The These Hands 2024 photography exhibition, a moving visual tribute to people living with dementia, was launched this week at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

Created in collaboration with the Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance, the exhibition features powerful portraits captured by HBNC team member and photographer, Rowey Allen.

Rowey, who had the honour of being the exhibition’s artistic photographer for the third year running, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet and connect with such inspiring individuals.

“I was privileged to meet these beautiful people, spend time chatting with them, and capturing their stories through photography,” Rowey said.

“This exhibition is about raising awareness and telling the unique stories of people living with dementia.

“Each image speaks to the strength, love, and resilience of those whose lives are touched by this condition.”

HBNC CEO Tanya Stevenson with Rowey Allen at the exhibition launch.

The These Hands 2024 exhibition aims to shed light on the personal experiences of individuals and their families impacted by dementia, a condition affecting many Australians. It highlights the importance of connection, understanding, and support within the community.

Tanya Stevenson, CEO of HBNC, commended the Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance for their tireless efforts in bringing this project to life.

“This exhibition is an invaluable initiative that fosters empathy and awareness of the challenges faced by people living with dementia,” Tanya said.

“The stories told through the photography remind us of the dignity and humanity behind each diagnosis. We are proud to support this incredible work.”

The Fraser Coast Dementia Alliance, with representatives from Fraser Coast Regional Council and HBNC’s Seniors Legal and Support Service among other local service providers, plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and offering support to those affected by dementia.

The These Hands project is one of many initiatives driven by the Alliance to highlight the realities of this incurable condition.

Other initiatives highlighted at the launch include:

• The Dementia Choir, which performed at the launch. This is a therapeutic group for people with dementia to connect socially through the beauty of song. The group is facilitated by local performer, Caz Sendall, and Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Juls de Waard, with groups in Hervey Bay and Maryborough meeting weekly.
• The Caring for People With Dementia Handbook – a practical guide for carers living in the Fraser Coast region. The handbook, developed by HBNC’s SLASS team member, Karen Scott, provides details of some of the challenges carers may face, some tips for overcoming these challenges, and where to find local support services. This guide also provides information for the wider community to understand more about dementia.
• My Way Memory Walk and Jog – take a stroll or sprint down the picturesque Urangan Pier or Esplanade to help raise funds for Dementia Australia. This event is presented by Torbay Lifestyles & Care, with support from Hervey Bay RSL. 

Register for the Memory Walk and Jog

These Hands will embark on a tour of the Fraser Coast region, starting at Stockland Shopping Centre in Hervey Bay on 16 September 2024. Community members are encouraged to visit the exhibition and engage with the stories shared through these powerful images.

Full exhibition schedule:

16 – 29 September at Stockland Shopping Centre in Hervey Bay. 
8 – 21 October at Urangan Wellness Centre.
23 – 31 October at Hervey Bay RSL
1 – 11 November at Maryborough Services Club
12 – 22 at Customs House – Maryborough