Turn back time for Somerset’s Dementia Friendly Launch
Published on 28 May 2026
Disco Nanna and her family stop by the Linville Store and Café, in a new children’s book to be launched as part of Somerset Regional Council’s Dementia Friendly initiative on 11 June. Artist: Marita Reynolds.
SOMERSET Regional Council has taken meaningful steps on its path to becoming a Dementia Friendly Council, and now Somerset seniors are invited to wear their best 70s outfits to celebrate a key milestone.
Council will host a Dementia Friendly Launch with a free two-course meal, guest speakers and a book launch from 11am to 2.30pm on Thursday, 11 June at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
Somerset Councillor and Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair Michael Bishop said the event was an open invitation to Somerset seniors to enjoy an entertaining and informative lunch.
“We want to celebrate our senior community and to build understanding around the supports available to our ageing population and caregivers,” Cr Bishop said.
“Dr Melissa Taylor from the West Moreton Older Person’s Collaborative and Southern Queensland Rural Health will speak to the importance and advantages of being dementia friendly for businesses, community groups and individuals.
“We’ll also have representatives from Council on the Ageing talking about the importance of connection and reducing social isolation.”
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the event also included the launch of a new Council-produced children’s book, ‘You’re Not a Nonny Nu, Nanna We Love You’, written by Donita Bundy with artwork by Marita Reynolds.
“The design of the main character, nicknamed ‘Disco Nanna’, was based off artwork by Toogoolawah State School student, Lara Sclosa,” Cr Brieschke said.
“The book follows Disco Nanna, who is living with dementia, as she and her family explore the Somerset region,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Throughout the story, we see how the Somerset community has implemented dementia-friendly practices to support the ageing population.
“We’re excited to distribute the book to the community and Somerset schools after the launch.”
Bookings essential, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Somerset Regional Council’s dementia-friendly initiative is supported by the Queensland Government Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety following a successful application for $42,200 in funding through the Age-friendly Community Development Grant program.