The budget submission calls for a commitment of $10.96 million in 2015-2016 to be allocated over three years to fund the development of dementia-friendly communities, awareness-raising campaigns and support programs for people living with younger onset dementia.

The submission follows the success of recent multi-million dollar, dementia-friendly government commitments in the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada.

“Local dementia alliances are at the heart of what we’re proposing. These are groups of local representatives who collaborate to determine local community priorities and make a commitment to integrate dementia-friendly principles into their way of life,” said Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria’s CEO, Maree McCabe.

Government funding will fill critical dementia service gaps with activities such as an expanded suite of training and education programs and services including catering to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“We want to work together with the State Government to improve outcomes for people living with dementia as well as their families and carers. Ongoing support will see Victoria continue to be a leader in the provision of dementia services,” said Ms McCabe.