About us

A community taking action on dementia

Blacktown Dementia Action Group is deeply committed to dementia awareness, dementia-friendly communities and supporting carers. Now, we are moving beyond awareness into action.

What we believe

No one should have to navigate dementia alone. Families deserve support, recognition and clear information, in a language they understand and in a way that respects their culture.

Until there is a cure, research and lived experience provide hope, guidance and direction for our community and future generations. We aim to translate knowledge into real-world understanding and practical action for people living with dementia, families and carers, especially in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

What we do

  • Run welcoming, dementia-friendly community programs like The Living Hub.
  • Help carers understand ambiguous loss and feel less alone.
  • Spotlight researchers, clinicians and lived experience through our Action Platform.
  • Work with councils and partners toward a dementia-friendly Blacktown.

Where to find us

Our programs run at Max Webber Library, Cnr Flushcombe Rd & Alpha St, Blacktown NSW 2148. Onsite parking is available.

See program times →

Who leads us

Meet our founder

Tracey Fernley-Pearson, founder of Blacktown Dementia Action Group

Tracey Fernley-Pearson

Tracey is the founder of Blacktown Dementia Action Group and the facilitator of The Living Hub. She brings lived experience, advocacy and deep compassion to supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

She was named Inspirational Person of the Year at the Blacktown City Council 2023 Disability Awards, and presented a workshop on ambiguous loss at Neuroscience Next. Tracey also works as a Support Coordinator and Recovery Coach with NewPath, and contributes to Dementia Australia, the Western Sydney Dementia Alliance and the Dementia Connect Advisory Committee.

Tracey is a Peer Leader with Connecting Peers, the Dementia Australia program that matches carers and people living with dementia one to one with someone who has been through something similar. She is also part of the Dementia Advocates Program, sharing lived experience to help shape services, research and policy.

Specialist training through Dementia Training Australia:

The Pain Puzzle Reducing Antipsychotic Medicine Use Decoding Delirium Nutrition in Dementia Care Quality Dementia Care Dementia Care for Volunteers
Why we do this

Doing it for Dad

Beverly Fernley-Pearson, Tracey's dad, sitting outside in the sun reading the newspaper

Beverly Fernley-Pearson

14 November 1939 – 9 October 2025

Tracey's dad, and the reason this group exists. He is behind every session at The Living Hub, every conversation with a carer, and every step we take toward a dementia-friendly Blacktown.

#DoingitForDad

Working together

Our partners & collaborators

This is a significant collaborative effort, bringing together researchers, dementia advocacy groups, service providers, local health districts and councils.

In partnership with NewPath

NewPath provides specialist support for people living with young onset dementia and their families. We work alongside them to connect our community with trusted support, services and pathways.

Visit newpath.org.au →

Need to talk to someone?

Free help lines, open 24 hours

Two different services, for two different needs. Both are free and both are open every day of the year.

National Dementia Helpline

For information, advice, and someone to talk to. Start here if you are not sure where to begin.

1800 100 500

Dementia Australia · 24 hours, every day

Dementia Support Australia

For after a diagnosis, when behaviour has changed and you need clinical help and advice.

1800 699 799

HammondCare · 24 hours, every day

In an emergency, always call 000.

Help us turn awareness into action

Whether you have lived experience, professional expertise, or simply want to help, there is a place for you here.