New library kits support residents living with dementia
Published on 11 September 2026
Gympie Regional Libraries is supporting older residents experiencing early-stage dementia or cognitive decline with the introduction of 12 new For Active Minds kits designed to keep minds active and help people stay socially connected.
Each themed kit includes a selection of books, puzzles and games specifically chosen to stimulate thinking and memory, with activities that can be enjoyed independently or shared with others.
The new kits have been introduced ahead of Dementia Action Week (21 to 27 September), an annual initiative led by Dementia Australia to raise awareness and understanding of dementia, which currently affects over 446,000 Australians.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said Council’s investment in the new kits was part of ensuring local libraries continued to offer resources that supported residents at different stages of life and with different needs.
“Libraries play an important role in our communities, and Council want to ensure the resources they provide are accessible and inclusive and continue to meet the different needs of residents across our region,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“These kits are a simple but meaningful addition, giving older residents living with dementia or experiencing cognitive decline activities they can enjoy at their own pace, whether at the library or in the comfort of their own home, and share with family, friends or carers.
“They can also be enjoyed by anyone looking to keep their mind active, whether that’s completing a puzzle, playing a game or sharing an activity together.”
Mayor Hartwig said Dementia Action Week was an opportunity to increase awareness of dementia and recognise its impact on those living with the condition and those closest to them.
“Dementia touches the lives of families right across our region, and greater awareness and understanding can help create a community where people impacted feel understood, supported and connected,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“I encourage anyone living with dementia or experiencing cognitive decline, and their loved ones and carers, to visit their local library and borrow a kit to enjoy at home or together at the library.”
The 12 For Active Minds kits are available to borrow now from library branches throughout the Gympie region.
Gympie Regional Libraries membership is free and provides access to library branches across the region.
- Gympie Library – 8–14 Mellor Street, Gympie | Phone: 5481 0859
- Goomeri Library – 5 Moore Street, Goomeri | Phone: 4168 4340
- Kilkivan Library – 31 Bligh Street, Kilkivan | Phone: 5484 1209
- Rainbow Beach Library – Rainbow Beach Community Hall, Rainbow Beach Road, Rainbow Beach | Phone: 5486 3705
- Tin Can Bay Library – 47 Tin Can Bay Road, Tin Can Bay | Phone: 5486 4355
- Imbil Library – Yabba Road, Imbil: Phone: 5484 5488
For more information, visit Home | Gympie Library
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IMAGE CAPTION: Gympie Regional Council staff with Cindy Buchan from Bravo Disability Support Network Inc. and the new For Active Minds Kits