What’s happening
Dementia Australia will hold a series of community education sessions in the Central Highlands from 17 to 19 March 2026.
The program will run across Emerald, Blackwater, Springsure and Capella, offering free sessions for people living with dementia as well as carers, families and friends seeking information.
Participants will learn about dementia, common memory changes linked to ageing, and practical ways to support someone living with the condition. The sessions also explain the support and services available through Dementia Australia.
Bookings are required to attend.
The sessions scheduled across the region include:
Tuesday 17 March
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Understanding Dementia, 9 am to 10:30 am, Emerald
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EDIE for Family Carers, 10 am to 2 pm, Blackwater
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Creating a Dementia-Friendly Emerald, 10 am to 12 pm, Emerald
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Memory and Ageing Session, 1 pm to 2:30 pm, Emerald
Wednesday 18 March
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Understanding Dementia, 9:30 am to 11 am, Blackwater
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Carer Wellness Program, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Emerald
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Memory and Ageing Session, 10:30 am to 12 pm, Springsure
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Creating a Dementia-Friendly Blackwater, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Blackwater
Thursday 19 March
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Creating a Dementia-Friendly Capella, 10 am to 11:30 am, Capella
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EDIE for Family Carers, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, Emerald
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Memory and Ageing Session, 1 pm to 2:30 pm, Blackwater
Why it matters
Many families across Queensland are affected by dementia and the number continues to grow.
Community education helps people recognise early warning signs, understand memory changes and access the right support sooner.
These sessions also provide practical advice for carers supporting someone with dementia.
By the numbers
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Almost 88,200 people are currently living with dementia in Queensland, according to estimates.
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More than 168,300 people could be living with dementia across the state by 2054 without a medical breakthrough.
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Three days of community education, between 17 and 19 March 2026, will bring dementia information sessions to Central Highlands towns.
Zoom in
Several sessions focus on helping carers better understand the experience of dementia.
The EDIE for Family Carers program uses virtual reality technology so participants can experience simulated symptoms of dementia. This approach helps carers understand how everyday environments can feel confusing for people living with the condition.
Sessions such as Understanding Dementia also cover diagnosis, planning ahead and ways to provide support.
Zoom out
Across Australia, dementia is becoming one of the country’s largest health challenges as the population ages.
Education programs play an important role in helping communities prepare for the growing number of people living with the condition.
Local impact
Central Queensland residents will have access to specialist dementia education without travelling far.
Families from Rockhampton and nearby communities can attend the sessions in the Central Highlands to learn more about dementia and available support services.
What to look for next
People interested in attending must book in advance.
Registrations can be made online at
https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-hub-central-highlands-qld
Bookings can also be arranged by calling the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
