Redland City Council is shining a light on Dementia Action Week (21 to 27 September) with free film screenings and a health chat at its mainland libraries.
The documentary film, Mr Velvet Ears, follows a couple’s journey as they navigate the transition into residential aged care while living with younger onset dementia, told through the perspective of their dementia assistance dog.
The health chat will be presented by a representative from Dementia Australia.
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Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the events aimed to encourage a greater understanding of dementia and help build a more dementia-friendly and inclusive community.
“According to the Redlands Coast Dementia Community, there are more than 3200 Redland City residents currently living with dementia and this number could exceed 6400 by 2054,” Cr Talty said.
“The initiatives planned for Dementia Action Week align with Redland City Council’s ongoing commitment to creating a dementia-friendly community through the Redlands Coast Age-friendly Action Plan and the Redlands Coast Stronger Communities Strategy,” Cr Talty said.
“They also build on existing partnerships with organisations such as Redland Coast Dementia Community, Dementia Australia and Celebrate Ageing.”
Mr Velvet Ears screenings will be held at the following locations:
- Capalaba Library – Monday 21 September from 10am to 12pm
- Victoria Point Library – Thursday 24 September from 10am to 12pm
- Cleveland Library – Friday 25 September from 1pm to 3pm.
At each event there will be opportunities to learn about local services, support networks and community activities available through organisations such as Redland Coast Dementia Community and Dementia Australia.
The ‘Navigating Dementia’ health chat will be held at Cleveland Library on Wednesday 23 September from 10am to 11am. Attendees will learn about dementia types, discover helpful tips for holistic care and find out how to access support. Bookings are required via Council’s website.
Council also supports a dementia choir, Sing Sing Sing, which is a Company in Residence at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) as part of the Redlands Arts Partnership Program. This inclusive choir for people living with dementia and their carers meets weekly on Mondays during school terms and has a showcase performance at RPAC on 24 October. Details are on the RPAC website.
In 2022, Redland City Council was acknowledged by Dementia Australia for its commitment to creating a dementia-friendly city.
“Council has made a commitment to lead from the front and work towards ensuring our spaces – such as customer service centres, libraries, art galleries and the Redland Performing Arts Centre – are welcoming and easy to access for people with dementia and their carers,” Cr Talty said.
“This can be done through practical measures such as appropriate signage, lighting, furniture and colours.
“In our libraries, for example, the majority of staff have received Dementia Friend training from Dementia Australia.
“People living with dementia and other cognitive challenges can also access a Tovertafel table at Cleveland Library, where infrared technology is used to encourage movement, play and social engagement.
“Council also implemented the internationally recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative in 2024, to support people in the community living with non-visible disabilities such as dementia.
“By wearing white sunflower lanyards or pins, Council employees show those with a non-visible disability that they are there to provide support and extra help if needed.”
