ISLANDproject

🎧 We’re excited to launch Brain Matters (The ISLAND Project) - our new podcast that dives into brain health headlines and unpacks what the science really says.

Shaped by your feedback, each episode features expert insights, practical takeaways, and real conversations to help you feel confident about your brain health choices.

Hosted by ISLAND participant Neil Broomfield, with guest researchers from Wicking Dementia Centre.

🎙️ First episode: Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented by Targeting a Single Gene?

Listen via the ISLAND portal or your favourite podcast platform, and join the discussion!

📢 ISLAND Seminar 2026 – Launceston

Join us for the first in‑person ISLAND seminar of 2026 in Launceston!

🗓 Wednesday 6 May
⏰ 1.00–2.30pm
📍 Rory Spence Lecture Theatre, UTAS Inveresk Campus

This is a great opportunity to connect with other members of the project and hear about some of our latest research.

🔗 Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-island-seminar-launceston

Spaces are limited – we’d love to see you there!

2026 ISLAND Seminar - Launceston The ISLAND project team would like to invite you to attend our upcoming Launceston seminar hosted by expert researchers.

We know staying physically active can help reduce the risk of dementia - but knowing where to start isn’t always easy. That’s why the THS and Glenorchy City Council are bringing you Live Well Live Long 💙

📅 Wednesdays at 10.30am
🗓 6th May - 24th June
📍 KGV, Anfield St, Glenorchy

This friendly, welcoming program isn’t just about getting active, it’s also a great chance to meet new people and stay socially connected.

Want to join or find out more?
Contact Corina 📧 [email protected] 📞 0419 326 327

Does where you live affect how you age?

Researchers at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and The University of Queensland recently published an interesting study on frailty, based on ISLAND data. Amongst other findings, they discovered that people living in rural towns and remote communities had notably higher levels of frailty than those living in regional centers.

To read more about this important research and what it means, click the link below:
https://island.mooc.utas.edu.au/index.php?AP=news&ACT=view_news&news_id=1719

🎧 Missed it on the radio? Tune in now!

Last week, Dr Matthew Kirkcaldie from The Wicking Dementia Centre joined Ryk Goddard on 936 ABC Hobart to talk dementia and dementia risk.

👉 Click the link below and listen from 1 hour 38 minutes to hear their insightful discussion.

🔗 https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/hobart-breakfast/breakfast/106454960

Feel free to share with friends and family who might find this helpful 💙

Breakfast - ABC listen Should companies profiting from war pay a super tax?

🧠 Join us and many others at Dementia Australia's free community expo all about brain health!

Come along for a day of stories, expert insights, practical ideas, and helpful information on brain health and living with dementia.

📍 Where: Moonah Arts Centre, 23–27 Albert Rd, Moonah
🗓️ When: Thursday 5th March
⏰ Time: 10am–2pm

We’d love to see you there! 💙

📄 Click below for more info
https://mooc-media.utas.edu.au/files/4/6/177136737946/26037%20CS%20Brain%20Health%20Expo%20flyer%20final.pdf

If you are yet to complete TapTalk, there is still time!

To understand if TapTalk gives reliable results over time, we need as many people as possible to complete the test and re-do it if they have completed the test previously.

Log in to the ISLAND Project portal now to see whether you can participate in this short 2-minute finger tapping and speech smartphone test. Access will close on Wednesday 4th March.

🌟 Join us for the first ISLAND St Lukes Seminar of 2026! 🌟

We’re kicking off the year with Dr Eddy Roccati, who will share how physical activity can boost brain health and support overall wellbeing. 🧠💪

📍 St Lukes Hobart
📅 Tuesday 3 March
⏰ 12:00pm

Don’t miss out - book your spot through the link:

St Lukes | Scheduling and Booking Website Something very different is now open in Hobart, on the corner of Liverpool and Elizabeth Streets – a place where every Tasmanian can find ways to get healthier. It will be a place to seek help in understanding and navigating the healthcare system. It will also be a space for people who want t...

When cure isn’t possible, what does good care look like?

Join Wicking and Menzies researchers and clinicians at this this ISLAND of Ideas panel event. Explore how we care for people living with progressive health conditions, including Parkinson’s, dementia and multiple sclerosis.

When: Thursday 26th February, 6pm
Where: Hobart and online

To RSVP or for more information see: https://www.utas.edu.au/events/2026/february/beyond-care

Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, anywhere - often at home. This short video from Menzies Institute for Medical Research shows how simple it is to step in and help. Let’s all take a moment to learn the basics and spread the word.