Dementia Support coming to Park Orchards

by KELLY COOPER
25th May 2026

PARK ORCHARDS Community House and Learning Centre is pleased to announce that it will soon be hosting a Memory Place Café in Park Orchards, creating a safe and welcoming space for people living with dementia, along with their families and carers, to connect with others in the community.
The initiative grew from conversations about how to better support local residents experiencing memory loss, social isolation, and the challenges that can come with dementia.
The monthly café program is based on the Dementia Australia model, which recognises that people living with dementia can continue to live active, connected, and meaningful lives.
The Memory Place Café initiative was first piloted in Manningham following the 2023 Mayoral Charity Gala.
Championed by then-Mayor, Tullamore Ward Councillor Deirdre Diamante, the Gala raised $51,000 to support dementia-inclusive community programs.
That funding was used to start the MannaCare Memory Place Café in Doncaster, an initiative that continues to run today.
At the launch of the Café in 2023, Cr Diamante said:

“I hope this is the first of many in Manningham and that we can continue to become a truly dementia-friendly city.
Like most cities, we have an ageing population and want to find ways to support those in our community living with dementia.
We want to build an understanding, awareness and importantly acceptance of dementia in the community.”

A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) estimates that in 2024, there were approximately 425,000 Australians living with dementia, and that more than half of those living with dementia live in the community.
Data supplied to AIHW from 2022 suggests that overall 66.3 per cent of those living with dementia are still living within their community, with it ranging from 51.4 per cent for those aged 81-85 to 94.4 per cent for 30-64-year-olds.
AIHW project that by 2065, more than one million Australians will be living with dementia.
Across Manningham, the number of dementia friendly support and community connection groups has increased.
But if the trend continues, many more initiatives like the Memory Place Café will be needed to provide support and connection for those living with dementia and their carers.
For many people living with dementia, staying socially connected can become increasingly difficult, which can also affect the wellbeing of families and carers.
The Memory Place Café in Park Orchards will offer a relaxed and inclusive space where participants can build connections, enjoy meaningful social interaction, and feel supported within their local community.
As a community-focused organisation, Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre is committed to providing inclusive programs that support health, wellbeing, and social connection for local residents at all stages of life.
Bringing the Memory Place Café to Park Orchards reflects the Community House’s ongoing commitment to creating welcoming spaces where people feel connected, supported and valued.
Park Orchards Community House hopes the program will not only provide support for people living with dementia and their carers but also help foster greater understanding, compassion, and inclusion within the wider community.
The café is expected to commence later this year, with further details to be announced soon.
For further details, contact Park Orchards Community House on 9876 4381.