Western Soaring Falcons Dementia Alliance

21/02/2026

We had a great time meeting many carers, people living with dementia and interested community members at our local Bunnings yesterday! Thank you everyone who stopped by💜 ✨️

Sign up to our email newsletter to find out when we'll be there next --> https://mailchi.mp/df931e3d5ddc/hobsonsbay-dementia-alliance

18/02/2026

We will be at Bunnings Altona North

THIS Saturday February 21st from 10.30am

Stop by to chat with us about all things dementia, our initiatives, and what we are hoping to work towards this year.

Any ideas are welcome - we'd love to hear how we can best support you!

23/01/2026

Hello and happy 2026, everyone! ✨

We are excited to announce that we are changing our name to Western Soaring Falcons Dementia Alliance. While we remain the same group of passionate people, our new name better reflects the work we are doing across both the Hobsons Bay and Wyndham council areas—and beyond.

Keep an eye out for upcoming updates. We’re currently organising an opportunity to meet us at a local Bunnings, where you can stop by and chat all things dementia (details coming soon). We’re also busy applying for grants to help get more regular community group programs up and running.

Thanks for your continued support — we can’t wait to share more soon!
💙 The Western Soaring Falcons Dementia Alliance

24/12/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday period. We look forward to sharing some exciting new things for our Alliance in 2026 ✨️

17/09/2025

Hobsons Bay Dementia Soaring Falcons Alliance, in partnership with Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) and Laverton Community Integrated Services, and Cr Diana Grima from Hobsons Bay City Council came together to celebrate . We thank them for all for their support and delicious, yummy cakes that the volunteers made for us to enjoy today!

For me personally, it was heartwarming to see two amazing women living with dementia attend our event. I stood back and watched them both enjoying themselves, laughing, sharing their fears, and asking important questions about dementia! We took a photo together, and I put my arms around them both!
and that's what today was all about!

We began our event with an energising low-impact exercise session led by Charlene, our Fitness for Her Gym manager and alliance member. This taster showcased the joy and connection our sessions bring, which are vital for people living with dementia.

Next, Isabelle Burke, also an alliance member, shared her personal journey as a young carer for her beloved mother, who is sadly no longer with us. She takes comfort in knowing that she is making a difference in the dementia space through research, advocacy, and championing young carers, emphasising the importance of providing them with the support they need. She highlighted how significant Lorenzo's House is to her and the comfort it provides.

Finally, we had the privilege of hearing from Marianne Coleman, an accomplished optometrist and my research colleague, who delivered a compelling speech on the critical importance of eye care for people living with dementia. We at HBDSF believe that timely intervention for people living with dementia is critical and should be put into action without delay!

What an amazing event and people who joined us today! Let's keep talking about dementia and reducing stigma and reducing stigma and discrimination because

~ Natalie Ive, Alliance Founder & Member

08/09/2025

Hobsons Bay Soaring Falcons Dementia Alliance had the pleasure of being invited to meet with (Bigger Hearts) last week and joined their choir; we had the most amazing time singing along ✨️

The connection was genuinely felt through music and shared techniques that promoted positivity, and got people up and dancing!

Afterwards, we sat down with our dear friend Anne Tudor, who gave us guidance and support, as we also shared what both alliances have been up to and our plans.

We left so inspired! 😃 Thank you for having us ❤️

06/09/2025

In partnership with Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS), the Hobsons Bay Soaring Falcons Dementia Alliance is excited to host a FREE community event as part of Dementia Action Week 2025.

This year’s theme is “Nobody Can Do It Alone” — a reminder that raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting people living with dementia is something we can only achieve together.

What’s happening on the day?

• Dementia-cise – a gentle exercise class for people living with dementia and their carers, led by Charlene, owner and manager of Fitness For Her Altona Meadows
• Guest Speaker: Dr Marianne Coleman – sharing insights from the dementia-friendly eye care project and the importance of eye health for people living with dementia
• Personal Stories – from Soaring Falcons Dementia Alliance committee members Natalie Ive and Isabelle Burke

📍 See the flyer for full details

This is a free event, open to everyone — so please share the invitation with your friends, family, and community.

12/07/2025

30/04/2025

📢 Laverton Community Integrated Services Inc. will be running a dementia awareness workshop next month!

This free session is open to all and will provide valuable insights into the nature of dementia, including its prevalence, risks, types, and the signs to look out for.

May 15th 10.30am - 12.pm
Laverton Community Hub

Please see the flyer for more details ✨️

27/03/2025

With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to Carmen and her family on the passing of Brian, a beloved Dementia-cise participant. Brian brought joy and a smile to every workout and in our community, and while we will miss him dearly, we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace.

Sending love to Carmen and her family during this difficult time.

Natalie & Charlene xx

13/03/2025

📢 Please see the attached flyer for details of a research study being run by the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research.

This study aims to test whether a newly developed therapy intervention, delivered via telehealth, can reduce anxiety in people living with cognitive impairment (i.e. mild cognitive impairment or dementia).

The study is Australia wide, and participants can complete the study from the comfort of their own home.

You can contact the study team at:

✉️ Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: 0419 638 776 or (07) 3346 5577

Or express your interest via the following link: https://clinical-research.centre.uq.edu.au/my-anxiety-care