About us News 'These Hands' exhibition encourages reflection ‘These Hands’ photographic exhibition is now on display at Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre. The exhibition is an opportunity to start a conversation about dementia, its impacts and how individuals can help to create a dementia-friendly community, hosted by The Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance. “Dementia is an umbrella term for more than 150 illnesses which can affect people of any age but is best known to impact more mature members of the community,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said. “As the Fraser Coast’s population leans towards people aged 50 years and over, there is a high chance every family will be impacted by this illness in some way. “Through these events we can raise community awareness and help create a community that is understanding and supports families living with dementia; whether that is by advocating for more services or ensuring our facilities are accessible and welcoming.” The Fraser Coast Dementia Awareness Week activities include a photographic exhibition showcasing locals who are living with dementia and the launch of a checklist to create a dementia-friendly community. The ‘These Hands’ photographic exhibition, at The Tree House: Urangan Community Wellness Centre, showcases photos, taken by local photographer, Rowena Allen, of the hands of individuals dealing with dementia accompanied by a story board which helps to remind viewers of the real person and what they have achieved during their life. “The exhibition is an opportunity to start a conversation about dementia, its impacts and how individuals can help to create a dementia-friendly community that supports the individual and their loved ones,” Cr Seymour said. The second project is the launch of a simple checklist that businesses and community organisations can use to gauge their level of friendliness and offers simple solutions to improve friendliness as well as contacts and resources and information about dementia. During the month the exhibition will move between the Urangan Community Wellness Centre, Hervey Bay Community Centre, Gatakers Art Space and the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough. The Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance works to increase awareness and to create a dementia-friendly community where individuals can continue to live as a part of their community with respect and dignity. Previous projects undertaken by the Alliance included a public Forum to share the knowledge of people who have long-standing involvement in Dementia. The Alliance can be contacted on 4194 2441. Download the Dementia Friendly Checklist. . Photographer Rowena Allen with one of the photographs featured in These Hands, now on display at The Brolga.