Umbrella Dementia Cafes

19/08/2026

Thank you Community Bank Blackburn South for being the change makers and local champions of our work!

𝟒𝟒𝟔,𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝟏.𝟕 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞.

Behind every number is a person, a family and a community.

That's why Community Bank Blackburn South is proud to support Umbrella Dementia Cafes —creating welcoming, dementia-friendly spaces where people living with dementia, their families and carers can connect, share experiences and enjoy meaningful moments together. Through friendship, conversation and community, the cafés help people maintain their independence, dignity and sense of belonging.

To everyone who chooses to bank with Community Bank Blackburn South, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮🙏. Through our unique 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 banking model, you're helping support local initiatives like Umbrella Dementia Cafés that strengthen community connections and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

If you or someone you know is living with dementia or caring for a loved one, you're not alone. Learn more about the wonderful work of Umbrella Dementia Cafés at:
👉 https://umbrelladementiacafes.com.au/

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡. 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭. 💙

18/08/2026

Today we are went down memory lane 🥹✈️💭

Today’s whiteboard question at was: What’s your favourite holiday memory and why?

From family holidays and honeymoons to childhood adventures and once-in-a-lifetime trips, there are some beautiful stories behind these smiles.

You might also spot a little extra colour around today… 👀 These gorgeous pieces were generously donated by SEACYCLE SWIM & RESORT WEAR, who are supporting our Dance Against Dementia campaign by donating proceeds from their sales in August!

Swipe through their answers and then tell us yours below! Where does your favourite holiday memory take you? 👇

11/08/2026

Dedicating just ONE dance, gym or movement class can change a family’s whole year. Register today 🫶

Www.danceagainstdementia.au

You’re invited to join Dance Against Dementia this September and to move your way 💜

This isn’t about being a dancer, it’s about moving in a way you love while raising vital funds for people living with dementia.

Whether you dance, run, walk, hit the gym, do Pilates, swim, play tennis or simply move with friends, every step helps make a difference.

Choose your movement.
Rally your community.
Raise funds for Umbrella Dementia Cafés Ltd, helping create welcoming spaces where people living with dementia and their families can connect, belong and feel supported.

✨ Register via the link in our bio

Let’s move together this September for a cause that touches so many lives.

11/08/2026

Lights, camera… CAFÉ! 🎬🍿✨

Every now and then, we love bringing a little theme (and a whole lot of fun!) to our café connections and this week, our members were treated to a day at the movies! 🎥

We chatted about our favourite films, shared some movie memories and, of course, no trip to the movies would be complete without a little red carpet moment ❤️

Our members arrived in true Hollywood style, walking the red carpet before settling in for the day and as you can see, they absolutely understood the assignment! 😂👏 Even our wonderful volunteers and staff couldn’t resist having their own moment in the spotlight.

10/10 red carpet performances all round. ⭐️🎬❤️

05/08/2026

✨What Makes You Smile? | Blackburn Café ✨

This week, we asked a simple question:

“What is something that always makes you smile?”

John, 92: “A good looking girl!”
Andrew, 84: “When Carlton kick a goal!”

It’s amazing how one simple question can spark memories, laughter and connection.

Every person who walks through our doors has a lifetime of experiences, humour and wisdom to share and we’re so grateful to help create spaces where those stories can be celebrated.

Which answer made you smile? And tell us in the comments, what’s something that always makes you smile?

28/07/2026

🎭 Comedy for a Cause is back!

Join us for a fantastic evening of laughter while making a real difference in our local community.

Each year, our Peninsula community comes together to raise funds to keep our Rosebud & Sorrento Umbrella Dementia Cafés running.

This year, we’re incredibly grateful to Point Nepean Men’s Shed for hosting this special fundraiser.

100% of ticket proceeds go directly to supporting Umbrella Dementia Cafés.

Your ticket helps us continue providing welcoming, inclusive spaces where people living with dementia, their families and carers can connect, share experiences and enjoy meaningful social connection.

📅 Saturday, 5 September 2026

📍 Sorrento Portsea RSL Club

🎟️ Tickets: $35 - purchase through the link in our bio

Bring your family and friends, enjoy a great night of comedy, and help make a lasting difference in our community.

We can’t wait to see you there 💜🧡

22/07/2026

🇩🇰 A little piece of Denmark came to our Burwood Chatworks Café Connection! Swipe to relive the happy moments and witness our singing 🎶

The café celebrated a Danish theme day as we farewelled Café Facilitator Jacob, who is heading to Denmark to continue his studies throughout 2026.

The room was filled with Danish pastries, Vikings, LEGO creations, and even a special visit from Queen Mary for a cuppa! ☕️

But beyond the decorations and delicious treats, the heart of the day was connection, sharing stories, laughter, music and moments together.

Music and singing are powerful tools for people living with dementia. Familiar songs can help spark memories, encourage communication and create moments of joy, belonging and connection.

A beautiful reminder that dementia-friendly communities are built through meaningful experiences, creativity and coming together.

Wishing Jacob all the best for his next adventure! 🇩🇰

16/07/2026

At our Café of Connections in Box Hill South this week, we spent part of our catch up painting cars 🚗🎨

Creative activities like painting encourage concentration, fine motor skills, self-expression and confidence for people living with dementia. But perhaps even more importantly, they create opportunities for reminiscence, allowing memories to flow and stories to be shared.

As we painted, people began talking about our very first car, road trips they’d taken, first dates and memories from decades ago. It was incredible to watch familiar images unlock moments of joy, storytelling and connection.

This is just one of the many ways our cafés bring people living with dementia together, creating welcoming spaces that reduce isolation and remind us that everyone has a lifetime of stories worth sharing.

Thank you to our incredible volunteers and café facilitators for helping bring these moments to life and creating such a connected community 🧡💙

15/05/2026

Golden Hour Café, Emerald dementia cafe is OPEN! 🌟

Golden Hour Café officially opened its doors on May 6th, and it was a resounding success!

Developed by the Rotary Club of Emerald and District, the club has created a dedicated local space where those living with dementia and their partners can reconnect, have a laugh and feel truly understood.

Golden Hour Café is an official Umbrella Dementia Cafés affiliate partner. Their volunteer team has been trained in the UDC model, ensuring that the same high standards of care, connection, and community-led support are at the heart of everything they do. We are so excited to support them as they grow and flourish!

What to Expect
The café offers a warm, supportive environment built on dignity and shared experience. It is a place to step away from the daily challenges of dementia and enjoy the company of others who "just get it."

Join Us
* When: The 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
* Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
* Where: RSL Emerald, 3 Memorial Drive, Emerald
*Who: People diagnosed early to mid-stage dementia and their family care-partner only.

Registration essential. No walk-ins.

To join the group or learn more, please email Kris Ash - [email protected]

or visit their website - https://www.emeraldrotary.org.au/page/rotary-golden-hour-cafe

A True Community Effort
This initiative is a shining example of what happens when a community collaborates to make a difference. A heartfelt thank you to the volunteer team and the local partners who make this possible:

Falcone & Adams Lawyers
Thats Right Bookkeeping
Rotary Club of Emerald & District
Orgment Business Solutions
Emerald RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Cardinia Community Foundation
Rotary District 9815

We look forward to seeing many friendly faces their next session Wednesday 20th May!

04/05/2026

Golden Hour Cafe, Emerald's new dementia cafes opens this Wednesday 6th May (and then twice monthly), welcoming couples from the Emerald and District area living with dementia.

Register so you don't miss out as spots are limited! Meet other couples and families living with the same challenges you are, all while enjoying a cuppa and a laugh in a safe, supported environment.

The cafe is run by the fabulous volunteers at Rotary Club Emerald & District who were all trained by Umbrella Dementia Cafes in our unique model.

When: Wednesday 6th May
TIme: 10am - 12noon
Where: RSL Emerald, 3 Memorial Ave, Emerald
Cost: Free for all trial members
Provided: morning tea, friendship, carers support, activities and laughter.

To register call: Kris Ash on 0412 399 001 or click on the link below to find out more.

The Golden Hour Cafe is our first offical Affiliate Dementia Cafe partner. We will be supporting them every step of the way to support their local community living with dementia.

Visit their website to learn more.

information on the golden hour cafe - a project of the rotary club of emerald & district