Sharing many stories

Local people living with dementia and their carers met Labor candidate for McMillan Chris Buckingham in Drouin on Friday to share their experiences of dementia and how the services and system in the local area serve their needs.

Mr Buckingham took part in an informal question and answer session with people living with dementia, their carers and Alzheimers Australia Vic counsellors who shared their coalface stories of dementia and the challenges that they face.

Alzheimers Australia Vic dementia consultant Kim Price said Mr Buckingham had expressed interest in meeting with their clients to hear their stories.

"He wanted to hear about their experience living with dementia, the issues they face and what he may be able to do politically in the future," she said.

"We had 11 people put their hand up to share and all of them local.

"We had one couple come from Koo wee rup but they used to live in the area and have maintained a connection with us.

"We have people of different ages, some with a younger onset of dementia and some over the age of 65 and the issues that they experience can be entirely different."

Mr Buckingham met with former Labor member for McMillan Barry Cunningham, who he said was an inspiration.

"He had an open, consultative style," Mr Buckingham said.

"He was Labor through and through but fiercely independent, he spoke his mind and was never afraid to advocate for his community. He's a bit of a hero of mine.

"It's good to be here meeting with good people in the community."

In Victoria almost 97,000 people are living with dementia. This figure is projected to increase to 386,000 by 2050.

Alzheimer's Australia Vic is the charity and peak body representing people, of all ages, with all forms of dementia in Victoria. It provides specialised dementia information, education and support services.