Dementia Australia is thrilled to have been appointed as the nominated charity for the Penrite Oil Sandown 500, one of the greatly anticipated races returning to the Repco Supercars Championships calendar. The three-day race event is from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 September at the Sandown International Motor Raceway, Melbourne.
Penrite Oil, major sponsor and partner of the Supercars event, nominated Dementia Australia as their charity partner as a tribute to Dementia Australia Patron, Allan Moffat OBE, Supercars Legend, Hall of Fame inductee, and four-time Bathurst 1000 winner who is living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Jarrod Harding, Brand Manager Penrite Oil said we are so pleased to be working with Allan Moffat and Dementia Australia.
“Growing up a Ford kid like many, Allan was one of my heroes, so it’s great to be able to support him,” Mr Harding said.
“Dementia is a disease that affects so many families, and it's a cause that's really close to our hearts here at Penrite Oil. As an Australian family-owned business with strong community values, we feel it's important to give back and support those who need it most.
“As part of the partnership, Penrite Oil will be working with Allan Moffat to promote Dementia Australia's work and to encourage community support for the charity's activities.
“The partnership will also see the reimagining the livery of Allan’s famous 1979 XC Federation Falcon and I am proud to announce it will include Dementia Australia’s logo.”
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said it was a privilege to be part of such a significant event in the Repco Supercars Championships calendar.
“I extend my gratitude to Penrite Oil and Supercars for inviting Dementia Australia to be a part of this exciting opportunity to raise awareness and funds to support dementia services and programs,” Ms McCabe said.
“It is so exciting to see Dementia Australia’s logo included in the historic livery launched today.
“Allan Moffat as our Patron and his support network have been so generous in sharing about his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to raise awareness in the community and vital funds for Dementia Australia.”
Allan first talked about his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in September 2019 when he was appointed as a Dementia Australia Patron.
At that time Allan shared this important message: “By speaking up about my experience with Alzheimer’s disease, I can encourage others to seek support and know that they are not alone if they have concerns about themselves or a loved one.”
“Anyone who has concerns about themselves or someone close to them or with any questions I encourage them to call the 24/7 National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500,” Ms McCabe said.
Penrite Oil Sandown 500 racegoers are encouraged to visit Dementia Australia’s marquee on site across the three event days where there will be access to information, merchandise and a raffle.
The Penrite Oil Sandown 500 is the perfect lead into Dementia Australia Action Week which will run from 18-24 September. With ‘Action’ being the theme - you can act in so many ways to help people living with dementia, their families, and carers. We encourage anyone wishing to find out more to act now for a dementia-friendly future. To find out more about how you can act go to dementia.org.au/enews.
“Thank you to Penrite Oil, Supercars and most importantly to Allan Moffat and his network of supporters for continuing to give back to his racing community and helping all racegoers to know if they are impacted by dementia – they are not alone,” Ms McCabe said.
For event information and tickets go to fundraising.dementia.org.au/Allan.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
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Media contacts: Kellie Langmaid 0439 633 707 | kellie.langmaid@dementia.org.au; Christine Bolt 0400 004 553 | christine.bolt@dementia.org.au
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
