The Shire of Harvey is expanding its much-loved Forget-Me-Not Memory Café program, with plans underway to pilot the initiative at the Australind Library.
The Café provides a welcoming and supportive space where people living with memory loss conditions and their carers can connect with others in a relaxed environment.
The planned Australind pilot follows the success of the original program in Harvey, which was recently made a permanent offering at Harvey Connect.
Shire President Michelle Campbell said the Shire was expanding the program to ensure more residents could access meaningful connection and support.
“The Forget-Me-Not Memory Café is such a unique program,” the Shire President said.
“Opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences can make a real difference in reducing social isolation and helping people feel understood and supported.
“In regional communities these opportunities can sometimes be limited, so it’s fantastic to see the Shire champion initiatives that bring people together.
“We have received an overwhelmingly positive response to the Forget-Me-Not Memory Café in Harvey. Our experience has really highlighted the importance of these programs, and we know residents in Australind will benefit from having the same opportunity to come together, build friendships and access support.
“The Shire is currently finalising plans for this pilot – we're very excited to see this program continue to grow.”
Following the success of the original pilot, the Harvey-based Memory Café has transitioned from a Shire-led trial to a community-supported program.
The Café will now continue under the stewardship of Harvey Connect and local resident Kathy Mitchell, who has stepped forward as the program’s new community champion.
Kathy has 13 years’ experience working in carer support for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
She said she is passionate about initiatives that uplift vulnerable people.
“The dementia cafe is about people celebrating their own stories and memories, not the disease,” she said.
The Forget-Me-Not Memory Café is held fortnightly on Wednesdays at Harvey Connect from 10am to 12noon. No RSVP is required.
The Shire of Harvey will continue to support the program to ensure a comfortable venue and refreshments for attendees.
Upcoming Harvey session dates include:
- 1 April 2026
- 15 April 2026
- 29 April 2026
- 13 May 2026
- 27 May 2026
- 10 June 2026
- 24 June 2026