Alzheimer's WA

03/09/2026

Meet the voices changing dementia care, and join them in shaping the future.

The 2026 Dementia Symposium “Changing the Journey” is fast approaching, on 23 September at Perth Convention Centre. Our expert and lived-experience speakers will share practical insights on early detection, person‑centred care, dementia‑friendly communities, ethics and future supports. Swipe through to meet some of the inspiring voices who will be joining us.

Tickets are selling fast - secure your spot for a day of learning, connection and action.

Final tickets available now. Visit alzheimerswa.org.au or call 1300 66 77 88.

01/09/2026

Dementia impacts hundreds of thousands of Australians. This September, join us in making a meaningful difference.

Dementia Awareness Month is an opportunity to deepen understanding, reduce stigma and support people living with dementia, their families and carers. Awareness Month is also an opportunity to take action, attend the 2026 Dementia Symposium on 23 September at the Perth Convention Centre, highlighting the theme “Changing the Journey”, with leading health experts, advocates and community voices exploring how to improve outcomes for people living with dementia.

Sessions will cover prevention and early intervention, person‑centred care, dementia‑friendly communities, and the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Preventative Health, Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, will provide an update on the State Dementia Action Plan. The event offers practical insights and conversations that can drive real change.

Final tickets available: Book now to avoid disappointment.
https://events.humanitix.com/the-dementia-symposium-2026

Help change the journey - call us on 1300 66 77 88 for more information.

28/08/2026

Alzheimer’s WA is proud to support Red Nose Day and the important work Red Nose Australia does to help save little lives and support families through some of their most difficult moments.

Red Nose Day is a chance to come together, have a little fun and raise awareness for vital research, education and support for families impacted by the loss of a baby or child. It was also a great opportunity to bring our team together, strengthen workplace connections and enjoy an “all in” morning tea in the name of a good cause.

As the peak dementia care provider, we want to celebrate the amazing contribution and difference all not-for-profits are making to create a stronger and more caring WA.

26/08/2026

We are pleased to welcome Steve Walker from Dying with Dignity to share his insights and expertise on our Ethical Considerations in Dementia Care Panel at this year's Dementia Symposium – Changing the Journey.

Dying with Dignity Western Australia is a community organisation and registered charity that for almost 50 years has advocated for laws to permit people suffering at the end of life to have a choice to have medical assistance to die without unnecessary suffering.

Steve is a retired lawyer who has been President of Dying with Dignity WA since 2017. He oversaw or assisted several community legal centres during his career and was Chair of the Mental Health Law Centre for 10 years. Steve was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study the provision of legal advice to people in remote and regional areas undergoing mental health treatment.

He will be speaking on our Ethical Considerations in Dementia Care Panel, MC'd by ABC's Nadia Mitsopoulos with other notable speakers.

-Professor Warren Harding AM – Alzheimer's WA
-Amanda Silla – WA Health
-Linda Savage – VAD Board WA

Don't miss the opportunity to hear our panel share their insights at the 2026 Dementia Symposium.

Tickets are selling fast. Head to the website or call 1300 66 77 88 to purchase tickets.

https://events.humanitix.com/the-dementia-symposium-2026

19/08/2026

We welcome Francene Leaversuch from WA Health as a guest speaker at the 2026 Dementia Symposium, where she will provide insight into Western Australia’s dementia landscape and the State Dementia Action Plan in action.

Francene brings more than 20 years of public health experience in Australia and internationally, with senior leadership roles across government and the not-for-profit sector. Her expertise spans public health practice, policy, research and community-led initiatives.

The WA Government’s commitment to develop a 10-year State Dementia Action Plan provides an opportunity to explore dementia through the experiences of Western Australians. Francene will share insights from people with lived experience, carers, health professionals and service providers, highlighting the emerging priorities shaping WA’s future approach to dementia.

Join Francene and learn about the State Dementia Action Plan only at the 2026 Dementia Symposium.

Tickets are still on sale but are selling fast!
Go to https://events.humanitix.com/the-dementia-symposium-2026 or call 1300 66 77 88 for tickets.

14/08/2026

Perth Modern School wins the 2026 Frank Drysdale Interschool Challenge🏅

Thirty-four teams from 19 WA schools gathered at Lesmurdie Senior High School to compete in Individual Top Take, Team Top Take, Numero Games and Scramble. Perth Modern’s “Numerators” took the North Heat and secured their second Numero Championship. Many thanks to Numero Director, Julie Richards for organising another outstanding event.

The late Rev. Frank Drysdale and his wife Joan created Numero Australia and donated its royalties to Alzheimer's WA. For more than 40 years, Alzheimer’s WA has supported people living with dementia and their families at every stage of the journey.

Numero is more than a competition - it builds mental arithmetic, memory, attention, problem‑solving and teamwork, promoting lifelong cognitive fitness and potentially helping to build resilience against dementia. Alzheimer’s WA CEO Ella Dachs and Chair Prof. Warren Harding, AM presented awards to the students, celebrating their enthusiasm, teamwork and achievements.

Around 250 Australians are diagnosed with dementia each day, highlighting the importance of raising awareness, supporting research and promoting brain health across our communities. Please call 1300 667788 for information on AWA's services.

12/08/2026

We are pleased to announce Amanda Silla, Program Manager at WA Health and 2025 Churchill Trust Fellowship Recipient, as a speaker at the Alzheimer's WA 2026 Dementia Symposium "Changing the Journey". Amanda will present on the important topic of Voluntary Assisted Dying and join our Ethical Considerations in Dementia Care Panel.

A public health professional with over a decade of experience across Government, not-for-profit, education and legal sectors, Amanda holds degrees in Law and Psychology and a Master of Public Health. As Program Manager for the End of Life Care Program at the WA Department of Health, she develops statewide policy supporting high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care.

Amanda recently led WA’s inaugural statutory review of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2019. Through her Churchill Fellowship, she explored international approaches to assisted dying across Canada, the Netherlands and New Zealand, examining how patients and practitioners navigate decisions around administration, informed consent, autonomy and dignity.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Amanda share her insights at the 2026 Dementia Symposium and contribute to your CPD Points.

Early Bird Tickets are still on sale but are selling fast!

https://events.humanitix.com/the-dementia-symposium-2026

27/07/2026

🚨EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT! 🚨


Don't miss your chance to secure discounted tickets to the 2026 Dementia Symposium before prices increase.



Now in its 12th year, the Symposium is a must-attend event for Dementia practitioners, service providers, carers, administrators or even those who just want to learn more about Dementia



This year's theme, "Changing the Journey," will explore the importance of early recognition and timely intervention, with presentations covering innovative models of care, enabled environments, education, community awareness and the State Dementia Action Plan.



The event will be opened by Minister for Health and Mental Health, Meredith Hammat, MLA, with more world-class speakers to be announced soon.



⏳ Early Bird tickets won't last much longer. Secure yours today before they're gone!

https://events.humanitix.com/the-dementia-symposium-2026

22/07/2026

In recognition of World Brain Day, Alzheimer’s WA had the privilege of attending an industry sector event organised by the Neurological Council of WA. World Brain Day is a global initiative that aims to enhance understanding of neurological disorders, including dementia, which remains the leading cause of death in Australia.

The event focused on critical discussions regarding the enhancement of access to treatment and care for neurological conditions, as well as the promotion of brain health throughout all stages of life. It provided a platform for collaboration among key figures in Western Australia’s neurological community, featuring important insights from esteemed leaders such as the Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Preventive Health.

This event was a valuable opportunity to connect with advocates who are committed to fostering awareness, improving access to care, and driving better outcomes for people living with neurological conditions.

Alzheimer’s WA executive team, including Professor Warren Harding AM, CEO Ella Dachs, Head of Care Services Tracey King and Nigel Holmes, were pleased to attend - AWA extend our heartfelt gratitude to Etta Palumbo, CEO of Neurological Council of WA, for her strong advocacy and for being the driving force behind this enlightening event.

21/07/2026

We are pleased to announce that the Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Preventive Health, will be the opening speaker at the 2026 Dementia Symposium on 23 September at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).

As the Minister responsible for acute care, mental health, and her new portfolio of preventive health, Minister Hammat will share insights into the WA Government's priorities for improving health outcomes, including progress on implementing the State Dementia Action Plan. She will explore the importance of early detection, timely intervention, reducing lifestyle risk factors, and integrated approaches to care - key themes at the heart of this year's Symposium, Changing the Journey. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Minister Hammat speak about her new portfolio and its relevance to dementia prevention and care at the 2026 Dementia Symposium.

Professor Warren Harding AM, Chair of Alzheimer's WA, said he was delighted that Minister Hammat had accepted the invitation to speak at this important event.
"This is a unique opportunity to hear from a key leader shaping the future of health in Western Australia who has a deep empathy for older persons, aging populations, understands the challenges of dementia and the need for dementia friendly communities."

Don't miss this opportunity to hear Minister Hammat speak about her new portfolio and its relevance to dementia prevention and care at the 2026 Dementia Symposium. Early Bird Tickets are still on sale, but they are selling out fast!

The Dementia Symposium is back - and it’s bigger than ever! Join us this September at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre