The Pulse: May 2025
Your monthly update on the latest initiatives, innovations, and impacts from Dementia Alliance—keeping you connected to the heartbeat of our work
The Momentum Builds!
The buzz around Reflections hasn’t slowed — in fact, it’s growing stronger. More action, more visitors, and more connections are being made every day. We’ve welcomed new volunteers, sparked new friendships, and seen community organisations jump on board, offering time, skills and heart.
In May alone, over 500 volunteer hours were logged — from laying irrigation and clearing debris to weeding, planting, and preparing the site for our monster burn-off in June. We also released our first YouTube video, finalised our Concept Plan, and proudly welcomed two new board members to the team.
Visitors continue to leave inspired, calling Reflections a “world-first sanctuary” and recognising the love and dedication that fuels every part of this project. The story of Phannika’s speech is still echoing — sparking new conversations, new collaborations, and new offers of help.
There’s a real sense that something big is growing here — and we’re just getting started.
85 Hours, 17 Legends, One Big Day at Reflections!
What an effort! On Sunday May 25, 17 incredible volunteers came together for a massive working bee at Reflections — clocking up more than 85 hours in a single day.
Carers, people living with dementia, and community members rolled up their sleeves to tackle a huge site clean-up in preparation for our June burn-off. They also helped lay the groundwork for Stage 1 of our irrigation system, making life easier for future volunteers.
Our Future Taking Shape
We’re also thrilled to share our Concept Plan, beautifully brought to life by architect Simon Drysdale. Simon has captured the heart of Reflections and the uniqueness of this place
The plan includes so many exciting additions:
More villas, including one for palliative care — a heartfelt request from our First Nations friends
A caged farmyard with chickens, ducks, and baby animals — an idea from our partners at Regional Victorians of Colour
A native garden labyrinth and Indigenous knowledge garden to nurture reflection, learning, and connection to Country
If you haven’t already, check out our brand new YouTube video showcasing the vision, passion, and people behind Reflections.
https://dementiaalliance.au/news/reflections-at-eppalock
it’s already received glowing feedback, including this lovely message from a colleague in the UK:
“This is such a beautifully detailed and informative video — it really shows the incredible hard work and dedication that’s gone into getting Reflections to where it is today. It looks amazing and already feels like a truly special place. The concept map for the future couldn’t be more inspiring. I really hope I get the chance to see it in person once it’s complete.”
Growing Together – The Garden Circle Springs Back to Life
This month, our Garden Circle came back to life in the most beautiful way.
Among the mulch, seedlings, and laughter, we were lucky to learn from two passionate gardeners, Dimple and Naw Wah, who generously shared traditional techniques from their cultures. From herbs used to help lower blood sugar to natural remedies for easing arthritic pain, their wisdom opened up rich conversations about the healing power of plants and the knowledge passed down through generations. The Garden Circle is more than a place to grow vegetables — it's a space to grow community, stories, and shared purpose.
New Friendships, New Projects!
Thanks to two of our newest friendships — Bendigo Rotary and the Heathcote Angling Club — we’re thrilled to have launched two new projects that bring even more heart, creativity, and connection to Reflections.
Hands & Hearts – Made by Hands, Given by Hearts
This creative initiative led by Bendigo Rotary brings together volunteers to craft comforting and therapeutic items with love and purpose. From quilts, sensory rugs, cushions and fiddle mats to teddy bears and Angry Anne or Damit Dolls — rag dolls offering a humorous, safe outlet for frustration — every piece is made with care. We’re also creating personal comfort packs filled with small, calming items to support emotional wellbeing, connection, and reassurance. These handmade items will be shared with people in our programs and carers across our wider network.
Reflections Fishing Friends
In partnership with Heathcote Angling Club, we’re proud to launch a new monthly, inclusive fishing group — open to people living with dementia, individuals with special needs (young and old), and their carers. This gentle, intergenerational group is all about connection, calm, and casting a line together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Perhaps you’d like to join us in one of our activities? All are welcome! To get involved or learn more, email us at hello@dementiaalliance.au
When School Meets Sanctuary
Earlier this month, we were delighted to welcome 10 boys from Heathcote Primary School, visiting Reflections as part of the Boys to the Bush program.
For these boys, it wasn’t just a day out fishing and yabbying — it was a chance to reconnect with nature, try something new, and simply be themselves in a calm, open space where they were free to explore and unwind.
Moments like these remind us that Reflections is not only a sanctuary for carers and people living with dementia, but also a place where young people can experience belonging, connection, and the joy of just being kids.
Perhaps you’d like to join us in one of our activities? All are welcome! To get involved or learn more, email us at hello@dementiaalliance.au
Growing Interest, Growing Connections
Reflections continues to attract wonderful visitors and new opportunities for collaboration.
This month, we were pleased to welcome Olivia Tenance, Dementia Support Specialist from Dementia Australia – Bendigo, who is helping us organise our second Enabling Edie Workshop, scheduled for June.
We also had the pleasure of hosting Abbey Brown, Regional Carer Advisor for Carers Victoria (Bendigo & Shepparton). Abbey shared:
“Thank you for the tour of Reflections. What a special place! I really enjoyed the heart-led and inspired vision. I’ll be sharing the details with our team and look forward to hearing future updates. Keep working your magic.”
Natasha Harrick, Team Leader of Bendigo Health’s Carer Support Services, also visited to explore ways their team can support our programs.
We were especially excited to welcome Gaelle Broad, Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, who showed a genuine interest in our proposed Wings of Connection project. This inclusive, place-based conservation and education initiative aims to increase community participation in protecting local birdlife through education, cultural engagement, and hands-on volunteering.
Thanks to Gaelle’s support, we’ve now connected with a local Men’s Shed, who will work with students from nearby schools to build bird boxes for the project. Gaelle has also offered a contribution toward making this vision a reality — thank you!
And the momentum keeps building — we’ve already been approached by two dementia organisations who will be visiting Reflections in June.
Until Next Time...
As Reflections continues to grow, so too does the community around it — full of heart, hands, and hope. Whether you’ve dug in the garden, shared a story over lunch, or simply cheered us on from afar, thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming gatherings, or simply out on the land — where connection, care, and possibility are always in bloom.
