Gympie Dementia Friendly Alliance

12/01/2026

The Older Adult Research Team at Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Centre need our help and in particular, for people of Chinese descent either with Dementia or caring for someone with Dementia. NOTE: photos in commens section of post.

The request goes on to say:

Our researchers are passionate about developing effective treatment strategies to better support emotional and cognitive health in older adulthood.

We are currently exploring the cultural and psychological factors that may cause and
maintain social isolation and loneliness among English-speaking and Chinese-speaking family caregivers of people with dementia in Australia. We would like to invite family caregivers of people with dementia to participate in a two-time-point survey study. We are targeting to finish the recruitment by 31st March 2026.

I would be grateful if you could please share the following information with your network:

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華裔腦退化症(Dementia) 家庭照顧者(family carer)的照顧經歷 - 問卷研究

位於雪梨的麥考瑞大學 (Macquarie University) 長者心理研究小組目前正在研究居住在澳洲的華裔和英裔照顧者，在照顧腦退化症家人時的經歷、社交情況和身心健康。

我們誠摯邀請我們誠意邀請符合以下條件的照顧者參與問卷調查：
年滿 18 歲或以上
為患有腦退化症的家庭成員提供照顧至少6個月
日常使用英文或中文交流
來自華裔或英裔背景的照顧者

符合條件的參與者將需要完成兩次問卷調查，兩次問卷間隔約六個月。每次問卷大約需時25至40分鐘，可選擇透過網上、電話、郵寄或面對面方式完成。完成兩次問卷後，每位參與者將獲得一張澳幣20元的購物卡。

您的參與將幫助我們深入了解華裔腦退化照顧者所面臨的社交孤立和孤獨感挑戰，並為這個特殊群體設計更貼心的支援和介入措施。

如果您符合條件並有意參加，請點擊以下連結：
繁體中文:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to?Q_Language=ZH-T
简体中文:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to?Q_Language=ZH-S
English:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to

更多詳情請參閱傳單。
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华裔脑退化症(Dementia) 家庭照顾者(family carer)的照顾经历 - 问卷研究

位于雪梨的麦考瑞大学 (Macquarie University) 长者心理研究小组目前正在研究居住在澳洲的华裔和英裔照顾者，在照顾脑退化症家人时的经历、社交情况和身心健康。

我们诚挚邀请我们诚意邀请符合以下条件的照顾者参与问卷调查：
• 年满 18 岁或以上
• 为患有脑退化症的家庭成员提供照顾至少6个月
• 日常使用英文或中文交流
• 来自华裔或英裔背景的照顾者

符合条件的参与者将需要完成两次问卷调查，两次问卷间隔约六个月。每次问卷大约需时25至40分钟，可选择透过网上、电话、邮寄或面对面方式完成。完成两次问卷后，每位参与者将获得一张澳币20元的购物卡。

您的参与将帮助我们深入了解华裔脑退化照顾者所面临的社交孤立和孤独感挑战，并为这个特殊群体设计更贴心的支援和介入措施。

如果您符合条件并有意参加，请点击以下连结：
繁體中文:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to?Q_Language=ZH-T
简体中文:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to?Q_Language=ZH-S
English:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to

更多详情请参阅传单。
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The SOLACE (Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Cultural Experiences) Project – Survey Study

Researchers at Macquarie University are studying the caregiving, social experiences, and wellbeing among English-speaking and Chinese-speaking family caregivers of people with dementia in Australia.

We sincerely invite carers who meet the following criteria to participate in this survey study:
• Aged 18 years or above
• Have been providing care to a family member with dementia for at least 6 months
• Use English or Chinese for daily communication
• Come from an English-speaking or Chinese-speaking background

Eligible participants will complete two surveys, approximately 6 months apart. Each survey will take about 25-40 minutes to complete. Surveys can be completed online, via telephone, in person, or on paper. After completing both surveys, each participant will receive a $20 gift voucher.

Your participation will help us better understand the challenges of social isolation and loneliness faced by dementia carers and support the development of more tailored services and interventions for this community.

If you are eligible and interested in participating, please click the following link:
繁體中文:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to?Q_Language=ZH-T
简体中文:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to?Q_Language=ZH-S
English:
https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0upFuVbsvMgc6to

For more details, please refer to the flyer.
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I have also attached the study flyers that can be distributed widely – available in English, traditional and simplified Chinese characters.

Please let me know if I can provide any further information.

Many thanks in advance for your assistance.

* I may have sent this email out of typical work hours. This does not mean I expect a reply outside of your work hours.*

Kind Regards,
Wing-Yin (Theodora 梁詠妍) Leung (she/her)
PhD Candidate, Research Assistant and Sessional Teaching Academic
Lifespan Health & Wellbeing Research Centre
School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences
Level 3 (South Wing), Australian Hearing Hub
16 University Avenue
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
E: theodora.leung@mq.edu.au
T: +61 2 9850 4121
Work days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

22/12/2025

The team has created most of the events for the 2026 year and we are just waiting to clarify the venues for April, May and July - stay tuned for flyers and events on Facebook.

Again, one and all, thank for your support of this humble little homegrown initiative - the Gympie Dementia Friendly Alliance.

Please share this page with your family and friends and invite anyone you think (or know) that could benefit by coming along to one of our free morning teas - best wishes for the festive season, Penny, Raelene, Marguerite, Cindy & Sean (plus all of you other supporters who come along on a regular basis) 💜

19/10/2025

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For many, voluntary assisted dying has come to symbolise control over how life ends. Yet dying well isn't just about those final hours. That's where a deathwalker like Zenith can help.

14/10/2025

An additional local upcoming event, however please note there is a 2-day commitment to be part of this one:

Caring for a Parent with Dementia – Wed, 10 Dec 2025, 9:30 am & Thurs, 11 Dec 2025, 9:30am- 2:30pm - https://CPDGympie.eventbrite.com.au

This therapeutic program is designed to help sons and daughters navigate the practical, psychological, and emotional issues that arise when caring for a parent with dementia. You are required to attend both days.

The program is suitable for: Family carers and family members of people living with dementia. It is recommended that participants have previously attended an introductory session on dementia. This session is not suitable for professionals employed in the health or aged care sectors.

Caring for a Parent With Dementia Program by Dementia Australia

14/10/2025

Another upcoming local event:

Carer Wellness Program – Tue, 9 Dec 2025, 9:30am- 2:30pm - https://CWPGympie.eventbrite.com.au

This session focuses on the health and wellbeing of those involved in caring for a person living with dementia, whether they live with you or elsewhere. Carers may include partners, family members and friends.

The program is suitable for: Family carers and family members of people living with dementia. It is recommended that participants have previously attended an introductory session on dementia. This session is not suitable for professionals employed in the health or aged care sectors.

Carer Wellness Program delivered by Dementia Australia

08/10/2025

Turning the Tide: Early Detection and Intervention in Cognitive Decline and Dementia thanks to Country to Coast QLD

Date and time: Thu, 30 Oct 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM AEST
Location: Gunabul Homestead, 9 Power Road Gympie, QLD 4570

Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia. Without change, the number of people living with dementia will more than double by 2058 creating one of the most pressing public health challenges facing our communities. New treatments and diagnostic tools mean early detection and intervention could change the trajectory of dementia care forever. Join the next Clinical Society event in Gympie to explore early detection, new therapies, and innovations in dementia care.

This interactive evening includes CPD-accredited learning, lived experience voices, and practical strategies for clinicians, with dinner provided.

Learning Objectives

Explore current tools for screening and early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.
Explore innovations in early intervention and post-diagnostic dementia care.
Learn about new pharmacological interventions.
Discover how technology and social prescribing are transforming dementia care.
Promote culturally responsive and inclusive practices for priority populations.
Speakers

Geriatricians, GPs, allied health professionals.

Local lived experience advocates.

Dementia Australia & Dementia Support Australia representatives.

Cost: Free (includes dinner and refreshments) / RACGP & ACRRM CPD-accredited

Who should attend: GPs, nurses, allied health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, aged care and dementia clinicians, HHS and primary care partners.

Presented by Country to Coast QLD (CCQ)
Part of our ongoing Clinical Society series connecting 2,400+ professionals across the region.

Questions? Contact educationandworkforce@c2coast.org.au

You can watch CCQ’s Julie Dymock, alongside Dr Christelle Greeff, GP Palliative Care Maleny; Dr Harry Jacobs, Authorised VAD Practitioner; and Dr Diedre Stalk, Senior Medical Officer QVAD Support and Pharmacy Service at a Clinical Society event in Buderim.

Turning the Tide: Early Detection and Intervention in Cognitive Decline and Dementia

26/09/2025

26/09/2025

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25/09/2025

We’ve just reached 300 followers! Thank you for continuing support. We could never have made it without each and every one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

21/09/2025

❤️‍🩹

When executive Craig 'Moose' Moore received a diagnosis for early onset dementia at the age of 46, his world was turned upside down.

20/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the Gympie Dementia Friendly Alliance community workshop that was held this week at Gunabul Homestead.

A special thank you to Kim Whitfield from Nightingale Law for her discussion around the Dementia journey many face, and her own personal experience caring for a loved one with Dementia and the impact it had on her and her family. This is the second consecutive year that Kim has generously donated her time pro bono to this cause.

Thanks to Uni SC Gympie and Hayley and Amanda for their work behind the scenes and for the overview of Hayley’s current research around Dementia.

A shoutout to Fiona Keable from The Real Body Movement for her support throughout the week and for her generous donation on behalf of the TRBM family, that paid for afternoon tea for the community workshop.

Thanks to Kylie from RangeCare for organising the Dementia themed cupcakes that everyone enjoyed at both events this week.

We’d also like to thank Penny and Raelene for their ongoing drive behind the local Carers Support group and to Marguerite Moore for her guidance and encouragement in this space in general. Thanks to Gary and his wife for blessing us with their story also at the workshop.

….but most of all thank you to all of the families, loved ones and carers that battle Dementia on a daily basis to support someone they love and care for.

Finally a last minute thank you to Bravo Disability Support Network Inc for granting Cindy Buchan the time and freedom to bring this weeks events together and to People with Disability Australia for allowing Sean Connelly to coordinate the events and provide ongoing support to the Dementia Alliance.

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16/09/2025

Thanks to Gympie The real treasure is the town for coming along on our Dementia Walk today.

It was a great turnout, and it was good to show our collective support for people diagnosed with Dementia and their families and carers.

Some of the people that joined us today, had also lost someone to Dementia and just wanted to honour their memory ❤️‍🩹

Zinc 96 Gympie Today Gympie Chamber of Commerce Inc The Real Body Movement Cooloola Human Services Network Gunabul Homestead