28/07/2026
“They wanted to know more about dementia, but they had just been afraid to ask."
In many communities across Australia, dementia is still stigmatised, making it harder for people to seek information, support and connection.
Through the Dementia Australia Diversity Small Grants Program, community organisations are helping to change that by developing culturally appropriate dementia programs for their communities.
The Victorian Arabic Social Service is one of those organisations, using grant funding to support more open discussions and improve understanding of dementia in their community.
Aged Care & Disability Officer Stefani Aslani said fear and misconceptions were common.
“People get really worried and scared,” Stefani explained.
“I had a client who didn’t want anyone to know that she was forgetting… ‘I’m scared to tell anyone because they’re going to think I’m crazy or I can’t understand anything anymore’.”
Through culturally appropriate workshops, the organisation is helping people feel more confident to ask questions and learn about dementia - often for the first time.
Together, these conversations are helping to break down stigma and ensure people feel supported, informed and less alone.
Read more about the communities changing dementia perceptions at
https://www.dementia.org.au/news/changing-dementia-conversation-creating-culturally-safe-spaces
Submissions for the 2026 Diversity Small Grants program close on Wednesday 5 August.
