A Connecting Community Forum will be held at Encounter Bay Football Club on Friday 31 October for people experiencing dementia and their families and friends.

MP for Finniss David Basham will host the free event, in conjunction with federal independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie and Dementia Australia.

“Carers and families are the quiet heroes of our community. Dementia can be overwhelming when it first touches your life, and nobody can do it alone, Mr Basham says. 

“This month we’re shining a light on the practical help that’s available and creating spaces for people to connect, share strategies and feel supported.

“If you or someone you love is affected by dementia, please reach out to Dementia Australia’s National Helpline on 1800 100 500. It’s an evidence-based service staffed by trained professionals, and it makes a real difference.” 

Ms Sharkie has welcomed the community focus: “Dementia touches so many local families. By coming together—carers, clinicians, service providers and elected representatives—we can improve navigation of services, reduce stigma and champion better support across our region.” 

Local carer and advocate Deidre Henderson will be a guest speaker at the forum.

“When my husband Warren was diagnosed in 2020, the Helpline was a lifeline. I learned I wasn’t alone and that practical guidance was right there when I needed it.”

Mrs Henderson says her husband was always a larger-than-life personality with a joyful disposition. “People were drawn to him. He was adored by everyone.”

An Australian National Sailing Champion, Warren was an expert sailor, a successful business owner and a dedicated family man.

In 2020, the couple retired to Victor Harbor, ready to settle into the next phase of their lives. Deidre had noticed Warren was struggling with his memory, but she put it down to his massive workload running a successful building company.

“I thought his memory lapses were due to work stress and a busy social life and hoped it would improve once he gave up work.”

Instead, Warren’s memory rapidly declined, and Deidre also noticed behavioural changes in her once cheerful partner. 

Within six months of their retirement to the Fleurieu region, Warren was diagnosed with dementia. Four years later, Deidre’s own major health issues forced her to make the heart wrenching decision to place Warren into full-time care.

“I was devastated. It was the most heartbreaking experience to be separated from my soul mate.”

Deidre credits staff at Dementia Australia and Carers SA among those who supported her through that difficult time.

“I received fantastic support and feel blessed to have had local medical teams, helplines and fellow carers to show me a way forward.”

David Basham says Deidre’s story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to talk about dementia in the community.

“A dementia diagnosis is a daunting health issue to navigate. I am glad we have strong support structures in place and people like Deidre in the Finniss community advocating for more awareness because there is still so much to be done in this space.”

The Connecting Community Forum will run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm; to attend RSVP via Trybooking.