Creating a Community of Care: A place-led approach for Curtin Dementia Village

We’re excited to share that the Curtin Dementia Village, Canberra’s first dementia care facility, is now moving into its next stage of delivery. Set in the heart of Curtin and designed to feel like a small, familiar neighbourhood, the village will offer a welcoming place where residents can live with dignity, comfort and independence. Its layout, landscaping and homelike cottages have been carefully considered to create an environment that feels safe, calm and connected to everyday life, all within walking distance of Curtin’s shops, paths and green spaces. 

This vision was shaped through an extensive, collaborative engagement process led by Suburban Land Agency (SLA) between October 2023 and February 2024. The goal was to ensure the Place Development Brief that guides the development of the Village, reflects best-practice dementia care principles while responding to local community values. SLA consulted with local residents, people with lived experience of dementia, healthcare specialists, cultural organisations and advocacy groups to understand what really matters in a dementia-friendly place. 

Engagement Activities: 

• A Stakeholder Advisory Panel of 25 representatives from aged care, health, planning, architecture, and community organisations convened for three workshops, including a site walk. These sessions explored design principles, operational models, and integration with Curtin’s neighbourhood fabric. 

• Lived Experience Conversations were held with carers and families, offering insights into home care, residential care, and palliative experiences. 

• One-on-one discussions with dementia specialists and First Nations health providers enriched cultural safety considerations. 

• Community input was gathered through a YourSay online platform, which attracted 527 visits, 46 survey responses, and ideas submissions. 

• Face to face engagement included a pop-up session at Curtin Group Centre (106 participants) and presentations to local groups such as the Woden Valley Community Council and Curtin Residents Association, reaching over 200 people.  

• Social media posts extended reach to 4,000+ individuals. 

Through workshops, conversations and pop-ups at the Curtin shops, we heard a clear message: the village should feel part of Curtin, reflect its character and support both residents and their families to stay connected.  

• Design enabling dignity and independence in a home-like environment. 
• Strong connection to Curtin’s green spaces and community. 
• Support for an innovative, holistic care mode