About 100 stories
The 100 stories project was launched in 2017 to document 100 stories about people living with dementia in Ballarat. The project challenged the silence and stigma associated with dementia - by raising awareness of local people's stories. We worked with artists Lisa White (The Social Photographer), Christine Hickson, Mick Trembath and Andy Ferguson to document stories using a range of art based modalities including photography, film, drawings and videos - and called on families and friends to help us gather stories. The project was coordinated by Celebrate Ageing in partnership between the Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre; Ballarat North Community House and The City of Ballarat. It was supported by Dementia Australia Vic and we are grateful to Helen MacPherson Smith Trust for Funding the project.
We would like to thank the wonderful people of Ballarat for sharing their stories and to the locals services for helping get the word out. After working at this collection for over a year - we have decided to keep the project open - so that Ballarat people can continue to share stories about local people living with dementia.
We would like to thank the wonderful people of Ballarat for sharing their stories and to the locals services for helping get the word out. After working at this collection for over a year - we have decided to keep the project open - so that Ballarat people can continue to share stories about local people living with dementia.
Yvonne Bedford
Thanks to Yvonne Bedford for sharing her story about family and knitting. Thanks also to film maker Andy Ferguson for producing this animation from some of Yvonne's knitting patterns - and to Rose Young for the voice over.
Ron Bedford
Ron Bedford and his wife Yvonne
Ivy Ballantine
Ivy and her Son-in-Law Walter Burtt. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Walter Burtt
Walter Burtt wrote this piece about his Mother-in-Law Ivy Ballantine
Betty Driscoll
Betty's story was documented by Angelika Taschler from Ballarat Health Service.
Claire Wrigley
Claire and Joseph's story was documented by Angelika Taschler from Ballarat Health Service. Happy Anniversary Claire and Joe.
John Carter
John Carter and his daughters Lillian and Susan and grandsons Jake, Michael and Tyler. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Sierra Niehus
Sierra wrote this for her grandmother Dorothy Niehus.
Freyja Niehus
Wrote this for her grandmother Dorothy Niehus
Zephyr Niehus
Wrote this for his grandmother Dorothy Niehus
Elijah Niehus
Wrote this for his grandmother Dorothy
Dorothy Niehus
Dorothy and four of her grand children. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Fredricka Tudor
Ricki and her husband Tudor. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Kathleen Iris Farrow
Kathleen Iris Farrow is also known as Nancy and is pictured here with her husband Robert Lyle Farrow. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Robert Soar
This very beautiful story was written by Robert Soar, eldest son of Dorothy Soar.
Dorothy Soar
Dorothy and her oldest son Robert. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Jim Harrington
Jim and his daughter Wendy Wheadon. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Norah French
Norah French and her great grandson Eamon. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Anne Tudor
Anne shares a letter and speech she wrote about her partner of 33 years, Edie Mayhew.
Edie Mayhew
Edie has produced a series of art works as a way of sharing her story - thanks to Christine Hickson from Ballarat North Community House for her assistance.
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Bev Neil
Bev and Bill Neil and Bev's friend Norah French. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Marnie Hines
Joy Hill's grandaughter made an art work
Wendy Hines
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Joy Hill
Joy with her daughter Wendy Hines, husband and grand daughter Marnie. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Audrey Manning
Audrey her husband David Manning. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Rhiannan Haintz
Nanna is 96 years young, and as bright as a button. Don't let her age fool you! Although she struggles to read the crossword clues these days, if we read them out to her, she will still demolish a crossword, no questions asked. She's been thrashing us all at Scrabble for years!
Until very recently, Nan was still an incredibly active member of her community; volunteering as a hospital visitor, and organising Christmas parcels and hampers with her church, among many other of her social pursuits until well into her 90s.
After the recent loss of our Pa (after more than 60 years of marriage), Nan has amazed us all with her resilience and adaptability. Her kindness and compassion, even amidst her own sadness, has been inspirational to all of us.
She is a wonderful lady, and she is treasured by her family."
Until very recently, Nan was still an incredibly active member of her community; volunteering as a hospital visitor, and organising Christmas parcels and hampers with her church, among many other of her social pursuits until well into her 90s.
After the recent loss of our Pa (after more than 60 years of marriage), Nan has amazed us all with her resilience and adaptability. Her kindness and compassion, even amidst her own sadness, has been inspirational to all of us.
She is a wonderful lady, and she is treasured by her family."
Hazel Polak
Hazel and her grand daughters Rhiannan Haintz and Tammy Sharman. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Deborah Hubble
Deborah shares a story about her mother, Maree Elizabeth Faulkner here
Maree Faulkner
Maree is definitely a Bulldogs fan. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
MARY BELL
Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Bev Quick
This poem was written by Bev Quick for her mother Marion Beaston.
MARION BEASTON
Marion Beaston pictured with her daughter Bev Quick. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Bev Thomas' Family
This story has been written by Bev's family, including Sally, Rick, Steve, Lindsay, Sharon, Kath, Danielle, Luke, Sammy, Hannah, Maddison, Jasper, Charlotte, and Bayley.
Bev Thomas
Bev Thomas pictured with her children Rick, Sally and Steve. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Glenys Brewer
My Mum Phyllis Woodman has always been there for me.
She lost her husband 3 days before her 40th birthday which must have been hard for her.
Mum had lived in the Beaufort district for many years, it was a very supportive community being involved with the church and other organisations in the community.
When the grandchildren came along they became a great joy for her and filled her life with joy again, taking them on holidays and looking after them. They are still very much involved in their Nana’s life even though they are adults now. Regularly taking her out and about, calling in to see her and celebrating special occasions.
Dogs have always been a favourite animal of mums as she has a ‘little’ lab and loves to see her and the two special moodles that also visit her. She has more dog photos in her room than photos of family.
It was a very hard decision to put mum into care, I spent a lot of time feeling bad, but knew that she was safe and being looked after.
I still have my mum now.
Some days she gets everything right and we have a lovely chat over a cup of coffee, but other times she wonders back to her early days.
But she is still my mum and I love her no matter what and I always will.
I love you mum, you were there for me, now I’m her for you.
She lost her husband 3 days before her 40th birthday which must have been hard for her.
Mum had lived in the Beaufort district for many years, it was a very supportive community being involved with the church and other organisations in the community.
When the grandchildren came along they became a great joy for her and filled her life with joy again, taking them on holidays and looking after them. They are still very much involved in their Nana’s life even though they are adults now. Regularly taking her out and about, calling in to see her and celebrating special occasions.
Dogs have always been a favourite animal of mums as she has a ‘little’ lab and loves to see her and the two special moodles that also visit her. She has more dog photos in her room than photos of family.
It was a very hard decision to put mum into care, I spent a lot of time feeling bad, but knew that she was safe and being looked after.
I still have my mum now.
Some days she gets everything right and we have a lovely chat over a cup of coffee, but other times she wonders back to her early days.
But she is still my mum and I love her no matter what and I always will.
I love you mum, you were there for me, now I’m her for you.
Phyllis Woodman
Phyllis and her daughter Glenys Brewer. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Keryn Heffernan
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Jamie Heffernan
Jamie Heffernan and his mum Keryn. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Trudy Dal
Trudy and her daughters Pauline and Renata. Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Jill Coon
Jill says: "I always wanted to be in the theatre, but I didn't have the confidence. I performed at school - but I was always in the back because I didn't have the confidence. I want to sing for you." Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
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Jack and Betty Parry
Jack says: "we've been married 64 years. We have one son and a daughter. Our son is a plumber and our daughter is a bachelor of education. We've got four grandchildren." Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Rosalind Smith
Rosalind says: "I had seven children, two great gran daughters and five great grandsons. I've got the medical care I need. I've got company and plenty to do." Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Mary Holland
Mary says: "I grew up in Evansford in 1929. I married when I was 22 and had two beautiful girls. They call me by my own name half the time. I was a dairy farmer. I loved dairy farming - my word I did. I've had a good life. I've worked hard. I'm enjoying life in here now." Photo (c) Lisa White, thesocialphotographer.com.au
Toni Clarke
Alastair's wife Toni says: Alistair is my life, my love, my friend. Films produced by Mick Trembath.
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Sam Clarke
In this film Sam Clarke tells us about his relationship with his dad, Alistair Clarke. Film produced by Mick Trembath.
Alistair Clarke
Portraits of Alistair Clarke, his wife Toni and his mother Cynthia. Photo (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer
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Al Sewell
Maureen Sewell shares the story of meeting her husband Al and their life after his diagnosis of dementia. She has written a story (link here) and also shares her story on film. Thanks Mick Trembath for producing the film.
Scott Magee
Scott's parents Sue and Graham talk about Scott's diagnosis and his care. This film was produced by Mick Trembath.
Thelma Anstis
Thelma Anstis shares the story of her sisters death and looking after her sister's children, including Brenda - who now lives with dementia. Thanks to Mick Trembath for producing this film.
Brenda Anstis
Brenda and her mum Thelma. Photo (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer
Robert Edgar
Photo (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer
Rona Landrigan
Photo (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer
Olive
Photos (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer
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Graeme Reeder
Graeme and Rhonda Reeder - and Barrett. Photos (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer
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George Donaldson
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Marlene Howgate
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Alison Howgate: My Mum It’s ok Mum You don’t remember but I do. I remember how you taught me To knit To sew To bake all your special mince pies at Xmas time. I remember My special, creative, talented Mum. Love you. Photo (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer |
My Nan, Loris Scales
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Adam Cameron: My Nan, Loris Scales.
With a cheeky sense of humour and a wry smile. Your hugely generous heart for each grandchild. Not just the sharpest of wit but a lovely voice too. You taught us to sing and first perform for you You spoiled us each and every holiday And taught us so much along the way A savvy shopper and genius with a saucepan You're so dear to us. We love you Nan. Photos (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer |
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Gary & Mandy Lovall
Mandy Lovall: The hardest days are the ones when I hear you say a very heartfelt "sorry" to me for something that you think you have done wrong, somewhere, at some time, or now..... I can't ever be sure. Because you have nothing to be sorry for ! You gave me a life of love, laughter, adventure and opportunity. And you still do my darling, darling man. You still do ! (Photo (c) Lisa White, The Social Photographer).
Jill Blee
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A special thank you to Jill Blee for sharing this beautiful story about her sister Rebecca Michelle Norton who passed away recently. You can read Jill's tribute to Rebecca by clicking here.
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Marion McKenzie
Letter written by Marion McKenzie to her husband Denis.
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Joan Brick
Letter written to John Brick by his wife Joan Brick.
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Caleb Cluff
In September 2017 Ballarat Courier journalist Caleb Cluff wrote a beautiful piece on Jac Kreemer, "...with the assistance of Mick Trembath and the kindness of Mari and Jac Kreemers" entitled "An Australian rock pioneer faces his struggle with dementia." You can read the article here
Mari Kremmers
Jac Kreemer's wife Mari shares her story across a number of films - about meeting Jac, falling in love and living with dementia. Thanks Mick Trembath for producing these films.
Jac Kremmers
Jac says: I've been a drummer for more than 40 years. I just want to keep my music. As long as I can keep playing my drums I'll be happy. (Photo copyright The Social Photographer - http://thesocialphotographer.com.au/).
David Westaway
Letter written by David Westaway, son of Lennyce and David Westaway.
Tracey Westaway
Tracey Westaway has written a letter about her mother in law Lennyce.
David Westaway
David Westaway is married to Lennyce and writes: It's always we. We still love kissing after 60 years. We first kissed at the front gate 60 years ago - Lennyce was only 15 years, one month and nine days. Lennyce's mum came out and said: David I want you to know that if you are going to take Lennyce out she has to be home the same day she goes. That kiss changed our life. (Photo copyright Lisa White, The Social Photographer).
Lennyce Westaway
One of Lennyce Westaway's drawings about the importance of family.
Launch
A small project launch was held on 20th December at the North Ballarat Community Centre. We were thrilled to have journalist Melanie Whelan there from the Ballarat Courier and Hannah Jenkins from Win News - getting the word out through local media is such an important way of letting people know about the project. Yvonne Bedford spoke so beautifully about her experience of dementia and we look forward to documenting her story using old knitting and sewing patterns - Yvonne showed us some of her old knitting patterns and her knitting prowess. Here are some of the photos from the launch.
Funding
100 stories was funded by Helen Macpherson Smith Trust - an independent philanthropic trust helping to build fair, creative and resilient Victorian communities through initiatives that promote positive change.
In the News
More information
Dr Catherine Barrett
Project Coordinator
Phone: 0429 582 237
Email: director@celebrateageing.com
Project Coordinator
Phone: 0429 582 237
Email: director@celebrateageing.com
Partners and supporters
100 stories is a partnership between the Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre; Celebrate Ageing; Ballarat North Community House and The City of Ballarat - it is supported by Alzheimer's Australia Vic.
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