Today, Professor Tanya Buchanan commences her role as CEO at Dementia Australia.
Dementia Australia Chair Merran Kelsall AO welcomed Professor Buchanan to the role.
“Professor Buchanan brings a wealth of experience gained through her extensive and impressive career in the health, research and not-for-profit sectors,” Ms Kelsall said.
“I am delighted that Professor Buchanan will be leading the dedicated team at Dementia Australia in continuing to support and make a difference to the lives of Australians impacted by dementia.”
Dementia Australia Advisory Committee Chair Bobby Redman, who lives with dementia, said the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee were excited about the opportunity to work with Professor Buchanan to improve outcomes for all Australians impacted by dementia.
“The Committee looks forward to working with Professor Buchanan to continue to help shape dementia services, programs, policy development and advocacy goals,” Ms Redman said.
“Professor Buchanan is committed to making a difference to the lives of all people impacted by dementia and we look forward to working with her to ensure we do this now as well as for generations to come.”
On her appointment, Professor Buchanan said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Dementia Australia at such a significant time.
“With more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia in 2024, I look forward to working with the team and key stakeholders to ensure every Australian impacted by dementia has access to the best care and support possible.
“A reminder that the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to provide expert information, advice and support. There is no issue too big, no question too small.”
About Professor Buchanan
Professor Buchanan studied Nursing at Curtin University of Technology and an MBA in Health Services at Edith Cowan University. She also holds a PhD and a range of qualifications including governance qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Professor Buchanan commenced her career as a Registered Nurse with clinical work in neuroscience, and has worked in health, academia, local government and the voluntary sector. She is also an Honorary Professor of Practice at the School of Health and Society (Public Health) at the University of Wollongong and is active in public health research and practice.
In 2011, Professor Buchanan won the Leading Wales Award for the not-for-profit sector and was admitted as a Member of the Faculty of Public Health by Distinction for her contribution to Public Health in the UK. In 2023, she was awarded the University of Wollongong Alumni Award for Social Impact.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 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: Gabrielle Prabhu, Media & Communications Manager, 0447 253 583 or Gabrielle.Prabhu@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.
