Wicking Dementia Centre

Heading to the 3rd World Congress of Age Friendly Cities and Communities?

Don’t miss the chance to connect with Dr Joanna Sun, one of the leading voices in dementia‑friendly design and dementia care innovation.

Visit her at the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre booth in the Global Village — bring your questions, your ideas, and your curiosity.
Discover more inspiring work here: https://design.dementia.utas.edu.au/

At the Wicking Dementia Centre, a new education initiative is reshaping how future health professionals learn about dementia—by placing the voices of people living with the condition at the heart of their studies.

Led by Associate Director of Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor Alison Canty, the project records and shares the lived experiences of people with dementia, weaving their stories into university curricula and free global MOOCs. These narratives give learners around the world a direct window into the realities of dementia.

Supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Society and the Global Brain Health Institute, the program moves beyond traditional, textbook‑focused teaching. Instead, it centres deeply human perspectives that challenge assumptions and enrich understanding.

Click here to read the full story: https://shorturl.at/3mTSq

Do you know what Australia’s National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034 is all about?

Join past Director and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Wicking Dementia Centre, James Vickers, on the Voices in DREAM podcast to find out.

James explains what the Plan is and why it’s crucial that the Commonwealth and state governments work together towards its eight actions – which cover things like highlighting modifiable risk factors of dementia, better diagnosis and care, and boosting research.

During the chat James says dementia care has traditionally “fallen between the cracks” of government responsibility, and, that there are not enough specialists or GPs who have a thorough knowledge of dementia.
“And we also have a very large group of people who work in support roles across residential and community care who may or may not have any education or training in dementia, so we need a more coordinated response to supporting people with dementia.”
Find the Voices in DREAM podcast in DREAM’s Network, dream.utas.edu.au or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thinking about your next step in 2026?
Applications for Semester 2, 2026 are now open for the Diploma of Dementia Care with the Wicking Dementia Centre — a leader in dementia education and research.

If you’re passionate about supporting older people, curious about the science of brain health, or looking to build a meaningful career in healthcare, this course gives you the knowledge and confidence to make a real difference.

Study flexibly, learn from world‑class researchers, and join a community committed to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

👉 Learn about the Diploma - https://www.utas.edu.au/courses/health/courses/m1d-diploma-of-dementia-care

Tasmania has been chosen to play a vital role in a groundbreaking international research project uncovering the genetic clues behind Parkinson’s disease — and your contribution could help change the future of diagnosis and treatment.

Tasmanians, we NEED YOU!

The Tasmanian Parkinson’s Project research team is calling on locals — both those living with Parkinson’s and those without the condition — to volunteer a small blood sample.
Your donation will help scientists build a clearer, more powerful picture of how Parkinson’s develops and why it affects people differently.

If you’re ready to be part of something big, take the next step and get involved, click on the link: https://parkinsons.utas.edu.au/page/1758/blood-collections

If you have any queries or need help registering, please contact the research team at:
📧[email protected]
☎️03 6226 5640

The DREAM and Equip Aged Care Learning team at the Wicking Dementia Centre are excited to be sharing news about the free education with more and more people around Australia.
Sarah, Azam and Mary-Clare, were at the Wicking Dementia Centre booth at the International Dementia Conference in Sydney last week, where some of the world’s top dementia experts and people with lived experience joined around 1000 aged care professionals.

Denise and Ignacio were in the west for the Ageing Australia WA State Conference, another big event for the sector there.

Aged care providers from the community, home care, and residential care sectors continue to seek out the latest information about what these programs have to offer their workforce, to support the vital work they do.
DREAM can be accessed here, dream.utas.edu.au
And Equip Aged Care Learning is found here, equiplearning.utas.edu.au
Both are funded by the Australian Government and are free to access.

🌟 Thinking about a career that truly makes a difference?
Join us for our upcoming Dementia Care - Future Students Webinar – and take the first step toward supporting individuals, families, and communities living with dementia.

🧠 Whether you're already working in aged care or just beginning your journey, this session will walk you through the benefits of studying the Diploma of Dementia Care.

🎓 You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and get personalised guidance from our team.

📅 Date: Thursday 11 June 2026
⏰ Time: 1pm - 2pm
💻 Where: Online webinar

✨ Ready to get started?
Secure your spot today and move one step closer to a rewarding qualification in dementia care.

👉 Register now: https://shorturl.at/0ePgb