Riverina Community of Practice event shapes dementia support

At a glance 

• 31 local health professionals attended the Riverina Community of Practice session in Young 
  (9 GPs, 4 GP registrars, 3 medical students, 9 primary care nurses, 5 allied health professionals and a general practice manager) 

• 96% average achievement of learning outcomes reported by participants  

As part of the Riverina Community of Practice professional development series, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) hosted a session in Young in April 2026, focussing on supporting health professionals to identify dementia earlier and connect people with appropriate care. 

Dr Steph Armstrong and social worker Liz McRae shared practical guidance on dementia identification and diagnosis with more than 30 local health professionals in attendance. The session covered different types and presentations of dementia, cognitive assessment tools, imaging and pathology, referral pathways and local support services. 

Participant feedback showed the value of making professional development practical and locally relevant with attendees describing the session as "excellent", "very informative" and "incredibly applicable" and likely to change the way they approached dementia assessment. 

Participants identified a range of changes they intended to make in their practice, including more deliberate use of cognitive assessment tools, better differentiation between dementia types and delirium, and greater use of multidisciplinary and community supports. They also reported increased confidence in knowing when and where to refer patients. 

MPHN Primary Care Engagement Officer Jeanette Lautier said the feedback demonstrated the value of bringing local health professionals together to learn from each other. 

"The aim is to give health professionals practical, locally relevant knowledge they can take back into their everyday work,” Ms Lautier said. “And the feedback showed people left with greater confidence around assessment, referral pathways and the local supports available to patients and families.” 

The session also created an opportunity for professionals from across primary care to connect, supporting stronger local networks and more coordinated dementia care. 

Images of the event are with MarComms team