As the GreenConnect Dementia Respite project embarks on its next phase, we’re delighted to welcome Catherine Hyett as our new Project Manager. With over a decade of experience in nursing and community aged care – particularly in dementia care and respite services – Catherine brings valuable expertise and a strong commitment to supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

The GreenConnect Dementia Respite project has grown into a vital initiative for the Loddon-Mallee thanks to the dedication of a committed team and the leadership of Sandra Slatter, our founding Project Manager.

Bendigo GreenConnect participants enjoyed a delicious morning tea and a leisurely stroll through the seasonal gardens at Peppergreen Farm. With new faces warmly welcomed, conversations flowed over scones and fresh produce, sharing gardening tips for autumn. A relaxed and sensory-rich morning in a beautiful setting!

A wonderful morning of friendship, laughter, and shared experiences was enjoyed at Walkers Place growAbility Nursery, as GreenConnect participants came together for their first gathering of 2025. With delicious morning tea, warm conversations, and valuable support from Dementia Australia, the event was both informative and uplifting.

GreenConnect Dementia Respite participants, staff, volunteers, carers, and the CEO of Princes Court Limited came together for a festive Murray River cruise aboard the Mildura Cruises houseboat, celebrating the end of 2024 and marking the year’s final event.

To round off a wonderful year, Bendigo GreenConnect participants enjoyed a special outing on 12th December 2024, with a tour of Buda, a historic homestead and garden in Castlemaine, followed by a delicious lunch at the nearby Campbells Creek.

Jan’s beautiful home, nestled on 20 acres beside the serene banks of Lake Eppalock, provides a nature-based environment perfect for relaxation, connection, and wellbeing. For Dot, a participant in the GreenConnect Dementia Respite project, it’s one of her special places, where she feels a deep connection to country.

GreenConnect Mildura participants enjoyed a heartwarming gathering at the growAbility Nursery on 24 November. The event brought together new and familiar faces for a morning of connection, nature, and delicious refreshments.

GreenConnect participants from Bendigo recently ventured to Woowookarung Regional Park in Ballarat to experience Australia’s first Dementia-Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail, co-designed with input from people living with dementia, their care partners, and the wider community.

GreenConnect Mildura participants recently enjoyed a delightful day out at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens in Mourquong, NSW. Timed to coincide with Carers Week, the outing celebrated the invaluable contributions of carers while providing a serene and enjoyable experience for all.

In celebration of Dementia Action Week, GreenConnect Dementia Respite participants gathered under gloriously sunny skies at GrowAbility Native Nursery in Mildura on Tuesday 17 September. This special morning tea is part of the group’s monthly get-togethers, which take place on the third Tuesday of each month.

On Monday 16 September, the GreenConnect team and participants from the Bendigo area gathered for a heartwarming lunch at Jan’s, nestled by the serene Lake Eppalock. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for meaningful connections and delightful conversations, as well as a chance for our new team members to meet some of the participants.

Recently, members of the Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) had the opportunity to tour Costerfield House in Heathcote, soon to be relocated to Reflections at Eppalock. The visit was part of an ongoing collaboration aimed at enhancing dementia care in the region. The new location, which will also be home to the Jin Lab Garden, is set to offer a supportive and enriching environment for visitors.

La Trobe University’s Occupational Therapy students, Kyle Laver and Eric Lu, recently made significant strides in GreenConnect’s Assessment and Certification Project, aimed at helping businesses better serve people living with dementia and their carers. The project culminated in the development of an innovative assessment tool, designed to identify small yet impactful changes that can enhance the safety and comfort of all visitors, particularly those affected by dementia.

On Tuesday 3 September, the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project hosted a memorable day trip to Hattah Lakes, marked by perfect weather and enriching experiences. Following what felt like weeks of high wind and dust, the weather gods delivered a calm, clear, sunny day, ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Hattah Lakes.

On Wednesday 4 September, Heathcote Dementia Alliance (HDA) hosted a team workshop that marked a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration between HDA board members and the newly appointed GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project team. The gathering was a unique opportunity for members to meet face-to-face, gain a deeper understanding of each other’s roles, and align their collective vision for the future of dementia care.

We are proud to share that the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project received a Highly Commended award at the 2024 Future of Ageing Conference, held in Sydney on 29 August 2024. This recognition underscores our innovative approach to dementia respite care in the Loddon-Mallee region.

We are delighted to introduce our newly formed Business Assessment and Certification Team. This team is at the forefront of our efforts to enhance dementia-inclusive environments across the Loddon-Mallee region.

Participants in the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project in Mildura recently embarked on a delightful day trip, thanks to the hospitality of Murray Offroad Adventures. The outing, which blended the beauty of almond blossoms with a serene lunch on a Murray River sandbar, provided a refreshing escape for all involved.

In just a few months since our launch in April, our GreenConnect team has been bustling with activities across the Loddon-Mallee region, creating enriching experiences for carers and people with dementia. From serene walks in native nurseries to lively cultural outings and peaceful lakeside lunches, we’ve been dedicated to immersing our participants in the natural beauty and vibrant community spirit that our region has to offer.