OUR STORY
It's who is standing behind the Foundation that gives it unrivalled strength, endurance, creativity and success.
The Dementia Foundation's leadership committee brings proven expertise to Australia's most underserved health sector. Chaired by Brett Parker, whose 15+ years in organisational development provides strategic foundation leadership, the committee combines transformational operational experience with financial excellence.
Deputy Chair and Executive Director Holly Meijer delivers proven financial and organisational strategy and performance as Group Executive Director of both 2Flourish and the Dementia Foundation, ensuring sustainable, targeted and transparent practices can be measured in quantifiable terms.
Supported by Secretary Jo Stewart for organisational governance and property management services and Treasurer Lin Koh who spearheads the financial compliance and performance of the Foundation, this leadership team represents over 50 years of collective success in commercial services, disability services, aged care innovation, and evidence based program delivery. Their demonstrated experience serving thousands of families provides unparalleled credibility to address the critical support gap facing 30,000+ Australians living with young-onset dementia during their prime years.
Pardon the pun, but what is our driver?
We want to promote, educate and meet as many people as possible in our communities across Western Australia. We want to make memories and experiences with you. We want to hear your stories and to open discussions about young onset dementia to as many people as possible.
Redefining tomorrow
The Dementia Foundation was born from real world experience and identified needs. Our Foundation emerged from 2Flourish, an established organisation that has been providing quality support services for people with disabilities through the NDIS for since 2022. Through our frontline work, it became obvious there was a desperate need for specialist care services to not only support but also advocate for the many people who live with young onset dementia, as there are little to no specialist organisations providing these essential services.
Recognising this critical gap, the founders of 2Flourish - Holly Meijer, Group Executive Director and Brett Parker, now Chair of The Dementia Foundation - established The Dementia Foundation as an Incorporated Association to address this urgent unmet need. This Foundation brings together proven operational experience in disability services with specialised focus on young onset dementia support.
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Our Mission
Our Mission
The Dementia Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by young onset dementia - a devastating condition that affects almost 30,000 people in Australia under 65 years of age. Unlike age related dementia, young onset dementia strikes during peak career and family years, creating unique challenges including:
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Loss of income and career prospects during prime earning years
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Complex family dynamics with dependent children and teenagers
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Limited age-appropriate support services and peer networks
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Social isolation and stigma in professional and social circles
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Severe financial hardship from reduced earning capacity
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Inadequate healthcare services designed for older adults
Meet Our Founders
Holly Meijer - Executive Director of the Dementia Foundation
Brett Parker - Chair of the Dementia Foundation
With a desire to support the wider Western Australian community, our founders saw a vision and had the drive to make something special. A dedicated specialist service for our state and to build an organisation that brings collaboration and innovation together in a safe space that will provide long lasting benefits.
With over 30 years experience between them and more tertiary qualifications than there is space here, they are continuously championing best practice for our social and community sectors.