A community taking action on dementia
Blacktown Dementia Action Group is deeply committed to dementia awareness, dementia-friendly communities and supporting carers. Now, we are moving beyond awareness into action.
What we believe
No one should have to navigate dementia alone. Families deserve support, recognition and clear information, in a language they understand and in a way that respects their culture.
Until there is a cure, research and lived experience provide hope, guidance and direction for our community and future generations. We aim to translate knowledge into real-world understanding and practical action for people living with dementia, families and carers, especially in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
What we do
- Run welcoming, dementia-friendly community programs like The Living Hub.
- Champion culturally safe dementia education through Dementia Friends Unite.
- Help carers understand ambiguous loss and feel less alone.
- Spotlight researchers, clinicians and lived experience through our Action Platform.
- Work with councils and partners toward a dementia-friendly Blacktown.
Where to find us
Our programs run at Max Webber Library, Cnr Flushcombe Rd & Alpha St, Blacktown NSW 2148. Onsite parking is available.
Meet our founder
Tracey Fernley-Pearson
Tracey is the founder of Blacktown Dementia Action Group and the facilitator of The Living Hub. She brings lived experience, advocacy and deep compassion to supporting people living with dementia and their carers.
She was named Inspirational Person of the Year at the Blacktown City Council 2023 Disability Awards, and presented a workshop on ambiguous loss at Neuroscience Next. Tracey also works as a Support Coordinator and Recovery Coach with NewPath, and contributes to Dementia Australia, the Western Sydney Dementia Alliance and the Dementia Connect Advisory Committee.
Specialist training through Dementia Training Australia:
Dementia Friends Unite
A culturally accessible, community-based education program helping families and individuals navigate a complex dementia care system.
Among the 550,000-plus Australians impacted by dementia, one in three identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, and continue to face entrenched barriers to timely, high-quality care.
Stigma, fear, language barriers and misconceptions have contributed to a culture of silence, leaving many families to navigate dementia without support or formal recognition. Dementia Friends Unite was co-designed with dementia alliances and care providers to reverse this trend.
The program delivers culturally safe, community-based dementia education in eight commonly spoken languages:
Dementia Friends Unite is led by NICM Health Research Institute researchers Dr Diana Karamacoska and Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim, supported by $900,000 in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
"Culturally and linguistically diverse communities are a Priority Population in Australia's National Dementia Action Plan, yet they remain underrepresented in dementia research, service co-design and workforce planning."
Our partners & collaborators
This is a significant collaborative effort, bringing together researchers, dementia advocacy groups, service providers, local health districts and councils.
In partnership with NewPath
NewPath provides specialist support for people living with young onset dementia and their families. We work alongside them to connect our community with trusted support, services and pathways.
Help us turn awareness into action
Whether you have lived experience, professional expertise, or simply want to help, there is a place for you here.