The Shire of Manjimup has been recognised and congratulated by Dementia Australia for its role in “working towards dementia friendly”

An action plan developed by the Shire of Manjimup demonstrates that the Dementia Friendly Team have had meaningful and regular consultation of people living with dementia and carers in the age friendly and inclusion plans as well as the design of the Wellness and Respite Community Centre since 2016.

The Shire has shown ongoing investment in the training and capabilities development of staff beyond foundational dementia awareness and understanding. Dementia Australia are really impressed with how the Shire alliance has built partnerships and professionals and lived experience experts to ensure staff and local businesses gain a better understanding of the needs of people living with dementia and carers, and to improve language and business practices.

Moreover the Shire has been commended for its conducting of regular audits of public spaces and buildings to improve accessibility and wayfinding. In addition the use of assistive technology on the new website demonstrates a commitment to increasing participation and inclusion of people living with dementia and carers in all aspects of civic life.

The Shire of Manjimup has been issued with The Dementia Friendly Badge includes the words ‘we are working toward becoming dementia-friendly’ to acknowledge that becoming dementia-friendly is not a tick box exercise. Rather it is an ongoing commitment to work together with local community members who are living with dementia to create a more supportive, accepting and inclusive community. It demonstrates that the community is continually improving its responsiveness to the needs of people living with dementia and meaningfully and purposefully involving them at every step in the process. The badge is also dated with the current year, and updated versions are sent out to Alliances that continue their work towards becoming dementia-friendly.