DEMENTIA Australia has started promoting Ballarat's Woowookarung Regional Park as a blue print for potential in all communities.
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Work is underway in the park to create the state's first dementia-friendly sensory trail.
The national body has released the first of two online videos speaking with the region's dementia advocates, Friends of Canadian Corridor and people affected by dementia on what a dementia-friendly trail will bring.
The project aims to create a safe space for people with dementia and other disabilities to spend time in nature, without fear of judgement, with their families. It will feature native plants to evoke memories of smell, visual stimulation, optional multimedia elements like songs or bird songs.
"More people need to be aware of what we're doing here," advocate Irene Clancy says in the video. "It's needed and it's giving people with Alzheimer's and dementia an area of their own that they can bring family and friends to be in nature."
Ballarat Dementia Alliance secured funding for the trail from Dementia Australia's dementia friendly community engagement grants program. The trail is part of a bigger multi-users master plan for Woowookarung Regional Park.
Dementia Australia plans to visit the project in progress later this year.
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