On April 10th, a momentous occasion unfolded at the Atisha Centre in Bendigo as Princes Court retirement village in Mildura – the Project Lead for the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project, represented by its Acting CEO, Anthony Couroupis, and Respite Care Coordinator, Kaye Matthews – proudly joined the official launch of the project. This ground-breaking initiative aims to provide vital respite for people with dementia and bolster support for their caregivers across the expansive Loddon-Mallee region.
GreenConnect Dementia Respite, backed by a substantial $1.7 million funding from the Australian Government, made its debut at the Atisha Buddhist Centre, marking the beginning of an exciting journey filled with promise and anticipation.
At the core of this pioneering endeavour lies a nature-based respite project designed to offer comfort and renewal outside of traditional aged care settings. Spearheaded by a consortium of esteemed partners including Princes Court Aged Care, Heathcote Health, Heathcote Dementia Alliance, John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research; La Trobe University, and Rural Care Australia, this project aims to address the urgent need for enhanced support systems for caregivers who tirelessly attend to the needs of people with dementia.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide compassionate care and support for people with dementia and their dedicated caregivers,” said Anthony Couroupis, expressing his enthusiasm for the transformative impact of GreenConnect Dementia Respite.
GreenConnect has already witnessed early success with a diverse array of nature-based activities, including visits to dementia-inclusive gardens, bush reserves, wineries, and outdoor festivals across the region. These experiences not only enrich the lives of participants but also alleviate the challenges faced by their devoted caregivers.
Looking ahead, GreenConnect envisions expanding its initiatives within the Mildura region. Moreover, the project underscores a firm commitment to inclusivity, striving to embrace diverse communities such as First Nations, LGBTQIA+, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups in its respite programs.
Recognising the indispensable role of caregivers, GreenConnect advocates for their wellbeing and aims to pilot nature-inspired initiatives that alleviate their burden, fostering sustainable support systems for those in need.
The impact of the GreenConnect project will undergo rigorous evaluation by researchers from La Trobe University, with potential implications for sectors beyond dementia care, including disability, mental health, and palliative care.
For more information on GreenConnect and opportunities to get involved:
- visit www.greenconnect.org.au
- email info@greenconnect.org.au
- contact Kaye Matthews at Princes Court by phone 0421 191 559
- email kaye.matthews@princescourt.com.au
Media Contact:
Andrew Mevissen, Rock Solid Marketing, 0431 883 057, projects@rocksolidmarketing.com.au