Yarn bombed Dementia Awareness Tree adds splash of colour to highway

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, yet it doesn’t get the same level of national attention as other diseases.

However, Narrabri continues to shine a light on dementia awareness and this year is doing so in colourful fashion.

A tree between The Crossing Theatre and Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre has been spectacularly yarn bombed.

The initiative, undertaken locally as a partnership of local groups, forms part of Arts North West’s Yarn Bombing Project.

“It is hoped that this yarn bombed dementia awareness tree sparks conversation and raises awareness, which in turn will bring about positive change for people living with dementia and their carers,” Narrabri Dementia Friendly Community Committee representative Kylie Finlay said.

The committee is one of the organisation’s part of this initiative, including the Namoi Women’s Shed, Narrabri Art and Craft Society, Arts North West, HealthWise, Narrabri Shire Council and Hunter New England Health.

“Many people still do not understand what dementia is, who gets it and how can we help,” Mrs Finlay said.

“There is so much information available these days, I could talk all day on it.

“But today I just want to touch on the statistics and some important messages.

“Dementia is a brain condition, it effects your mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. There are more than 100 different medical conditions that can lead to dementia.

“The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

“Many are surprised to know that dementia is the second leading cause of death of all Australians and the leading cause of death for Australian women.

“Lung cancer comes in as fifth, so why doesn’t dementia awareness get more traction? I can’t exactly answer that, but dementia is not considered a ‘casserole worthy disease’, meaning when someone has cancer, people take them a casserole, but when someone is diagnosed with dementia, no one knows what to say or how to help.

“Some cancers can be cured. Currently there is no cure at all for dementia.”

Following Mrs Finlay’s talk, Dementia Australia advocate Joan Griffiths read out a poem titled ‘If I Get Dementia’ to the gathering at the visitor information centre.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens thanked the organisers for their efforts in continuing to raise awareness about dementia locally.

The tree was due to be decorated and ready for viewing last Wednesday, the same day as a dementia awareness morning tea, however, was delayed as a result of wet weather.

Volunteers busily wrapped the tree with the knitted patches on Friday.

Mrs Finlay has encouraged people to stop and view the knitted creations. Some patches include names of dementia sufferers some of whom have passed away.

The patches have come from far and wide – locally from places including the hospital kiosk, hospital staff and patients, the local carers’ group, Whiddon, Namoi Women’s Shed and the art and craft shop among other local contributions. Patches have also come from as far as Newcastle and Norfolk Island.

The spectacular yarn bombing also includes knitted forget me nots – the dementia flower.

“Narrabri has taken the lead with yarn bombing,” Arts North West’s Jules Minors said.

The organisation has conducted yarn bombing in other communities in the North West region, however, in typical Narrabri fashion the town has stepped up with something bigger and bolder than its neighbours.

Ms Minors, who is based in Moree, has played an important role in the yarn bombing aspect of the initiative.

Mrs Finlay has put the challenge out and said it would be great to see other trees in The Crossing Theatre car park adorned with knitted creations.

People can also add a name of a loved one living with dementia or in memory of a dementia sufferer.

Hearts are available to collect from The Crossing Theatre and Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre to tie on the Dementia Memory Yarn Bombed Tree.