Dementia awareness photo exhibition now on display

A photographic exhibition that captures the hands of people living with dementia will be on display throughout the Fraser Coast over the next two months.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Senior Liaison Officer Juls De Waard said the ‘These Hands’ exhibition aimed to showcase locals living with dementia, raise awareness about the illness, and encourage a more dementia-friendly community.

“Dementia is an umbrella term for more than 150 illnesses that progressively take away the person we once knew,” she said.

“As the Fraser Coast’s population ages, dementia is likely to affect more families in our region. While it typically impacts older people, it can affect anyone, at any age.

“The exhibition features powerful images of the hands of people living with dementia and their carers, accompanied by storyboards that reflect the individual’s life, achievements and contributions.

“With 250 people diagnosed with dementia in Australia every day, it’s crucial that we, as a community, understand the illness and support those living with it.”

The ‘These Hands’ exhibition will be displayed at the following Fraser Coast locations:

• Stockland Hervey Bay - until 29 September;
• Over 50’s Lifestyle Expo, Hervey Bay Baptist Church, Nikenbah – Friday 4 October;
• The Treehouse, Urangan Community Wellness Centre, Elizabeth Street– 8 to 21 October;
• Bond Store Maryborough, Wharf Street – 12 to 22 November.

The project was initiated by the Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance with support from the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Queensland Government.

Since its inception in 2022, local photographer Rowena Allen has generously volunteered her time to capture these moments. Her outstanding work has been widely recognised, and last year she placed fourth in the prestigious Australian Photographic Award.

To help create more dementia-friendly spaces, the Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance has also developed a ‘Dementia Friendly Checklist’ for businesses and other organisations, which is available on Council’s website.

For further details about the exhibition or to learn more about the Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance, please contact Juls De Waard on 4194 2441.