The Pulse: January 2026
Your monthly update on the latest initiatives, innovations, and impacts from Dementia Alliance—keeping you connected to the heartbeat of our work
Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Forward with Purpose
As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that 2025 was an extraordinary year for Dementia Alliance and the Reflections at Eppalock community. What began as a shared vision continues to grow through connection, creativity, and collective effort — and none of it would be possible without the people who walk alongside us.
A Year of Growth, Hands-On Care, and Community Spirit
So much has been achieved over the past 12 months. Our landscapes and spaces have continued to flourish, including the expansion of our Native Healing Garden, the creation of The Food Cage to support vegetable growing and shared meals, and the ongoing development of the Stillness in Flight Sculpture Garden.
Across the property, more than 100 olive trees were pruned, a new irrigation system installed, and important works commenced on refurbishing the Community Hub. We’re also delighted to share that Costerfield House is now ready to offer respite stays, supporting carers and the people they care for together — without separation.
All of this has been made possible through the generosity of our community. In total, just under 6,000 volunteer hours were contributed in 2025. To every volunteer, supporter, donor, and partner — thank you. You are the heart of Reflections at Eppalock.
Listening, Learning, and Shaping What Comes Next
Our first Community Day was a milestone moment. The feedback, stories, and ideas shared by carers and community members are now shaping the development of our Caring Together Guide, which we’ll continue working on in early 2026.
This guide is grounded in lived experience and reflects what carers have told us they truly need.
2026 Is Already Gaining Momentum
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger. Thanks to funding from Equity Trustees, we have welcomed a highly experienced part-time Operations Manager, strengthening our capacity and sustainability.
Works have also commenced on installing a 20-foot container to support storage and operations, with planning underway for an accessible ramp, completion of the accessible bathroom, and further refurbishment of the Community Hub.
Dementia Buddies Lead the Way
Our Dementia Buddies program continues to inspire. Led by Phannika, recently awarded the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Award for her community service, the team is forming for the year ahead. Their first intergenerational project — the creation of a Gnome Village — will bring creativity, fun, and shared purpose to the gardens, connecting young people, carers, and those living with cognitive decline in a joyful and imaginative way.
Partnerships, Festivals, and Community Connection
Plans are also underway for more activities, deeper partnerships with schools, and collaborations with service organisations. We’re proud to once again be part of the Daylesford ChillOut Festival — our third year providing awareness, support, and a welcoming space for elders and carers.
We’ve also begun planning our next major gathering — the Caring Together Community Expo, a cultural health and wellbeing event that brings carers, families, service providers, and community groups together in one inclusive space.
Growing Knowledge, Sharing Stories
International collaboration continues to flourish. We are working closely with our Japanese colleague Naoko Suzuki from Tokushima University to translate her newly published children’s picture book, What Is Dementia?, into English. Naoko will be visiting Australia in March, and if all goes well, we hope to publish the English edition during her stay — supporting early education, understanding, and empathy.
Echoes of Home: Whispers of Europe
We are excited to be progressing Echoes of Home, a new element within our Whispers of Europe garden precinct. This project will create a reflective walking space inspired by memories of home, migration, and belonging — offering gentle prompts for reminiscence, connection, and storytelling, with room to grow and evolve over time.
Three Major Projects Launching at the Caring Together Community Expo
Three major bodies of work are now coming together — each shaped by lived experience, community voice, and a shared commitment to care grown with community. All three will be launched at the Caring Together Community Expo.
Caring Together Guide
The Caring Together Guide brings together insights, practical advice, and lived experience from carers, service providers, community organisations, and government partners. It is designed to support people navigating the caring journey — particularly at the time of diagnosis and during major transitions, including when a loved one moves into residential care.
The guide focuses on clarity, dignity, and connection, offering practical guidance at moments when people often feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn.
Introducing the Bush Inspired Community Care Model (BICCM)
Introducing the Bush Inspired Community Care Model (BICCM) is an overview booklet that explains the values and principles of a community-led approach to care grown with place, culture, and relationships. It sets the foundation for understanding how care can be shared, ethical, and sustainable — and will be available for purchase at the Expo.
The BICCM Toolkit & Masterclass Pathway
Alongside this sits the BICCM Toolkit — a comprehensive, practical set of tools supported by Masterclass workshops. Together, they are designed to help communities, organisations, and partners put BICCM principles into action in ways that strengthen relationships, build local capacity, and complement existing services rather than duplicate them.
Together, these projects reflect a shared vision: care that is inclusive, grounded in community, and built to support people through every stage of the caring journey.
Caring Together Community Expo – A Shared Milestone
We are working towards launching both the Caring Together Guide and the BICCM at the Caring Together Community Expo — an inclusive, community-led event that celebrates connection, culture, and care grown with community.
As always, thank you for being part of this journey. What we are building together is more than a place or a program — it’s a shared commitment to dignity, inclusion, and care that belongs in community.
