Committee helping to make Forster/Tuncurry dementia friendly Forster, Tuncurry by NOTA - April 18, 2016 Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead joined the members of the steering committee for having Forster/Tuncurry declared Dementia Friendly towns. The Steering Committee is making good progress towards its goal of making Forster/Tuncurry dementia friendly Mr Bromhead said the second highly productive meeting of the steering committee is examining the requirements for residents in the Forster/Tuncurry area. “The steering committee has representatives from organisations including Probus, Lions and Rotary, Great Lakes Council and Alzheimer’s Australia each of whom has a common goal to help people with dementia and their carers,” Mr Bromhead said. “With an increasing rate of dementia in Myall Lakes, and as we have the highest proportion of people aged over 65 in NSW and the second highest prevalence of people suffering from dementia, it is essential that we do our best to assist their everyday lives. “Other cities and regions have set up coordinating bodies whose purpose is to help communities with some simple things that can help people with dementia. “One example is asking cafes and restaurants to print special menus with a larger font size to assist reading, not only by people with dementia, but also seniors and those with poor eyesight. “Although we are starting with Forster/Tuncurry, the plans and relationships that are being developed will also enable me to do the same thing in Taree and Wingham. “My plan is to turn Forster/Tuncurry and then Taree and Wingham into Dementia Friendly towns. “This is just the beginning of the process and I encourage anyone with an interest in assisting the steering committee to get in touch with me at my office on 6555 4099 or at myalllakes@parliament.nsw.gov.au.”
