This year’s theme, ‘It’s time to talk about dementia’, encourages Australians to have more open conversations about dementia.

Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, with almost half a million Australians living with dementia and more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. Despite its significant impact across the community, dementia is still not talked about enough.

Starting conversations about dementia can help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek support earlier and improve access to diagnosis, treatment and care.

Dementia Australia provides a range of resources to help individuals, communities and health professionals start conversations about dementia, host or find Dementia Action Week events, and access information and support. Visit Dementia Australia to learn more.

Dementia support for health professionals

South Eastern Melbourne PHN provides a range of services, referral information and resources to support health professionals caring for people living with dementia.

Resources include:

• Dementia referral pathways
• Dementia Rehabilitation Program
• First Nations dementia resources
• LGBTI dementia resources
• Multicultural dementia resources

Visit our dedicated dementia page for the complete range of dementia-related resources, services and information.

Education and resources

SEMPHN has collaborated with the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU) to support dementia education and training for health professionals.

Recorded webinars include:

• Preventing Falls in Dementia - A Primary Care Imperative | Videos & Movies on Vimeo – Password: PFDSept2025
• Falls Prevention Showcase: Local Programs, Pathways and Practical Strategies | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

Health professionals can also access the new Staying Active with Dementia booklet, developed by the Monash Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre in partnership with the National Centre for Healthy Ageing (NCHA).

This practical, evidence-based resource supports people living with dementia, their families, carers and health professionals to understand the benefits of physical activity and how to incorporate it safely into everyday life. It includes information on:

• why staying active matters
• different types of physical activity that support health and wellbeing
• getting started safely and confidently
• maintaining motivation and overcoming barriers
• accessing additional support and services.

Falls Prevention Community of Practice

SEPHU is also launching a Falls Prevention Community of Practice, bringing together healthcare professionals, community organisations, researchers, local government and service providers with an interest in falls prevention across south-east Melbourne.

Falls prevention is an important part of dementia care and healthy ageing. The Community of Practice will support ongoing collaboration, learning, networking and innovation across the region.

“Cognitive impairment can significantly increase a person's risk of falling, as cognitive function plays an important role in balance, mobility, and safe movement. Older adults living with dementia are two to three times more likely to experience a fall than those without cognitive impairment, with an estimated 60–80% experiencing a fall each year.”

Vignesh Lingam, Partnership Lead – Falls Prevention, South East Public Health Unit

If you are interested in joining, please contact Vignesh.Lingam@monashhealth.org.