GreenConnect
La Trobe University research is helping transform dementia support in regional Victoria through GreenConnect, a nature-based program improving wellbeing, social connection and quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers.
Dr Tshepo Rasekaba, Dr Shahinoor Akter, Dr Sean MacDermott and Professor Irene Blackberry
Needs an intro sentence outlining the problem. “People don’t understand the value of nature in dementia care” vel sim. The GreenCare Respite and Care Ecotourism (GRaCE) model was refined and implemented as the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Program, a community-based, nature-focused dementia support program delivered across the Loddon-Mallee region. Between April 2024 and March 2026, GreenConnect delivered 52 day and overnight activities across Mildura and Bendigo-Heathcote, involving 128 participants, including 66 people living with dementia and 62 caregivers. Eighty-five per cent reported repeat attendance.
Evaluation findings indicate meaningful benefits for participants. Among those completing follow-up assessments, 42% showed improved quality-of-life scores at three months, increasing to 65% at 12 months. Caregiver burden remained within the no-to-mild range throughout participation, while 98.7% of participants reported being extremely likely to recommend the program. Participants also described increased social connection, reduced isolation, improved emotional wellbeing and a greater sense of belonging.
The research has also influenced the way the model is delivered. Project partners have used evaluation findings to refine service delivery, referral pathways, program framing, governance and participant engagement. GreenConnect has shifted from being framed primarily as respite towards a broader, relationship-centred community dementia support model, with principles including participation of carers and people living with dementia together, use of nature and green spaces, community rather than institutional settings, and stigma-aware engagement.
Following the pilot, the project has been extended for a further 12 months and a GreenConnect Replication Toolkit has been developed to support implementation by aged-care providers, health services, community organisations, Primary Health Networks and regional partnerships. The model is also being used as the basis of a proposal under the Dementia Training Program Grant application, creating a pathway towards wider workforce development and national-scale adoption.
Further reading: Learn more about GreenConnect's research and funding extension in La Trobe University's August 2026 announcement.