Alzheimer's Australia Living with dementia

Hazel Hawke's Legacy

Hazel Hawke's legacy has been to raise the profile of dementia and the importance of investment in research to improve the quality of dementia care.

Donate now to Hazel Hawke Research and Care Fund.

Hazel Hawke

"I hope that, by speaking out about this very private issue, I can help to promote openness, awareness and support for all people living with dementia. No illness should carry a negative label. None of us is immune."

"Although I would obviously prefer not to have Alzheimer's, I continue to live a happy and healthy life, with the love and support of family and friends. I hope that, as a community, we can work towards this as a reality for all those similarly affected."

"Practically speaking, I hope to help raise much-needed funds by establishing the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer’s Research and Care Fund. I have done this together with Alzheimer’s Australia. We will use the money you donate to assist on-going research into the prevention and management of Alzheimer’ disease, and to help provide crucial services to people and their carers living with dementia. I urge you all to contribute generously to this Fund." - Hazel Hawke (November 2003)

Our thanks to the Hawke family

Glenn Rees, CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia, said that every one involved in advocating for people with dementia would have the memory of Australian Story in 2003 – The Big ‘A’ - and Hazel Hawke indelibly printed in their memories forever.

She had made a great and personal commitment to dementia research and particularly to improving the quality of dementia care through the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer’s Research and Care Fund.

Donations to this fund will help Alzheimer's Australia to improve the quality of dementia care and develop new opportunities for emerging researchers to develop their careers in the dementia research field.

Ita Buttrose, President of Alzheimer's Australia, said that Hazel's courage to speak openly about her dementia journey has left a lasting legacy in raising the profile of Alzheimer’s disease and reducing the strong sense of isolation that thousands of Australians with dementia experience.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to Hazel’s children; Sue, Stephen and Roslyn and their respective families.