Advocate awarded Queen’s Service Medal for dementia mate wareware service
We were delighted to join Alister Roberston to receive his Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to dementia mate wareware recently.
Alister was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers disease several years ago and lives in Napier. He’s been a tireless volunteer, directing his efforts over many years to strengthening the voice of people living with dementia mate wareware both in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.
Some of his many achievements include:
- A leading role in developing the Dementia Declaration and the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan
- Founder of the My Life’s Journey app
- Member of the Government’s Dementia Mate Wareware Leadership and Advisory Group
- Member of the Alzheimers NZ governance board and Lived Experience Advisory Group
- Chair of the global Dementia Alliance International
The investiture took place at Government House in Wellington on Wednesday 28 May. Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall says it was a privilege to join the event.
“Alister’s perspective as a person living with dementia mate wareware is invaluable to make sure we keep people and their whānau at the heart of what we do,” she says.
“We appreciate the countless hours Alister has contributed to the cause in his many different roles. Thank you and congratulations, Alister!”
Alister says it was a wonderful ceremony and he was humbled to have received the QSM.
“It was great to have been able to share the occasion with my family and to have Catherine there too.”
Alzheimers NZ previously shared the news when Alister was named on the New Year Honours List.
Caption: Alister Roberston QSM at the investiture with Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro