Celebrating Gardens, Art and Community
August 4, 2025
Supporting NGV Women’s Association’s Open Garden Day
The Arcare Family Foundation is delighted to once again support the NGV Women’s Association’s Open Garden Day, a deeply evocative event that unites art lovers, garden enthusiasts, and community members through beauty, nature, and connection.
About NGV Women’s Association & Garden Day
Established in 1961, the NGV Women’s Association (NGVWA) is a dedicated volunteer group that fundraises to support the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) - Australia’s oldest and most visited public art museum. Through a year-round program of events, including lectures, gallery visits, and garden tours, the NGVWA helps fund acquisitions, travel scholarships for curators, and encouragement awards for students at the Victorian College of the Arts.
Garden Day, typically held in October in leafy Hawthorn or Stonnington, offers ticketed access to a curated collection of exquisite private gardens, complete with garden notes, audio guides, raffles, market produce and homemade treats - all raising funds for the NGV’s art collection.
Involvement: Strengthening Community & Culture
Supporting Garden Day aligns perfectly with our values at the Arcare Family Foundation. We’re thrilled to support this initiative once again in 2025, helping generate vital funds for the NGV while offering meaningful engagement opportunities to the Arcare community.
Last year, some residents joined the Garden Day in Hawthorn, exploring beautiful gardens, mingling with others, and experiencing art and nature in harmony. Seeing residents connect, be inspired and enjoy a day out surrounded by stunning green interiors was truly rewarding.
Looking Ahead
Through our continued support in 2025, we are honoured to play a small part in making this event accessible to more people and in contributing to the remarkable work of the NGV. The funds raised through Garden Day help grow the NGV’s collection and support programs that enrich Victoria’s cultural landscape.
As the event continues to flourish year after year, we look forward to seeing the lasting impact it has - not only through its fundraising efforts, but through the moments of beauty and belonging it creates.
To learn more about the Arcare Family Foundation and our community partnerships, visit: www.arcarefamilyfoundation.org.au
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At the Arcare Family Foundation, we believe in supporting programs that foster connection, compassion, and community — especially among older Australians. That’s why we’re proud to support Orchestra Victoria’s Connect program, a beautiful initiative that brings the transformative power of live classical music into aged care residences across Victoria .
The Arcare Family Foundation is proud to support Big hART , an organisation dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and cultural legacies of First Nations communities across Australia. One of the remarkable projects we are supporting is Traditional Heroes — a portrait series that pays tribute to Elders from the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Developed through extensive community consultation across Roebourne, Karratha, Port Hedland and Yandeyarra, the project celebrates cultural knowledge, leadership, and intergenerational storytelling. In 2023, the striking portrait of Nana Berry from the Traditional Heroes series was a contender in the prestigious Archibald Prize. This moment of national recognition honoured not only an extraordinary individual, but also the broader community and culture she represents. Now, work on the next portrait in the series is well underway. Each artwork is a testament to the enduring strength and wisdom of Elders, and the vital role they play in shaping and preserving cultural identity. Alongside Traditional Heroes, Big hART’s recent short film Jarda Bura, Gurri Bura, Jarda Ngarli, Gurri Ngarli (Senior Woman, Young Woman) is currently showing at the WA Museum. The film is a powerful reflection on women’s strength, knowledge and the legacy passed from generation to generation. The Arcare Family Foundation is honoured to support these creative and deeply meaningful initiatives. They reflect our commitment to community, storytelling, and cultural respect—values that are at the heart of everything we do. Stay tuned for more updates as the Traditional Heroes series continues to unfold later this year. To learn more about Big hART and their work, visit: www.bighart.org
The Arcare Family Foundation is proud to support Big Little Buddies , a joyful intergenerational program that brings together aged care residents and young children to share moments of fun, learning, and connection. Founded on the simple yet powerful idea that friendship knows no age limit, Big Little Buddies creates opportunities for meaningful interaction between seniors and young children through regular visits, activities, and play. Whether it's a game of catch, a shared storybook, or painting side by side, these moments spark joy and belonging—for everyone involved. The program celebrates the wisdom and warmth of our older generation, while nurturing empathy and confidence in little ones. The bonds formed between “big” and “little” buddies are authentic, heartwarming, and often deeply moving. For many residents, these visits are a highlight of the week, bringing energy, laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose. For children, it's a chance to develop social skills and form friendships that are grounded in patience, kindness, and understanding. Thanks to support from the Arcare Family Foundation, Big Little Buddies continues to grow and bring this magic to more aged care communities. We’re thrilled to help fund programs that create moments of joy and lifelong impact - for both the young and the young at heart. Because sometimes, the best friendships are the ones you didn’t see coming. To learn more about Big Little Buddies, visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/biglittlebuddies
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At Arcare, we believe that connection, compassion, and education are at the heart of quality aged care — and those values extend well beyond our residences. That’s why the Arcare Family Foundation is proud to support Teens 4 Dementia , a pioneering project helping young Australians better understand and engage with people living with dementia. About Teens 4 Dementia Led by StepUp for Dementia Research (a University of Sydney initiative), Teens 4 Dementia is an evidence-based online learning program designed for high school students. It gives teens a deeper understanding of dementia through real-world storytelling, science-backed insights, and interactive modules that develop empathy, reduce stigma, and build communication skills. The program is co-designed with young people, teachers, and people with lived experience - ensuring it’s engaging, relatable, and impactful. Why We Support It With the rising prevalence of dementia and intergenerational isolation, projects like Teens 4 Dementia are more vital than ever. The Arcare Family Foundation's support ensures the program can be piloted across schools, reaching more students and empowering them to become future advocates, carers, or simply more understanding community members. This partnership reflects Arcare’s commitment to: Enhancing dementia awareness across generations Promoting empathy-driven learning Supporting innovation in community care The Impact So Far Thanks to funding support, the Teens 4 Dementia pilot is being rolled out in multiple schools, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and educators. Participants report increased understanding, reduced fear, and even interest in volunteering or careers in aged care or health services. Join Us in Shaping a More Compassionate Future By investing in the next generation, the Arcare Family Foundation is helping build a society that values its elders and supports those living with dementia with dignity and understanding. To learn more or get involved, visit: stepupfordementiaresearch.org.au/teens4d
At the Arcare Family Foundation, we believe that when carers are supported, people living with dementia are better supported too. That’s why we’re proud to support My Dementia Companion - a digital innovation transforming the way Australians navigate dementia care. Empowering Carers Through Technology Dementia is one of the most complex and emotionally demanding health journeys to manage, especially for family carers. My Dementia Companion aims to reduce that burden by providing interactive, tailored guidance at every step of the dementia care journey. With the support of the Arcare Family Foundation, My Dementia Companion has now successfully completed the co-design, build, testing, and launch of their new CARER Journey platform - and at record speed. This interactive tool is designed to meet carers where they are, offering bite-sized, expert-verified guidance based on their unique situation, whether they’re managing early diagnosis, navigating services, or looking for emotional support. Real Impact, Real Voices The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Carers and health professionals alike have praised the platform’s clarity, simplicity, and ability to deliver the right information at the right time. “This tool is exactly what carers need. It breaks through the overwhelm and empowers them to feel in control again.” — GP and Carer Feedback With dementia care often described as "confusing and isolating," this kind of support is not only practical - it’s life-changing. Now More Accessible Than Ever One of the most exciting updates is that My Dementia Companion has been endorsed to be funded under Home Care Packages. This means: There are no out-of-pocket costs for individuals on Home Care Packages Carers and families can access the support they need without financial barriers The service is more sustainable and scalable, help ing more families for longer This milestone directly aligns with the Arcare Family Foundation’s mission to fund innovative, accessible, and person-centred solutions for older Australians and those who support th em. A Shared Vision We are proud to help bring My Dementia Companion’s vision to life: To make dementia care easier for everyone - one step at a time. Together, we’re building a future where dementia care is clearer, calmer, and more connected. Learn more about the platform at: www.mydementiacompanion.com.au
