and other operational costs.“This training has been an eye-opening experience,” said Sandy Ruecroft, one of the newly trained leaders. “It’s equipped me with the tools to organise workshops and facilitate activities that will have a real and lasting impact.”Fellow leader Mark Wilmott echoed her sentiments, saying, “This project gives me a chance to give back to the community. It’s about creating opportunities for our ageing population to stay active and enjoy their senior years.”Dr. Wood added, “Our goal is to develop a network of leaders who are not only skilled but also deeply passionate about making a difference. These workshops are designed to be fun, engaging, and targeted to meet the needs of our senior community.”Active Mindsteps is set to empower seniors to stay independent, active, and engaged, helping them live younger, longer, while continuing to contribute meaningfully to their communities.For more information, email [email protected] or contact Dr. Christa Wood at 0416 202 678.

Ageism Awareness Day, initiated by EveryAGE Counts and now marked in many countries around the world, is on today. EveryAGE Counts is Australia’s national coalition of organisations and individuals committed to end ageism in Australia. Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment of older people based solely on their age and will impact on all Australians as they age.Ageism disempowers and damages many older people as they age and the World Health Organisation has stated that ageism may reduce life span by 7 years.Ageism is a matter of growing concern and our research shows that:•  68% of all over-50s agree 'ageism against older people is a serious problem in Australia' (73% of those aged 60-69)•  74% of all over-50s believe Australia is 'not doing enough to raise awareness of ageism and fight against it'This year’s theme is ‘End Ageism in Advertising’. Ageism Awareness Day Takes Aim at Ageism in AdvertisingThe way people are portrayed in marketing has a very real effect on how society sees them and behaves towards them. Anything that has reached mainstream advertising is, by definition, mainstream, and feels normal and accepted.While advertisers and their agencies have made progress in how groups, such as women, people of different cultural backgrounds and LGBTQI+ communities, are represented in ads (remember how ‘housewives’ used to be portrayed and how same sex couples were nowhere to be seen?), very little has changed in the portrayal of older people in advertising.Unless it’s for cruises, funeral insurance or arthritis relief, older people are usually either excluded (which sends one message) or stereotyped as kindly old folks in the corner of Christmas ads or the butt of jokes as doddery, forgetful caricatures who lose their keys and can’t use technology.“There are so many blatantly ageist ads out there but most of them go either unnoticed or tolerated” said Jane Caro, author, anti-ageism activist, former agency creative and Gruen panellist. “Ageism really is our last accepted prejudice. If advertisers and their agencies excluded or clumsily stereotyped any other group the way they do older people, the community backlash would break the internet.”While pernicious, ageism in advertising is just one aspect of a much bigger ageism issue; a pervasive prejudice that is all around us, all the time - in employment, healthcare, retail, entertainment, news media and casual conversation. Ageism is the one prejudice that will affect us all one day – if we’re lucky enough to grow older.At a National Press Club event on ageism in Canberra last week, Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM said, “When it comes to society's treatment of older people, too often we do not attribute to them the same rights many of us take for granted. These attitudes are underpinned by ageism, be it conscious or unconscious, and we often just accept this as okay. It isn’t.”Ageism diminishes the lives of millions of older Australians in big and small ways. It makes them feel invisible, excluded and their lives of lesser value. Anti-ageism advocates highlight how marketers have no qualms about generating fear to make the natural process of ageing feel like a disease you need to buy products to cure: ‘Remove ugly wrinkles’, ‘Look ten years younger’. In marketing, the inclusion of older people in mainstream campaigns hasn’t even reached tokenistic levels, never mind normal and natural levels. Ageism robs Australia of the full participation of older people with a wealth of knowledge and experience that most would willingly contribute to our society, to the social and economic benefit of all.“Today we call on all Australians to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of ageism in advertising. We call on advertisers and their agencies to raise their game, not only for the social good and because it’s the right thing to do, but because advertisers are currently alienating and irritating millions of potential and valuable customers” said Robert Tickner AO, Chair of EveryAGE Counts.On Ageism Awareness Day, author, EveryAGE Counts advocate and former agency creative, Jane Caro AM, will join Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM and US author and anti-ageism activist Ashton Applewhite in a one-hour webinar to highlight ageism in advertising and what can and should be done about it. Advertisers and their agencies are encouraged to be part of the conversation and can register 

The Retirement Living Council (RLC) is calling on governments across Australia to prioritise age-friendly housing in response to the country’s ageing population.The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently released its regional population data for 2023, finding:7% of the population in Australia's capital cities is aged over 75.9.4% of the population outside capital cities is aged over 75.Over 55s represent 26% of the population in capital cities.Over 55s make up 34% of the population outside these cities.RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon says the data underscores the urgent need for all three levels of government to tackle the challenges of housing an ageing population.“We have known about our ageing population for a long time now, but governments seem flat-footed in their response to accommodating and caring for this growing cohort of older Australians,” Mr Gannon said.“Over the next two decades, the number of Australians over 75 will increase by 85 per cent, which will have significant socio-economic impacts on the nation.”Given the demographic trends, Mr Gannon emphasised the need for age-friendly housing solutions to address a problem that is only set to escalate. He called on governments to better appreciate the benefits of increasing age-friendly housing supply. “Hospital beds are already full, ambulances are ramping in most capital cities, aged care facilities are at capacity, and most retirement villages have lengthy waiting lists,” he says.Mr Gannon warned the situation will only worsen with the expected addition of 1.7 million Australians over 75 within the next 15 years.“Governments should be throwing the kitchen sink at unleashing more retirement villages given they are proven to keep people healthier and happier for longer," he says.Statistics show that retirement village residents are “41 per cent happier, 20 per cent less likely to require hospitalisation after only nine months, 15 per cent more physically active, five times more socially active, twice as likely to catch up with family or friends and have reduced levels of depression and loneliness”, according to Mr Gannon.As a result, these communities are reducing older Australians' interactions with GPs and hospitals, while also delaying entry into taxpayer-funded aged care, saving the government $945 million annually. “The added bonus is that when older Australians ‘rightsize’ into a retirement village, it frees up important supply in the housing market for young couples and families,” says Mr Gannon.

Dementia rates in Illawarra and Shoalhaven are projected to surge by 55 percent by 2054, exceeding the national average by four percentage points because of its older demographic. Despite this, those affected by dementia and their families often face a significant lack of support to manage life post-diagnosis.To address this gap, Berry has been chosen by leading dementia care provider Group Homes Australia to host the first free, government-funded regional Rementia Together Retreat from August 19 to 23, 2024. This retreat aims to provide transformative support for both individuals living with dementia and their chosen 'support partners' (loved ones). It is designed to equip them with the emotional, psychological, and mental tools necessary to understand the diagnosis and live well with dementia.This regional retreat follows a series of successful Sydney-based Rementia Together Retreats, which have profoundly impacted lives through education, community building, and enhanced understanding.Group Homes Australia’s Founder and Executive Director, Tamar Krebs, co-designed this unique retreat with dementia experts Dr. Meredith Gresham and Jackie Pool. The program is based on the concept of ‘rementia,’ a term that shifts the focus from ‘dementia’ (Latin for ‘away from the mind’) to ‘rementia’ (Latin for ‘return to the mind’). The Rementia Together Retreat is revolutionary in its approach to post-diagnostic care, promoting a return to purpose and meaning for those affected by dementia.Krebs explained, “In just 30 years, the number of people living with dementia in this region is expected to more than double. For every person with dementia, there is almost always a support partner who also needs help. We aim to assist both individuals in living beyond their diagnosis and reclaiming their sense of purpose and relevance. Our retreat leaders help participants reconnect with their sense of self, facilitating rementia.”Catherine, 57, who lives with dementia, attended a previous retreat with her husband and support partner, Steve. She described the experience as transformative: “Getting a dementia diagnosis can be really difficult. But when you have the right people around you, it changes everything. That’s exactly what the Rementia Together Retreat did. It brought me a whole community of people going through what I’m going through, and Steve was by my side every step of the way.”Steve added, “It’s hard to put into words something as meaningful as the Rementia Together Retreat. Catherine and I did our research on dementia beforehand, but it felt like our eyes were truly opened at the retreat. We learned so much, and we could do it together. It completely transformed our perspective on dementia, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone newly diagnosed and their support partners.”Donna Ward, Program Director at Group Homes Australia, leads the program. Having experienced the challenges of her own mother's dementia diagnosis without early support, Ward underscores the retreat's value: “For most of us, a dementia diagnosis is terrifying for both the individual and their loved ones. The Rementia Together Retreat is specifically designed to overcome this fear. It provides lasting change in how both parties understand dementia, flipping the script and channeling fear into empowerment.”The Rementia Together Retreat is fully funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.Residents with a recent dementia diagnosis and their support partners from Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Southern Highlands, and nearby regions are encouraged to register their interest by June 30 at www.grouphomes.com.au/5-day-retreat or by calling 1300 015 406.

The Seniors’ Stories writing competition 2024 is back, offering an exciting opportunity for seniors to express their creativity through storytelling. The 2024 edition of the competition is now officially open, and this year’s theme is “What Made Me”. In addition to being published, the top 100 authors will have the chance to see their stories in their native language, or a language spoken other than English. This year’s competition runs between 21 April and 2 June. The competition was introduced by NSW Seniors Card in 2013 and celebrates the lives and contributions of seniors by giving them a platform to share their stories about their life experiences. Each year, the top 100 stories are published and distributed to the authors and libraries across NSW, illustrating the substantial contributions made by our older generations. This competition not only recognises and values these experiences of NSW seniors but also aims to connect young and old alike, through sharing and storytelling. The writing competition emphasises the importance of ensuring seniors continue to receive opportunities to participate in their communities and impart their knowledge and wisdom to others. Don’t miss this opportunity. To check out previous winners or for more information you can visit the NSW Seniors Stories website.

On Wednesday, 10 April, Kiama Community Radio hosted a senior’s high tea at the Kiama Leagues Club. The event brought together local seniors in the Kiama district for a lovely afternoon of good food, connection, and vintage music. Among the distinguished guests was Mayor Neil Reilly, back at the helm, and MP for Kiama Gareth Ward. In his address, the Mayor took a moment to express his gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with the seniors of our community, as well as the efforts of both Kiama Community Radio and The Bugle as direct outlets for community news and stories.Helen, Julieanne, Elaine, Gail, Mila, Kathy and Kathleen enjoying the festivitiesDeclaring the high tea officially open, Mayor Reilly reflected on his love for community radio and its important role in our tight-knit community. Gordon Bell & John Larkins (Kiama Lions President) catching up over high teaOne of the attendees, Gordon Bell, said he was grateful to have heard about the event from the last edition of The Bugle newspaper. We advertise events just such as this in print and on our What’s On page online, updated frequently.   The event was organised to celebrate the seniors in our community and get them connected to Kiama Community Radio. There was a raffle with some generously donated prizes to be won: A $50 voucher from Burnett’s on Barney, supplied by the owners of Edessa arcade with a bottle of champagne, and also a $200 voucher donated from The Sebel Kiama.Madeleine & FranEvents such as these are a wonderful demonstration of the generous nature of the community in Kiama and thanks are owed to the owners of Edessa Arcade and The Sebel Kiama for donating the raffle prizes. The initiative for the event was $1400 in funding from the small events grants programme from Kiama Council. Kerrie, Gabi & Bernie - movers and shakers in KCRAdditionally, The Kiama Leagues Club not only provided the event space but also the t-shirts worn by KCR volunteers during the afternoon. The high tea delicacies were sourced from Cakes on Collins, Bakers Delight and Woolworths. Overall, the high tea was a resounding success, underscoring the importance of honouring the contributions of Kiama’s seniors. With events like these, the spirit of togetherness and appreciation continues to thrive within the community.  Hopefully more of our community will tune into the fabulous programmes offered on Kiama Community Radio. You can access their music directly from The Bugle app also.

In Kiama LGA, the Lions Club is more than just a group of volunteers flipping sausages or collecting bottles and cans. They're a vibrant community making waves of difference in people's lives, all while having a blast doing it."We just don't work hard turning sausages," says a proud member of the Kiama Lions Club. "We have fun and make a real impact on people's lives."The ethos of the Kiama Lions is about turning ripples into waves, with each member contributing to strengthening both themselves and the community at large. From assisting local charities to supporting global initiatives like childhood cancer research and hunger relief efforts, the Lions leave no stone unturned in their quest to make the world a better place.But they don't do it alone. The Lions Club is supported by numerous businesses and individuals within the town who share their passion for service and giving back. And they're always on the lookout for more hands and hearts to join their cause."You too could jump puddles and see the ripple you make turn into waves," encourages another enthusiastic member. "Whether you're a business looking to contribute or an individual wanting to make a difference, there's a place for you in our club."Becoming a member of the Kiama Lions Club isn't just about service; it's about forming lifelong friendships and experiencing the joy of seeing countless smiling faces at their events and initiatives."Join us," urges Bobbie English, the club's contact person. "You'll never know the joy until you give it a go. Reach out to us at 0455043043 or email [email protected] to start your journey with us today."In Kiama, the Lions Club isn't just an organisation; it's a beacon of hope, community, and endless possibilities.

From March 11 to March 24, 2024, the annual NSW Seniors Festival, in its 66th year, has been taking place across the state. Organised by the Department of Communities & Justice, this event aims to honour the contributions of seniors to the community. With various activities like art, sports, music, recreation, and health, the festival has provided opportunities for seniors to engage, connect, and celebrate.The festival included both in-person and online events, making it accessible to all seniors, including those in aged care or at home. The theme for the 2024 festival was "Reach Beyond," encouraging seniors to strive for personal growth and new experiences. The local festival program, spearheaded by the Kiama Municipal Council, offered numerous events and workshops, mostly free or discounted, aimed at promoting social interaction, learning, and well-being among seniors.Cr Neil Reilly, Mayor of Kiama Municipal Council, emphasised the theme's importance, encouraging seniors to overcome age-related limitations and embrace opportunities for growth and connection. Activities like rock'n'roll, hearing tests, choir sessions, movie screenings, and workshops provided avenues for seniors to explore new interests and engage with their communities.The NSW Seniors Festival 2024 serves as a platform for seniors to continue their journey of personal development, fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and celebration of life's milestones within the community.  Hopefully everyone had a chance to connect with some of the events on offer. Send in your photos from this Seniors Festival to [email protected] and you may be featured on our social media pages

In a bid to alleviate financial burdens and enhance the quality of life for seniors, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has unveiled a comprehensive online platform tailored specifically for individuals aged 65 and above. Launched on the official NSW government website, the new Seniors hub serves as a centralised repository of information, offering invaluable resources to help seniors manage their expenses and navigate various life events. With statistics indicating that one in six NSW residents falls into the senior demographic, and the majority relying on government pensions or allowances as their primary income source, the need for targeted assistance is evident. The Seniors hub aims to address this need by providing a one-stop destination for accessing financial support, including links to over 10 NSW Government resources. Among these resources is the Senior Cards Discounts and Deal map, which showcases participating retailers offering discounts and benefits exclusively for seniors. Beyond financial assistance, the Seniors hub covers a wide array of topics pertinent to seniors' lives, such as managing finances, preparing for emergencies, maintaining health, understanding transportation regulations, exploring housing and care options, and managing life events like wills and powers of attorney. Following the success of the NSW Government's Seniors Festival 2024, the launch of the Seniors hub underscores a commitment to providing year-round support and guidance to older residents across the state. Moreover, the platform's accessibility features ensure that it caters to users of all digital literacy levels, with multilingual support available to accommodate the diverse linguistic backgrounds of seniors in NSW. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, emphasises the importance of the Seniors hub in assisting individuals grappling with cost-of-living pressures, while Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison, applauds the platform for its convenience and inclusivity. Mark Higgs, the NSW Government Digital Channels Executive Director, highlights the OneCX Program's role in simplifying access to essential information and services, emphasising the Seniors hub's consolidation of resources from various government initiatives. With the unveiling of this online resource, the NSW Government reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive society where seniors can age with dignity and access the support they need to thrive. To explore the Seniors hub and its wealth of resources, seniors and their caregivers can visit www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors.

The Parkinson's Dance Exercise Class, held at the Masonic Hall in Collins St every Friday from 10:00 to 11:00, is not just a routine exercise session. Led by the experienced dance instructor Doug Newton from Wollongong Dance World, this class is a new way for seniors to navigate the challenges of Parkinson's disease. In a journey that can often feel isolating and daunting, this class offers more than just physical activity; it provides a therapeutic escape through the sheer joy of dance. With a nominal fee of $10 for participation, all one needs to bring are their dancing shoes and an eagerness to learn.Doug Newton, a senior himself, understands the limitations faced by older individuals, especially those with neurological conditions. His expertise coupled with a selection of groovy tunes that instantly incites movement, creates an environment where participants feel the urge to dance, making exercise not just beneficial but enjoyable.Dancing Doug NewtonDance therapy has long been recognised as a powerful tool in managing Parkinson's disease. Recent studies have shown that dance interventions can significantly enhance motor function, including stretching, stepping, and balance. Participants in dance programs have demonstrated improvements, notably in balance, compared to those in regular exercise groups. These improvements are attributed to the nature of dance, which involves repetition, direction changes, and step sequencing, all of which translate into effective gait patterns. Moreover, the rhythmic movements in dance activate the basal ganglia, a section of the brain crucial for motor control, and are enhanced by the auditory cues present in music, aiding coordination and movement.The significance of dance therapy goes beyond its physical benefits. Dance has been an integral part of human culture since ancient times, serving as a form of self-expression, communication, and communal celebration. Indigenous peoples of Australasia have long practised dance as a healing art, recognising its therapeutic potential. In the 20th century, dance therapy emerged as a formal practice, emphasising the interconnectedness of mind and body. In Australia, the development of dance therapy owes much to the pioneering efforts of figures like Hanny Exiner, a dancer and educator, who laid the foundation for the profession in the 1970s.The Parkinson's Dance Exercise Class in Kiama offers a holistic approach to managing Parkinson's disease. Beyond the physical benefits, participants find joy, camaraderie, and a sense of liberation through movement. As the class continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of dance therapy in enhancing the lives of individuals living with Parkinson's disease. 

The Retirement Living Council (RLC) is urging the Australian government to draw on the power of retirement communities by reimagining how it funds and delivers home care services to older Australians.In its submission to the government ahead of the May Budget, the RLC is calling for the introduction of a ‘Shared Care’ framework, which would see retirement living communities funded to provide home care services directly to residents living in their villages. RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon said retirement living communities are “perfectly placed” to help provide home care services to support their residents to live healthy, independent lives for longer.“With the number of Australians over the age of 75 set to grow by 70 per cent by 2040, it’s not possible to talk about the future of care and the demand for these services without considering the important housing and health value proposition of the retirement living industry,” Mr Gannon said.“The reality is that hundreds of thousands of Aussies call a retirement community home, and the policy approach to home care should reflect that.“We can’t address the aged care crisis by simply throwing more and more tax dollars at it, and the privately funded retirement living sector is ready and willing to play its part.“Retirement communities can deliver better outcomes, experiences and value for older Australians accessing care – and there are benefits for government too.“More than one million Australians currently utilise home care services, ranging from transport to personal care.“Some of these people are waiting for up to a year to access home care funding, and sadly a third of this funding is lost to administration fees before it can be used,” he said.Mr Gannon said the RLC has prepared a new framework – Shared Care – to deliver greater efficiencies for consumers, government, and care providers.“This report paves a path for government to make the delivery of home care almost 20 per cent more efficient, meaning that older Australians would receive more care per dollar invested,” Mr Gannon said.“These efficiencies would ultimately save the commonwealth up to $100 million per year, which is a win-win for consumers and government alike.“This ‘shared care’ approach would provide three models for retirement village operators to deliver community-based care services under the Support at Home program within the village setting, either independently or through a delivery partner.“These models have been developed to show that significant efficiencies and savings to consumers and government can be achieved, even at moderate levels of uptake, with no cost to government.“This is because retirement villages provide scale for delivering these services efficiently and cost effectively by reducing travel costs incurred by service providers, increasing the frequency of service delivery, and enhancing the quality and suite of services by leveraging those already in place at these communities,” he said.View the RLC’s full Federal Budget submission here.

Do you know a senior resident of the Kiama LGA who deserves to be recognised for their contributions to the community? Then what better way to honour them than by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.Winners will be announced at the annual festival, which takes place from 11 - 24 March this year, with events in Sydney around the International Convention & Exhibit Centre at Darling Harbour.NSW Member for Kiama Gareth Ward encouraged Kiama residents to nominate someone from the community, with nominations closing 12 March 2024.“If you know a local senior in the Kiama electorate who helps make our local community great, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate them for official acknowledgement of their distinguished contribution and volunteering efforts,” said Ward.“This annual festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society.”“Nominations are now open for the awards program, one of many initiatives the NSW Government promotes to support the state’s seniors living happy, healthy, and active lives.You can nominate someone from the NSW Seniors Festival website, or by picking up a form from Gareth Ward’s office on Terralong Street, Kiama.The theme for this year’s festival is “Reach Beyond”.

Dementia Australia’s Ask Annie app has expanded its reach to support workers in delivering aged and dementia care. The app was previously tailored for aged and community care professionals, and is now freely accessible to all aged care workers, providing new and essential resources to enhance the quality of care provided to residents living with dementia.The expansion includes a specialised program for residential aged care with four additional modules and 19 new lessons featuring real-world scenarios for practical learning. The app is accessible 24/7 to best provide support planning to focus on best practices and empathetic care delivery. It was first released in June 2021 and has since received over 20,000 downloads with 11,200 active users. It boasts a user-friendly interface that ensures aged carers can access solutions-based thinking and practical advice. Dr. David Sykes, the Director of the Center for Dementia Learning highlighted the importance of supporting aged care workers with relevant training describing Ask Annie as a ‘pocket coach’ for practical guidelines. Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. Ask Annie is free to download from your app store. For more information you can visit this website or call 1300 DEMENTIA (1300 336 368).

Locals were invited to participate in a Dementia Community Education session early December at the Uniting Church Hall in Gerringong. This event was being by the "Dementia Inclusive Kiama Project" which seeks to provide comprehensive awareness and understanding of dementia. This session was especially valuable for those seeking insights into supporting individuals living with dementia.  The education session, designed and delivered by people living with and alongside dementia, is a key component of the ongoing "Dementia Inclusive Kiama Project." Despite challenges, the project, in collaboration with the University of Wollongong, Dementia Australia, and until earlier this year Kiama Council, has been making significant strides since September 2014. It has a rich history of success and manages to continue despite Council pulling out of the project at the end of the last financial year.  The project was initially founded on research activities led by A/Prof Lyn Phillipson from the University of Wollongong. The research sought to identify features in the physical, social, and service environments affecting the experiences of people living with dementia in Kiama. Notably, the project has received two national and one international award for its impactful work in raising awareness and advocating for the rights of people living with dementia. Research activities included interviews and mapping activities with local people with dementia and their supporters and participating in the development and testing of an audit tool to assess spaces in Kiama. A survey of 123 local community members about their knowledge of and attitudes towards dementia was conducted, along with a survey of 22 organisations that service people living with dementia in Kiama.  These activities helped to identify features of the physical, social and service environments which help or hinder the experiences of people living with dementia. The surveys found that most (74 per cent) knew someone with dementia and the vast majority (91 per cent) were happy to spend time or have a conversation with a person with dementia. Despite this, only around half (51 per cent) considered themselves to have a good understanding about the condition. Some people had low expectations of interactions with people with dementia, for example over 30 per cent agreed that complex and interesting conversation could not be expected from most people with dementia. The project's Dementia Alliance and the Dementia Advisory Group (DAGS), have been instrumental in implementing a Kiama Dementia Action Plan. The Alliance, comprising individuals and stakeholders, is responsible for developing and executing dementia-friendly activities, while DAGS, exclusively composed of people with dementia and their supporters, oversees and develops additional activities. Nick Guggisberg, helping to organise the education sessions, brings a long history and extensive experience in community development to the project and a personal connection to the project, with family members who have/are living with dementia.  Dennis Frost, who presented at the forum, shared his personal journey with frontotemporal dementia highlighting the misconception surrounding the condition, emphasising that having dementia can be liberating and doesn't necessarily equate to immediate incapacity. The education sessions, delivered by people with dementia and their care partners, addressed not only the symptoms but also the social implications and stigma associated with the condition. Dennis recalls feeling happy when he received his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia 10 years ago, at age 59. “I finally had an explanation for things that were occurring” he says. He adds that his son’s reaction was one of concern; to him his father had just been given a terminal illness. Dennis says, “the path of dementia is not what society sometimes has us believe”, and his son’s somewhat understandable expectation “that I would wind up incapable of anything very quickly”, changed with time.Rock musician Veda Meneghetti grapples with a rare form of dementia, impairing speech, reading, and comprehension. In a compelling testament to the urgent need for reform in aged care, her devoted carer, Lynda Henderson, played a pivotal role by providing vital insights to the Royal Commission. This underscores the pressing importance of advocacy to address the challenges within the aged care system, particularly as it relates to dementia.This education session is delivered by and for people with dementia and their care partners. It is community work from the ground up. They address the symptoms of living with dementia and the social implications and stigmas such as referring to people living with dementia as "sufferers or dementia people" that often go with it. People tend to withdraw away from people living with dementia. This shunning causes isolation which is opposite to their need to participate in community and live a higher quality of life.  For further information on this subject please visit www.dementia.org.au

If you’re feeling the cost-of-living pinch right now, these ten independent organisations offer discounts on a huge range of goods and services. Cashback when you shop:  Cashrewards: www.cashrewards.com.au  App form: RetailMeNot (coupons, promo codes and cashback)Almost everything: (homewares, clothes, furniture, electronics, appliances…):   Catch: www.catch.com.au  Groupon: www.groupon.com.au Honey: www.joinhoney.com (discount codes) Temu:  www.temu.com Travel/flights:  Cudo: www.cudo.com.au Skyscanner: www.skyscanner.com.au Senior Discounts: Coupon65:  www.coupon65.com (if you’re born before 1964)Community driven: OzBargain: www.ozbargain.com.au We hope this list of discounts and rebate options helps our readership. 

Back Row Left to Right: Marion Witheridge, Lyn Mitchell, Anne Hassett, Robyn McQuireFront Row Left to Right: Jan Weaver, Ann Dawes, Wendy ToomeyJoan Cooper, Bob Young, Annette Young, Peter Cooper

The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme is available to Kiama residents forced to travel for specialist and allied healthcare that’s not available locally. Since August 2022 it's 75 dollars a night for accommodation and 40 cents per kilometre if traveling in a private vehicle. The accommodation rates vary depending on whether it's a non for profit accommodation , or a for profit accommodation, including AirBnBs.To qualify you must be a NSW resident and enrolled with Medicare and not receiving financial assistance from third party insurance or other government services such as veteran affairs. However, full subsidies are also available  with taxi vouchers and even the full cost of economy air fares if approved. The travel must be for treatment at least 100 kilometres for one journey or at least 200 kilometres receiving multiple treatment in one week.To learn more ring 1800 478 227 or search online for IPTAAS or contact the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Health District. 

Kiama Quilters presented founding member Margret Carmichael with a Quilt to mark her 90th birthday at the Kiama Quilters meeting at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park. The Kiama Quilters put on a lovely High Tea to celebrate Margaret Carmicheal’s 90th birthday. For 38 years, Margaret Carmichael has been an essential member of the Kiama Quilters. Unfortunately, the group could not celebrate her contributions due to recent health issues. Kiama and Jamberoo Uniting Church Minister, the Reverend Katherine Merrifield described Margaret as a pillar of her church community and has been a stalwart of many community organisations for years. “Margaret would be the first to say her faith was at the heart of her desire to get involved and make a difference in so many ways,” Rev Kath said. Margaret was presented with a special quilt made by members. She made a short speech, talking about how the Kiama Quilters started 38 years ago and paying tribute to her husband John Carmichael with whom she has shared a marriage of over 70 years. “John has been and always is my rock. When I married him, I knew nothing, and together we taught each other over 70 years of marriage.” Kiama Quilters also had a small fundraiser for R.S.P.C.A during the lunch. The Kiama Quilters met every Wednesday from 10 am to 1 pm at the Joyce Wheatley Centre in Hindmarsh Park in Kiama.