Alzheimer’s WA is thrilled to congratulate Chairman Professor Warren Harding on his award of Member of the Order (AM) Australia, announced in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honors.
Professor Harding was awarded Member of the Order (AM) for his service to business, community health and the information technology industry. Professor Harding hopes his award will enable him to create further awareness for causes close to his heart, including health inequity, and dementia knowledge and support.
He has a distinguished international career in the information technology industry, including inaugural Board member of Scitech Discovery Centre, Chair of the Industry Advisory Board of the Curtin School of Information Systems and co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Work.
Professor Harding also holds a Professorship with Macquarie University in Dementia Care and is a member of the National Dementia Expert Reference Group, appointed by the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care.
Dr Sean Maher, Deputy Chair of Alzheimer’s WA, said Professor Harding’s citation “is a wonderful reflection of his contribution to the Information Technology and Healthcare industry in this State. His governance of our Board and dedication to Alzheimer’s WA has been outstanding and has guided our growth and purpose and built tremendous relationships with Member of Parliament, Industry and Academia.”
Professor Harding is very humbled by the recognition of his work and said “I hope that this award will help me to drive more State and Federal funding to address health inequity and the impact on people living with dementia. Indigenous people are diagnosed 3-5 times higher prevalence with dementia and funding would help them to live on country more independently, for longer.”
“This is a $3tn economic global challenge and while there is promising progress in early dementia detection through blood markers, eye amyloid protein tests and eye response to light flash, there is no cure.”
“The impact of dementia on family, friends, carers and the community is significant. I want to see a world where people can age with dignity, where their children work and grandchildren go to school”, says Professor Harding.
On behalf of those living with dementia in this State, Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s WA Ella Dachs would like to thank Professor Harding for his purposeful and wonderful contribution as Chair: “He has been tireless in raising awareness of the disease, and promoting more research translation, new models of care and research partnerships. Dementia is the leading cause of death for women, number two for men – approximately 500,000 Australians are diagnosed with the disease”.
“Warren has a lived experience with dementia, through his own Mother’s dementia journey, and his parents would be very proud of the work he is so committed to” Ms Dachs continued.
As the dementia experts Alzheimer’s WA works with those living with dementia and the organisations that care and support them, to have the greatest beneficial impact on their dementia journey. Our day and overnight respite services, advocacy work, training for Family and Friends and consultancy programs and Memory Cafes are based on a philosophy of understanding the lived experience of dementia and are person centred. Our Customer Support line is 1300 66 77 88, she said
Alzheimer’s WA wishes Professor Harding continued success in his work, and once again congratulates him on this national award. Alzheimer’s WA would also like to congratulate all recipients in this year’s Honors list.
