Alzheimer's WA

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

09/07/2026

The Dementia Symposium 2026 is selling fast!

Join Dementia Change Champions, practitioners, service providers, carers, and administrators as we explore this year's theme, "Changing the Journey."

Hear from leading experts and world-class speakers, explore how can empower individuals and families to access support sooner, plan with confidence, and maintain quality of life for longer.

The event will be opened by Minister for Health and Mental Health, Meredith Hammat, MLA.

Early Bird tickets are on sale now

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

08/07/2026

This month we're proud to support Alzheimer's WA as our July Charity Partner. 💙

Every day, Alzheimer's WA provides care, support and guidance to people living with dementia, as well as the families and carers who walk alongside them. Their work helps ensure no one has to face the journey alone.

Next time you're in store, consider adding a donation at the register. Every contribution, big or small, helps Alzheimer's WA continue providing vital services and support to people in our WA community.

06/07/2026

Alzheimer's WA is proud to support NAIDOC Week.

This week, we celebrate the history, cultures, achievements, and ongoing strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We recognise how important connection to Country, culture, family, and community is for health, wellbeing, and living well with dementia. We also acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience dementia three to five times more often than the wider Australian population, and often at a younger age. This shows why closing the health gap, especially in regional and remote communities, is so important.

We are committed to offering dementia support that is culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive for everyone.

For more information on our services, please contact 1300 66 77 88.