Stories of dementia resilience wanted for second edition of ‘Unforgettable Voices’

FOLLOWING the success of the book “Unforgettable Voices”, the Greater Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance (DFCA) is planning a second edition.

The Alliance is now calling on community members to contribute their own stories or poems for publication in 2026.

“The aim of this project is to capture the untold stories of the lived experience of dementia from our communities, and to raise awareness about dementia,” Margaret Allen from DFCA said.

“There are many assumptions made about people living with dementia but, frequently, abilities are overlooked and the need for communication and connections dismissed.”

The stories in the first edition highlighted the importance of maintaining friendships, sharing celebrations, and the benefits of music, exercise, creative activities and family relationships.

Lyn Murphy, a member of the Port Macquarie DFC Alliance Board, contributed to the first edition.

“This experience made me see the power of the written word and how I can make a difference to others by writing in this book,” she said.

Jackie Laing, a member of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW), supported Lyn.

“Writing and reading ‘Unforgettable Voices’ helped me process complex emotions and deepen my empathy for the struggles faced by those living with dementia,” she said.

“It also gave me a deeper understanding of both the [person] with the diagnosis and the demanding role of the carer.”

Chairperson of Port Macquarie DFCA Gai MacPherson said, “The book is another great opportunity for the community to record the important stories of those living with dementia.”

Interested writers can enter short stories of between 500-2000 words, and poems with a maximum of 40 lines.

Writing support is available from members of the DFCA.

For more details, go to dementiafriendlypmq.com.au.

By Pauline CAIN