An official announcement for the extension to the Dementia Friendly Kiama Project was delivered at the Kiama Anglican Church this afternoon.
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As a result of a $20 000 grant from the IRT Foundation, the Kiama Council’s Dementia Friendly Project is set to continue for a further 12 months.
Kiama Council’s Community & Cultural Development Manager Nick Guggisberg said the funding was welcomed.
“We are thrilled to receive the IRT Foundation’s $20,000 grant,” he said.
“This unique project is breaking new ground in developing a dementia friendly community by bringing together … organisations and members of our local community—all of which are highly skilled and knowledgeable in the field of dementia.”
Commencing in July 2014, the Kiama Municipal Council joined forces with Alzheimer’s Australia and the University of Wollongong to develop an innovative pilot that has since attracted international recognition.
Due to its unique and collaborative approach in placing people living with dementia (PLWD) at its core, the project has also been awarded the National Award for Local Government in Disability Access and Inclusion category.
Mr Guggisberg said that in order for the Project to continue, funding was pivotal.
“In 2015, the project secured a $50,000 Liveable Communities Grant through Local Government NSW to employ a project officer,” he said.
“This funding is due to be spent by 30 June, so the IRT Foundation’s funding along with other funds recently secured, means the project can continue to achieve its goals for at least another 12 months.”
As the Project aligns with the IRT Foundations aim to create opportunities for people to age without barriers, the funding was provided to benefit the aged and elderly community.
Additional funding was also secured from Alzheimer’s Australia ($6700), Alzheimer’s Australia NSW ($5000), Kiama & District Chamber of Commerce ($2500), Kiama Rotary ($1000), and UOW ($1000) with Council contributing $4000.
The Project will now develop an action plan based around a number of key activities, including a dementia and music program.
Evaluation will continue until June 2017, and the results will be used to help develop a resource kit to build dementia friendly communities.
For more information, please contact Nick Guggisberg on (02) 4232 0444 or Kiama Council’s Communications Unit on (02) 4232 0407.
