What's Bill Up To?
Although Bill aims to inspire people with dementia to make the most of life, we find there are just as many people without dementia who are equally inspired as he generously shares his personal challenges, successes and framework to navigate life.
You can find more info about Bill here or at the bottom of this page.
Some of Bill's recent activities are below.
AAIC, London 2026
After visiting Hogeweyk in Amsterdam, Bill & Kay travelled to London for the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC - the world's largest forum for the dementia research community).
Bill gave a wonderful presentation at the AAIC conference, “Promoting Wellbeing – A Personal Reflection on What Really Matters to Me” and participated in two workshops as a lived-experience expert ‘Engaging People with Lived Experience of Dementia in Advocacy and Research – Implementing Promising Practices’.
Bill & Kay connected with Michelle Memran, a documentary filmmaker, journalist, and dementia advocate using collaborative storytelling to create social change. Michelle's post on Bill's attendance at AAIC (and his friendship with Kay) is here.
Hogeweyk, Amsterdam (July 2026)
Along with other Walking the Talk with Dementia alumni, Bill & Kay enjoyed a very special visit to Amsterdam.
Bill said, “we had the privilege of visiting ‘Hogeweyk’, the world-renowned dementia village, where we were able to see firsthand how an innovative approach can transform the lives of people living with advanced dementia”.
This unique opportunity was organised by Iris van Slooten-Klarenbeek, Senior Advisor at Hogeweyk.
“Seeing the village in action was both inspiring and deeply moving. Rather than focusing on what people can no longer do, Hogeweyk demonstrates what becomes possible when we create environments that support choice, independence, dignity and meaningful relationships. It is a powerful reminder that ‘quality of life’ needs to remain at the heart of dementia care”, Bill added.
Our sincere thanks to Iris for organising this wonderful experience and for sharing not only the history behind Hogeweyk but also the vision that continues to drive this innovative Dutch model of care.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month (1st July, 2026)
Bill spoke at the newly renovated Regent Theatre in Richmond in recognition of Disability Pride Month.
He shared his personal journey of living with dementia and acknowledged the remarkable work that frontline support workers do in making a positive difference in the lives of people every day.
“A key message of my presentation was the importance of adopting a truly person-centred approach. While understanding who I was before my diagnosis helps explain my life story, it is equally important to recognize the person I continue to be today”, said Bill.
Australian Dementia Research Forum & HammondCare International Dementia Conference (June, 2026)
Bill spent 3 days at the Australian Dementia Research Forum (ADRF) and then 2 days at HammondCare’s International Dementia Conference (IDC).
“Even though some of the presentations at the ADRF stretched well beyond my own scientific knowledge, I always come away inspired, learning about the incredible advances and innovations that are taking place in the dementia sector”, said Bill.