Dementia Alliance is a community values-based, not-for-profit charity made up of volunteers ranging from students to executive-level professionals. Based in rural Victoria, we have worked steadily since 2014 to improve the design and delivery of innovative dementia care services, with a focus on rural and regional solutions. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to age in place, and we share a firm belief that community is the antidote to institutional care.

About Us

Our Vision is to reimagine Dementia Care and Support

What we do

We create innovative dementia care and support solutions and develop projects that can be adapted and replicated across Australia and internationally. Our innovations have and continue to receive accolades and awards.

Learn more about our Innovations

Why we do it

Many people in our communities are living with dementia, and we have witnessed its impact on the individual and its toll on immediate family and carers. We see the most critical considerations for dementia care and support as choice, independence, safety, security, and compassionate care.

  • Dementia is a significant and growing health concern in Australia:

    • As of 2023, it is estimated that approximately 411,100 Australians are living with dementia, with nearly 257,500 women and 153,700 men affected.

    • Projections indicate that by 2054, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to nearly double, reaching approximately 812,500 individuals.

    • Dementia is a leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 9.1% of all deaths in 2023, closely following ischemic heart disease at 9.2%.

Caring for the Carer

In 2022, it is estimated that almost 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.

When diagnosed with dementia, caregiving usually falls on the partner or a close family member, who may be unwell themselves and whose needs are often overlooked.

Carers often struggle with providing care at home in fear that transferring a lifelong partner or other family member to residential care will have a negative impact. They are often unaware of support services that may be available in their region.

Access to services in rural and remote Australia is limited.

Many carers report poor health, social isolation, depression, and loneliness.

Statistics from Dementia Australia.

These figures emphasise the vital role carers play in our communities and underscore the need for comprehensive support systems to help them navigate their caregiving journey effectively.

These statistics also highlight the pressing importance of our mission at Dementia Alliance to provide innovative care solutions and support for individuals living with dementia, their families, and carers across Australia.

This reality is not what we want for our relatives, community, or ourselves. Our vision of the future has allowed us to reimagine and work towards better models of community care.

Who are the Dementia Alliance team?

We are a group of passionate volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers in rural and regional areas. Our team is made up of a Board of Directors, a Carer Advisory Group, Dementia Mates and Dementia Companions who work together to deliver impactful services and support.

Our Board

Our Board is a diverse and highly skilled team of executive-level volunteers who bring a wealth of experience in governance, community engagement, leadership, financial oversight and innovative thinking. Together, they drive our mission to enhance the lives of people living with dementia and their carers, particularly in rural and remote communities.

Sandra Slatter CM


  • Sandra’s background is in economic, business, and community development. Her leadership and innovation qualities are displayed through her ability and actions to inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more. Sandra has received many awards for her outstanding contribution to community and rural small business.

Karissa Cameron


  • Karissa is experienced in leadership roles working with small and large teams. She is the founder and director of Lead with Purpose, where she provides strategic planning, leadership development, and business experience to small and medium-sized organisations across a range of sectors.

Jim Boyer


  • Jim comes from a small business background and has a wide range of both trade and administrative skills. After leaving his boat building business, Jim wanted to pass on that hard-won experience and became a business coach, specialising in small business. Now retired, he concentrates on family and contributing to the community.

Helen Sharrock


  • Helen is a former Secondary School Mathematics and Science Teacher who branched out into business finance and administration. While working as a System Analyst, she worked with a variety of businesses to assist them in the fine tuning of administrative and financial procedures with the aim to reduce errors and increase efficiency while enabling good and comprehensive management reporting.  Helen has now retired and is keen to continue to use her skills in a volunteer capacity.

John Landmark


  • John has over 35 years of experience in the mining industry, holding a variety of roles in exploration, mining geology, human resources, and risk management. John is at that stage in life where he is motivated by a desire to "give back" to the industry and communities that have shaped his career. He achieves this through a variety of mentoring roles, supporting Women in the Mining Industry, and participating in nfp Board activities.

Marg Rae


  • Marg, with a professional background in software testing and business management, retired from full-time work nine years ago to care for her close friend Dot. The two met 22 years ago when Marg moved to Bendigo and decided to try Dot’s line dancing classes. Their shared passion led to a deep friendship, and Marg affectionately calls Dot her “sister from a different mister.”

    When Dot was diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia nine years ago, Marg made the heartfelt decision to step away from her career and dedicate herself as Dot’s full-time carer. Their bond exemplifies the power of friendship and the strength of commitment in the face of life’s challenges.

Jan Macdermid


  • Jan is a Rotarian and carer to her dependant son. Jan operated a business for 25 years providing holidays for carers and people with special needs. Prior to this, she spent 10 years with Preston Council working in Home Help and Meals on Wheels.

Luke Krois


  • Luke is an Engineer with experience in technical, operational and management roles at Agnico Eagle's Fosterville Gold Mine. Living in Bendigo his family can be found adventuring in the caravan and participating in local sports. As Secretary Luke aims to assist Dementia Alliance achieve its vision at Reflections at Eppalock of respect, community and respite for those with dementia and their carers.

Catherina Wallace 


  • Catherina’s background is in community and business development in the higher education sector. She has been a member of various boards in the community education sector working closely with business and research academics. Since retiring she now paints and does lead light in various forms.  Catherina’s husband was recently diagnosed with dementia and she has now gone on a carer's journey of discovery into this disease, and in doing so hopes to give back to the community as best she can.

This collective expertise positions our Board as a cornerstone of Dementia Alliance's success, enabling us to lead with integrity and purpose. Our team is dedicated and passionate about helping those living in rural and remote Australia to remain living in, and supported by, their communities.

Our Support Team  

At Dementia Alliance, our support team is the cornerstone of our mission, bringing together a diverse group of individuals and organizations dedicated to creating innovative and compassionate solutions that make a difference every day.

Carers' Voice


  • Carers are at the heart of everything we do at Dementia Alliance. Our Carer Advisory Group ensures that we actively listen to, and understand, the unique needs and experiences of carers. They provide vital insights and guidance to shape our programs, policies, and services, ensuring we remain responsive and relevant.

    Their key roles include:

    Advising on Needs: Sharing their lived experiences to highlight the challenges and opportunities for carers and people living with dementia.

    Guiding Service Design: Offering recommendations to ensure our initiatives are practical, effective, and carer-focused.

    Advocating for Carers: Acting as a collective voice to raise awareness of carers’ experiences and promote greater support at local and regional levels.

    Strengthening Connections: Helping to build networks of support, fostering collaboration between carers, communities, and Dementia Alliance.

    Through their invaluable contributions, the Carer Advisory Group ensures that every step we take is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

Dementia Mates


  • Dementia Mates consists of retired nurses and those who have been in a previous caring role. Dementia Mates are exactly that – mates: someone you can laugh with and cry with. They are non-judgmental, show understanding and empathy, and have a deep awareness of what both the carer and the person with dementia are going through. They provide companionship, listen without judging, and support carers by being extra eyes and ears during outings so carers can relax and enjoy their time.

    Our Dementia Mates also:

    • Advocate on behalf of carers, ensuring their needs are heard and addressed.

    • Act as signposts, providing assistance in navigating the healthcare system and offering support with technology.

    • Facilitate connections to a range of supports and services, such as:

      • Community and health services.

      • Inclusion and integration in the community.

    Through their dedication and empathy, Dementia Mates are a vital part of the support system, creating an environment of trust and relief for carers and individuals with dementia.

Dementia Buddy’s  


  • Dementia Buddy’s are a group of dedicated and empathetic teenagers who provide meaningful companionship and support to people with dementia. These young volunteers engage in activities that bring joy, comfort, and connection, while also fostering understanding and breaking down generational barriers.

    Their roles include:

    • Spending Quality Time: Engaging in one-on-one conversations, listening to stories, or sharing hobbies and interests.

    • Organizing Activities: Assisting with games, crafts, or music sessions tailored to the interests of those with dementia.

    • Bridging Generations: Fostering connections that promote understanding and mutual respect between young people and those living with dementia.

    Dementia Buddy’s play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment where every moment counts, helping individuals feel valued and connected.

Community Volunteers


  • Dementia Alliance is driven first and foremost by community. Our community volunteers form the backbone of our mission, creating a tight-knit and personal community that spans across Australia, both in-person and remote. Whether they are students, interns, professionals, pro-bono advisors, or retirees, every volunteer brings unique skills and a shared drive to improve the lives of those affected by dementia.

    Our volunteers play a vital role in:

    • Engaging with the Community: Building meaningful connections with people living with dementia and their carers.

    • Supporting Programs: Assisting in the planning and delivery of activities, events, and outreach efforts.

    • Promoting Awareness: Raising awareness of dementia and advocating for more inclusive, supportive communities.

    Their dedication ensures we can continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families.

Our Critical Family


  • We are informed and supported by a panel of expert advisers who ensure our actions reflect best practices while providing us with the most up-to-date research and industry knowledge. This group plays a crucial role in:

    Shaping Strategy: Guiding the development of initiatives that align with the latest evidence and community needs.

    Enhancing Impact: Ensuring our programs and services deliver meaningful outcomes.

    Building Credibility: Strengthening our reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable organisation within the dementia care landscape.

    Through their invaluable contributions, our advisory experts and community volunteers make Dementia Alliance a leader in compassionate, innovative care.