Golden Plains Shire’s Create and Connect Program has been recognised as the winner of the LGPro 2024 Positive Ageing and Wellbeing Award.
The Create and Connect program featured a series of storytelling and art sessions for Golden Plains community members who are living with dementia or experiencing early onset dementia and to help support their carers or companions. Council delivered the program in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries at locations including Dereel, Meredith and Bannockburn in 2022 and early 2023.
This prestigious award highlights the Create and Connect’s exceptional impact on the community. The program is a shining example of community collaboration, providing invaluable support for those in the community experiencing early onset dementia, their families and care givers.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the award shined a light on the positive outcomes from the community-focused health and wellbeing program.
“The Create and Connect program proved to be an amazing life changing program for Golden Plains Shire community members and we were so pleased to partner with Geelong Regional Libraries to deliver this important program to support our residents,” Cr Cunningham said.
Manager Community Wellbeing Emma Wheatland said the success of the Create and Connect program came down to the dedicated efforts of Council and library staff, as well as the community participants.
“I’m so incredibly proud of the Golden Plains Shire team and Geelong Regional Libraries staff who delivered this innovative and engaging project,” Ms Wheatland said.
“This program is a great example of community collaboration which has provided support and assistance for Golden Plains community members experiencing early onset dementia, their carers and their families.”
The Create and Connect Program was made possible thanks to the Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grants from the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria.