A major community forum on dementia will be held in Hobart next week as part of Dementia Action Week 2025, bringing together researchers, service providers and carers to discuss support for Tasmanians affected by the condition.
The event, organised by PRONIA, will take place on Thursday 25 September at Hellenic House in North Hobart.
It is the first time a wide group of dementia organisations have joined forces in Tasmania to provide information and resources in one setting.
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for nearly 17,400 deaths in 2023 – almost one in ten. More than 425,000 Australians were estimated to be living with the condition in 2024.
Speakers at the forum include Professor James Vickers, director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania, and a panel featuring representatives from Dementia Australia, Care2Serve, and PRONIA.
Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Matthew Staios will chair the discussion and present on brain health and diversity.
Workshops and activities across the day will cover topics such as support for carers, culturally responsive dementia services, brain health, wellbeing and music therapy.
Information stalls will also be available from organisations including Dementia Support Australia, Community Care Tasmania, the Migrant Resource Centre, and the Independent Living Centre Tasmania.
PRONIA chief executive Sylvia Hadjiantoniou said dementia affected not only individuals but also families and communities.
“People need to know what support is available and where to turn,” she said in a media release.
The forum runs from 10am to 3pm and is open to the public.
