THE Narooma Community Choir will receive a grant to help older members with memory retention issues or learning difficulties under the IRT Foundation's inaugural Community Grants Program.
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The grant was announced today as part of the IRT Foundation's $28,000 investment in the Eurobodalla region via the grants program.
Alzheimer's Australia NSW also received a grant, to fund the ‘Aboriginal Dementia Yarn Ups’ project, which will give Elders in local Aboriginal communities culturally sensitive information about how to reduce their risk of dementia.
Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels Cooperative will receive $4,630 for the expansion of the “Out & About” program which aims to reduce older persons social isolation by incorporating outdoor activities.
This presently not feasible due lack of shaded area at the facility.
IRT group chief executive Nieves Murray congratulated all recipient organisations.
“For the Narooma Community Choir, this grant will allow them to acquire additional licensed music and lyrics to ensure inclusiveness for all members of the choir, including those with memory retention issues or learning difficulties,” Ms Murray said.
"As well as being an enjoyable and sociable activity, research suggests that music can help prevent dementia.”
Choir secretary Sandra Doyle said the choir had an important role in the community, providing entertainment at various community events in Narooma and surrounding districts, as well as aged care facilities.
“The choir promotes wellbeing through social activity but also the 'feel good' benefit which we all have when we sing.”
In another Eurobodalla project, Alzheimer's Australia NSW will hold five “Yarn Up” events in partnership with the Katungul Aboriginal Medical Service, using Aboriginal-specific resources to provide a greater understanding of brain health and how to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Each Yarn Up will cater for 20 attendees and include a nutritional, brain-friendly meal.
To increase the reach of the project, a “Memory Van” will distribute information and resources to identified communities, encouraging sharing among friends, family and the broader Aboriginal community.
The Community Grants Program is part of IRT Group's commitment to give back $20 million to the community by 2020.
Through the inaugural grant round, almost $150,000 will be invested in local initiatives and projects that provide practical solutions for achieving age-friendly communities and improving the lives of older Australians.
Ms Murray said 20 projects would be funded across IRT’s geographic footprint in NSW, the ACT and Queensland.