AAG Conversation Salon:
The Bold and Unapologetic Voices we need in Dementia Research,
Policy and Advocacy

Follow this link to watch the recording in our video library

“I recently listened to the Dementia Action Week – Conversation Salon facilitated by Dr Anita Goh and I wanted to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the guests, Gwenda Darling, Theresa Flavin and Bobby Redman for their time and willingness to share their experiences, to Anita for her fabulous facilitation and to the AAG for putting this together. I have shared and recommended this video to my team and I am keen to take the humbling lessons learnt in this to areas of my practice.”
Sarah B, Senior Manager for an Aged Care provider in South Australia, 29/09/2024

Imagine a world where people living with dementia not only feel safe but truly thrive, fully included in all decisions impacting their lives and communities. This was the powerful vision shared for Dementia Action Week 2024, and now you can watch it anytime! 

In this recorded session, three incredible dementia advocates; Gwenda Darling (pictured with Redleigh), Theresa Flavin, and Bobby Redman, shared their experiences and insights on the importance of inclusivity. Through this honest and solutions-focused conversation, you'll:

• Deepen your understanding of inclusivity in dementia research, clinical work, and policy-making.
• Explore key barriers to creating inclusive environments.
• Learn practical strategies to implement in your own dementia-related work.

Facilitated by A/Prof Anita Goh, AAG Board member and Principal Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), this discussion will leave you inspired and equipped to contribute to a more inclusive and collaborative future for people living with dementia.

If you would like to complete a feedback from after you have viewed this video please follow this link

Gwenda Darling
Gwenda Darling, a Palawa woman, has over 50 years of experience in government and non-government roles. She is a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders, advising the government on aged care and engaging with older people on system changes. Her career includes roles as CEO of Anaiwan Aboriginal Land Council, Chairperson of Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council, and Director of Hunter Aboriginal Children’s Services. Passionate about justice for Elders, Gwenda continues to live independently with her assistance dog, Redleigh, supported by home care services and visiting care workers.

Theresa Flavin
Theresa is a 57-year-old mother of five. Diagnosed with dementia at the age of 46, she has become increasingly involved as a consumer representative and advocate for others with dementia in particular with the subject of supported decision making and reablement strategies. Theresa is a Lived Experience Consultant with Hammond Care’s Dementia Centre and lives in Sydney, Australia. Dementia Centre.

Bobby Redman
Bobby is a retired psychologist, living on the Central Coast of NSW. Bobby who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, in 2015, is passionate about her consumer advocacy work. She is Chair of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee, sits on the Central Coast Dementia Alliance Committee and chairs the Central Coast Living with Dementia Advisory Group. She is involved in several research projects, sitting on a range of Steering/Advisory Committees.
Bobby is a strong Community Member and is also a Rotarian and Red Cross Volunteer. In 2020, Bobby was nominated for the NSW Senior Australian of the Year award.

Facilitated by:

Associate Professor Anita Goh
Anita is a clinician-researcher, AAG Board Member and Principal Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).
As a neuropsychologist-researcher, her expertise encompasses mental health, cognition, ageing, and dementia. Working strategically to achieve common goals is a personal strength, and she has demonstrated skills in leadership, strategy, engagement, and communication. Anita has extensive knowledge of the ageing and aged care sectors, and numerous key relationships with clinicians, service providers, researchers, and policymakers.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access valuable insights and strategies at your convenience.

Follow this link to watch the recording which is now available in our video library.