September at DCSC: we are doing things a little differently
September is already doing the absolute most in the dementia world. Between World Alzheimer’s Month and Dementia Action Week, 21 to 27 September, there are some genuinely excellent free events happening across Sydney and online. Consider this our little DCSC September field guide: useful information, good people, proper conversations and plenty of opportunities to connect.
Where you’ll find us
We’ll be at these ones, so please come and say hello. Just click on the title to go to the registration pages.
TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Diversity Fest Lunch & Learn: Age in the Workplace
12 to 1pm | Online | Free
Age-based assumptions shape working life in ways we don’t always notice — and can cost people opportunities, support and a sense of belonging. It’s not strictly a dementia event, but those same assumptions can make it harder to talk about ageing, diagnosis and support.
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Caring for Caregivers: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Managing Dementia
12 to 2pm | UNSW, Randwick, and online | Free
Research, clinical expertise and lived experience come together for an honest, practical conversation about caring for someone living with dementia. Katya’s on the panel with Professor Henry Brodaty and others, talking about what helps, what gets missed and how carers can be better supported.
WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
Making the Invisible Visible: Dementia Justice for Young Carers
12 to 1pm AEST | Online | Free
Young people caring for family members with dementia are still too often missed by services and research. Katya’s joining Isabelle Burke, Patti LaFleur and Liz Matthews to talk about isolation, life-stage misfit, community and what better support for young carers could look like.
Other free events we love
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Western Sydney Dementia Forum: Living Well with Dementia
Registration 9.30am for a 10am start, until 3.30pm | Blacktown Workers | Free
Information stalls, expert panellists and local services all in one room, with morning tea and a light lunch provided. A good one if you want to ask a lot of questions in a single trip.
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
Treasure the Moment: Dementia Awareness Expo
10am to 2pm, registration from 9.15am | Bryan Brown Theatre, Bankstown | Free, registration essential
More than 30 stalls, memory information sessions, a lived-experience panel, wellbeing and creative activities, a sensory room and therapy dogs. Honestly, the most DCSC-adjacent event of the month.
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
What You Need to Know About Dementia Care
10 to 11.30am | Woollahra Library, Double Bay | Free
A practical information session for family, friends and carers with Dr Debra Graves OAM and clinical neuropsychologist Dr Jane Lonie. Expect real-world advice, information about diagnosis and plenty of time for questions.
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
Young Onset Dementia
2 to 3pm | Hornsby Library | Free
Michele Ferris from Dementia Australia will talk through what young onset dementia is, how it can affect individuals and families, communication, planning ahead and where support can be found.
A few more good things happening
Wednesday 23 September, Rozelle. Healthy Habits, Healthy Brain, 1 to 2pm at Hannaford Community Centre. A free talk on what dementia is, how it differs from normal ageing, practical steps for brain health and when to speak to your GP.
Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, Burwood. Free Dementia Action Week information sessions, including a Mandarin-language session on the 23rd and a general community session on the 24th.
Thursday 24 September, Kirrawee. The St George and Sutherland Shire Dementia Action Week Services Expo, with dementia specialists, service providers and a quiet space for anyone who becomes overstimulated.
All week, around Sydney. Landmarks are being lit up for Dementia Action Week. Go and have a look, take a photo and share it with #DementiaActionWeek.
Everywhere else. Dementia Australia has a calendar of events happening near you, plus free expert webinars you can watch from the couch at any hour.
And then… back to DCSC
This is just a September adventure, not a disappearing act.
We’ll be back with our own DCSC gathering in October, with more Hard Topics, Soft Landings, good humans and some new things we’re very excited about.
In the meantime, get out there. Learn something. Meet someone. Ask a question. See you next month!