Dementia advocate state’s senior of the year

BIGGER Hearts Dementia Alliance Ballarat founder Anne Tudor OAM has been awarded Victorian Senior of the Year.

A retired psychologist and psychotherapist, Ms Tudor is an active dementia advocate, and a strong supporter of LGBTQIA+ community members living with the disease, having lost her late wife Edie Mayhew ten years after she was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.

Ms Tudor is an honorary member of Dementia Australia, has influenced the organisation’s work, and was a driver of the pioneering Woowookarung Dementia-Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail.

“The great fortune to meet so many amazing people living with dementia, and care partners and others working to support people impacted by dementia has been a labour of love,” she said.

“Edie shares in this amazing acknowledgment, as do so many others in Ballarat and around the world who are committed to making a difference to the lives of those impacted by dementia.”

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe was delighted to see Ms Tudor recognised.

“I have been privileged to attend several Bigger Hearts events over the years… most recently in June, when I was honoured to be part of the official opening of the Woowookarung Regional Park Dementia-Sensory Trail,” Ms McCabe said.

“Anne has been an inspiration to family carers across Australia, as she supported Edie throughout her years of advocacy, empowering her as a person living with dementia to have a voice that was heard, included and influenced change and policy at all levels of government and across the health, aged care and diversity sectors.

“They were always guided by a drive to help others, now and for generations to come. The legacy of their dedication and advocacy work will have an enormous and lasting impact on the lives of all people living with dementia, their families and carers.”