The Holland Open Garden and Memory Makers Art Prize, which raises funds for a number of initiatives involving dementia and supports the arts, took place last Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12, in the spectacular Colony Crescent garden of Lorraine Holland right here in Dubbo.

The weekend was packed with interesting and informative sessions by gardening guru Brendan Moar and artist Ken Tucker.

The Holland family, strong supporters of the arts, also hosted the Memory Makers Art Prize, showcasing creative works that celebrate memory and the impact of dementia. Winners of the various categories of the Art Prize were announced at the cocktail party on Saturday night, which also featured a special performance by country music star Adam Harvey - himself a dementia advocate.

Lyndal McRae walk away with the Memory Makers Art Prize, while other category winners in the highly regarded local art competition included:

• “Still Life or Blooms” – Noelene Rawson

• “Birds, Animal, People” – Leanne Watts

• “Landscape” – Frits Bos.

From those who attended, including Dubbo Photo News photographer Ken Smith, the Saturday night event was a fantastic evening with perfect weather.

"Adam Harvey live in the garden was simply sensational," a guest commented.

On Sunday, October 12, Holland Open Garden guests were treated to a special performance by Dubbo's own Sing Out Choir, who performed while Ken Tucker painted live in the back garden.

Dementia is a cause close to the hearts of the Holland family, with patriarch Alex Holland diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and eventually passing away aged in his mid-60s in 2021.

The Holland family has since raised tens of thousands of dollars to support dementia research and other initiatives including the work of Dementia Australia, Dubbo Dementia Alliance, and the Sing Out Choir.

"Congratulations to Lorraine and Laura who, again, worked their magic with the help of many behind the scenes to create an event that is highly anticipated and a must attend for many," a guest concluded.