The Victorian Government is supporting people living with dementia and their carers by creating Australia’s first Dementia-friendly Forest and Sensory Trail.
Opened today by Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, the $440,000 trail meanders through the native bushland of Ballarat’s Woowookarung Regional Park, allowing people to see, smell, touch and hear nature.
There are an estimated 472,000 Australians living with dementia and 1.6 million people involved in their care.
Sensory aspects and quiet places of reflection are featured along the return 1km trail which was a concept initiated by Ballarat local Anne Tudor (AOM), an inspiring advocate for dementia-friendly communities and co-founder of the Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance Ballarat. These features have been chosen to quietly evoke positive memories, feelings and sensations while also having access to the health benefits of being in nature.
Built by Parks Victoria, the trail was co-designed with people living with dementia and their carers, Ballarat community health groups, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Dementia Australia. Inspired by the vision, many community groups, schools, local industry, local environmental groups and our community tree foster carers, the Ballarat community has shown their true compassionate colours.
With pathways to allow wheelchairs and carers, assistance dogs, and groups from residential aged care facilities, the trail will offer park visitors an experience in nature that can be enjoyed in different ways as their journey through dementia progresses.
Completion of the Dementia-friendly Forest and Sensory Trail follows the recent opening of a 1.8km Grass-tree Nature Trail in the park that caters for Ballarat’s keen walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders. A 10,000-step network of trails throughout the park is a future aspiration.
Located on the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung people, Woowookarung Regional Park was established five years ago following community advocacy and an initial $2.026 million four-year investment by the Victorian Government.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions a community celebration day will be held onsite on Thursday 23 September 2021 to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week.
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“The passion, initiative and ingenuity of Ann Tudor and the local community in championing dementia-friendly spaces in the regional park – and across Ballarat - is incredibly impressive.
“This trail is a prime example of how parks can play really important roles in connecting and supporting the health and wellbeing of all members of the community.”
“This park is providing important opportunities for all members of the Ballarat community to reap the health benefits of being in nature.”
