Dementia Australia has today announced the recipients of its inaugural Diversity Small Grant program, awarding more than $320,000 to 11 Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community groups and organisations across Australia.
Each of the 11 recipients were awarded up to $30,000 each to fund activities focused on building greater awareness and understanding of dementia in their local communities.
The grants come at time when dementia prevalence rates among First Nations people are approximately three to five times higher than that of the general Australian population1 and with at least 28 per cent of people living with dementia in Australia born in a non-English speaking country2.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said supporting diverse community groups and organisations was crucial to an inclusive future were everyone has an awareness of dementia, knows how to lower their risk of developing it and is aware of what supports are available.
“Each of the community groups or organisations selected as grant recipients know their communities. We will now see a wide range of projects come to life that aim to increase dementia awareness in a way that is culturally sensitive and appropriate,” Professor Buchanan said.
“The standard of applicants was extremely high; I congratulate all grant recipients, and I look forward to seeing all of the projects up and running.”
Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) CEO and Diversity Small Grant recipient Jason Allan said the funding will help his organisation to deliver much-need dementia education workshops aimed at supporting families, including young people, across the community.
“Dementia can impact anyone in the community and with this grant WLALC will kick start and continue the conversations about those impacts and the challenges of living with dementia,” Mr Allan said.
“Our project involves culturally tailored dementia awareness workshops for the Gamilaroi community in Walhallow, NSW. These sessions will cover early signs, support options, and care strategies, all presented with respect for Aboriginal cultural practices.
“WLALC wants to highlight available dementia support options and resources in the region and help provide education on dementia to the community.”
The Diversity Small Grant program is a Dementia Australia initiative funded by the Australian Federal Government.
A full list of recipients can be found below.
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024) Population health impacts of dementia among First Nations people
2 Australian Bureau of Statistic 2018 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
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
Media contacts: Megan Jones, Media and Communications Advisor, 0411 461 678, megan.jones@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.
Recipients of the Diversity Small Grants
ACT
Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation
NSW
Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council
NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors
NT
Our Community Shed
QLD
Bidgerdii Community Health Service
Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland Ltd
SA
Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association
VIC
Multicultural Community Services Geelong (Cultura)
Victoria Arabic Social Services
WA
Philippine Educational Theatre Artists of WA Inc
West Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corp