In 2024, the inaugural Forget Me Not Ball raised an incredible $64,000, establishing the Forget Me Not Geelong Dementia Fund at the Barwon Health Foundation. In 2025, the Ball was another great success raising another $61,000 towards our Dementia Fund. Our plan is to raise $250,000 over four years to be held in the Dementia Fund at the Barwon Health Foundation. Once our goal is achieved, the funds raised will go directly to supporting dementia research and clinical trials in Geelong, in partnership with Barwon Health and Deakin University.
Every cent raised through the Forget Me Not Ball will be put to work — driving research, supporting carers, educating communities, and advocating for lasting change. Below, you’ll find the sorts of initiatives our funds may impact from 2028 onwards:
Grants for multi-disciplinary dementia research at Barwon Health, or individual grants supporting Masters-level, PhD, or trainee researchers working in partnership with Barwon Health.
Funds may be used to develop campaigns, resources and training to increase understanding of dementia across care facilities and the broader public health sector to improve patient and family care.
Helping people living with dementia and their carers find and access counselling, helplines, respite programs, and community support in and around the Geelong and Western Victorian region.
Supporting researchers and academics to secure better funding to enable aged care reform, and support for future generations facing dementia.
Your generosity helps fund vital programs, support services, and innovative care at Barwon Health — ensuring dignity, comfort, and hope for patients and their families.
To learn more, visit:
barwonhealthfoundation.org.au
If you want to reach out to the Forget Me Not Committee, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know if you’re looking for resources, needing help to fund a support group or keen to support our Ball. We’re not professionals, but we’re a group of passionate individuals who know the dementia path too well.
