Dementia Support Australia hosting free ‘respite retreats’ in Alice Springs and Darwin

A free three day, two night, ‘respite retreat’ for carers is coming to the Top End and the Red Centre, with spots filling up quickly. Find out more.

Free three day, two night respite retreats are coming to Darwin and Alice Springs this April. Picture: File

Top End and the Red Centre carers who look after some of the estimated 433,000 Australians living with dementia are encouraged to come to one of two “respite retreats” – which are free.

The three day, two night retreats are taking place in Darwin in Alice Springs later this year and aim to “teach effective techniques for both dementia home care and carers’ self-care,” according to Dr Duncan McKellar.

Dr Duncan McKellar. Picture: Supplied

Dr McKellar co-authored the Oakden report, which resulted in the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

He is also a psychiatrist and the acting general manager of The Hammond Centre, which is run by Christian charity HammondCare.

Dementia Australia estimates there are 433,000 Australians living with dementia in 2025.

Dr McKellar said the “respite retreats” will benefit both dementia patients and carers.

“Partners, family and other home carers need to learn to maintain their own wellbeing, as well as navigate the challenges of supporting someone living with dementia,” he said.

The respite retreats are run by Dementia Support Australia and are funded by the Australian Government.

The Alice Springs respite retreat runs from April 1 to 2 and will take place at Lasseters Casino, while the Darwin respite retreat will take place in Jingili April 15 to 17.

Registration for both is essential and can be done online.