How the radio program Walk Down Memory Lane came to be - Story by Anne Elliott - 2025 Wicking Dementia Centre, Diploma of Dementia Care Graduate

It began as a simple idea sparked during a farewell lunch in late 2023. I work as a Care Partner with Omnicare, supporting people living with dementia, and I also volunteer as a community radio presenter. When a colleague reminisced about a childhood radio program, my daughter suggested we create something similar for our centre participants — and the concept took off.

With strong support from Omnicare’s leadership and the local radio station, we launched the program in January 2024. I coordinate the logistics, help participants choose and share the stories behind their songs, and manage the technical side of each broadcast. Some speak confidently on air; others need a little guidance, and I tailor the experience to each person.

The program has quickly become a highlight for participants, with funding being the only ongoing challenge to its future. 

Walk Down Memory Lane is a radio program on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, featuring participants from Omnicare’s dementia day respite centre. Each week, individuals living with dementia join a ninety-minute broadcast, spending half an hour alongside a licensed presenter to share their favourite music and stories. By revisiting cherished moments, they foster community understanding and empathy about dementia and make the experience meaningful for both themselves and listeners.

The program has inspired remarkable achievements and uplifting experiences. One regular participant, once a radio presenter, lost his licence to dementia five years ago. When offered the chance to return to the airwaves, he seamlessly resumed his role. His wife revealed that he hadn’t looked at his CD collection since losing his licence, but now, he is rediscovering his passion for music thanks to the program. He also thanks the program for giving back to him something that he had thought he had lost forever.

Not all participants have radio experience or confidence. Some are nervous about introducing songs, often requiring support. One participant, who initially struggled and would say, “Yer Anne yer” instead of announcing songs, gradually gained confidence. With ongoing encouragement, he now introduces and back-announces songs independently, highlighting the empowering nature of the program.

For others, the program brings purpose to daily routines. One participant with Parkinson’s disease was advised to read aloud to help maintain his speech. The radio show gave him motivation: he writes scripts to read between songs, practices at home, and then delivers them on air, making the exercise meaningful and inspiring him to continue.

Some centre staff initially questioned whether participants who couldn't remember being on air would find the program meaningful. However, it soon became clear that the impact reached beyond memory. One woman, whom the staff thought should not bother participating, arrived fearful but soon relaxed and left smiling. Later, she could not recall the show, but when asked if she would do it again, she responded with, “I can't remember doing it, but I know that I want to do it again.” The sense of joy and belonging endured even as details faded.

Not only do the participants have a sense of belonging, but this also extends to the listeners. During one broadcast, a woman called in, expressing how much she appreciated hearing people her own age at the forefront. She noted that older people are often pushed aside and forgotten, but the show made her feel seen and valued.

Walk Down Memory Lane not only helps people to feel seen and valued but has the ability to change community perception of dementia. During a conversation, a member of the public shared that the program had “totally flipped” their perspective. Previously, they had viewed people with dementia as “stupid, useless and unimportant.” After listening, they realised those living with dementia can still achieve great things with the right support.

These stories show that Walk Down Memory Lane does more than share music and stories—it helps people living with dementia connect, grow, and rediscover passions. By building confidence and changing perceptions, the program proves that with understanding and support, everyone can continue to feel a sense of belonging and purpose.

Anne Elliott hosts the radio program "Walk Down Memory Lane" on the community radio station 2Way FM 103.9, which broadcasts from the Hastings region (Wauchope/Port Macquarie) in New South Wales.