News
21 September, 2026
Hundreds of crafted flowers mark Dementia Action Week
Hundreds of crafted flowers have gone on show in Bowral’s Springett Arcade to mark Dementia Action Week (September 21-27).
Hundreds of crafted flowers have gone on show in Bowral’s Springett Arcade to mark Dementia Action Week (September 21-27).
The flowers – more than 1000 in total – were knitted, crocheted and crafted by makers from across Australia and New Zealand.
Bowral businesswoman Liz Castle from Castle Handmade came up with the idea following the death of her father from dementia in October last year.
“I wanted to do something that felt positive and meaningful, and that would honour Dad,” Liz said.
What took her completely by surprise was the “incredible” response from the crafting community.
“Flowers have arrived from so many different places and from so many people who wanted to be part of it,” Liz said.
The striking window display at Candle Handmade takes inspiration from the forget-me-not with a mixture of blue and yellow flowers.
It is designed to provide a gentle reminder of the many families affected by dementia.
For Liz it also highlights the ability of crafting to help people connect.
“Crafting can be so much more than the thing you’re making,” she said this week.
“It gives people a reason to sit together, have a conversation and feel connected.
“I think that’s particularly important when we’re talking about dementia.”
In fact, dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia but new research released this week by Dementia Australia shows it is not something being discussed.
Seven out of respondents said it was a topic not discussed openly enough.
The YouGov research, commissioned by Dementia Australia and released to coincide with Dementia Action Week and World Alzheimer’s Day, also found that more than half of respondents reported having little to no knowledge about dementia, and while close to all respondents were aware of dementia, only one in 10 said they knew a lot about it.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said the findings highlighted the critical need for a national conversation about dementia to increase understanding, whilst reducing the stigma that still surrounds the condition.
“Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, and, with close to half a million Australians living with dementia and this number on the rise, now is absolutely the time to talk about dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.
“When dementia stays out of the national conversation, the cost impacts more than the individual. It leaves people alone when they need connection most. Care standards stagnate. “The systems that should support people don't keep pace. Policy attention, research, funding - all of it follows where the national conversation goes.
“Our research found that skin cancer and sun safety, mental health and heart health are all discussed more openly than dementia.
“As a nation, we have done a good job in having these really important conversations about skin cancer, with national campaigns like slip slop slap seek and slide, we ask each other if we are ok and we have long talked about heart health – as we should.
“These conversations have made a real difference. But with dementia, we’re not there yet and now is the time to start talking.”
The research also found that eight in 10 respondents who had a personal connection to dementia said that they or someone they knew had experienced stigma, exclusion, disrespect or unequal treatment; including assumptions being made about what someone can or cannot do, or being left out of social activities.
“Through conversations, such as those we’re asking you to have this Dementia Action Week, we can work to dismantle this stigma and instead create a more welcoming and inclusive dementia-friendly Australia,” Professor Buchanan said.
· For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au
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