The Heathcote Dementia Alliance has embarked on an inspiring new project that combines accessibility, nature, and community to support individuals living with dementia and their carers. Situated on 10 acres along the serene banks of Lake Eppalock, and supported by a FFV Community Grant, Freemasons Way is set to become a nature-based sanctuary - two kilometres of interconnected walking trails designed for mental and physical health and social engagement.
Work has already begun, and progress is visible. Truckloads of granite sand have been delivered (there will be 15 in total) and the foundations of the pathways are starting to take shape. The site is transforming into a vibrant and welcoming space, with a rosemary hedge and 100 native tube stocks planted, and painted drums ready to feature corten steel art installations depicting native flora and fauna.
The Heathcote Dementia Alliance (HDA) is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reshaping dementia care through innovative, nature-based care model. In rural and regional areas, most respite services are clinical and institutional, failing meet the specific needs of individuals in the early to mid-stages of dementia. Traditional care models limit opportunities for people with dementia to engage in meaningful, therapeutic activities in natural settings. HAD consulted with healthcare professionals, carers, and people living with dementia a identified a clear gap.
In the grant application, HDA explained that many individuals with dementia are still capable of enjoying physical activities like walking but lack access to safe, structured environments where they can do so. They cited research from countries such as the Netherlands and Sweden, that has shown that nature-based interventions can significantly improve mood, reduce anxiety, and encourage social interaction among people with dementia.
Freemasons Way is a thoughtfully designed environment and will cater to individuals with diverse mobility needs, including those who are ambulant, semi-ambulant, or use wheelchairs. The paths begin and finish at the Community Hub, and meander through sensory environments including a 100 tree olive grove, a sensory garden, an orchard where individuals can harvest fruit, a lakeside area for fishing or paddling, and a campfire seating area for storytelling and reflection.
Considerations that cater specifically to people living with dementia include strategically placed benches with backs and armrests and clear wayfinding signage, and HAD also partnered with the Bendigo District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC) and Thorne Harbour Country to ensure that Freemasons Way is culturally inclusive and welcoming to all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The walking trails are just one part of the larger Reflections at Eppalock initiative, which provides respite stays, day programs, and therapeutic activities tailored to individuals living with dementia and their carers.
Once completed, Freemasons Way will support approximately 150 participants annually, offering a safe and enriching respite option for rural and regional communities. With its combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and purpose, the project promises to create a lasting impact for years to come.
Keep up with their progress on their Facebook page.
