As a singer and cellist, Cameron helps people reconnect with familiar music to unlock memories, emotions and moments that are deeply meaningful. Alongside his role as Head of Procurement, Cameron spends time supporting residents through the Lifestyle Team within Residential Services.
As the opening notes of I Still Call Australia Home filled the memory support area at BaptistCare Gracewood in Salter Point, Perth, residents began
making their way towards the music.
Some left their rooms. Others gathered in the lounge. Before long, the room was full.
During the visit, Cameron played familiar favourites including Danny Boy, Love Me Tender, Can't Help Falling in Love and The Last Waltz.
"It was all fairly spontaneous," he said.
"There was wonderful participation, movement, inclusion and joy. Each resident took part in their own way. Some were singing, some clapping and others were dancing."
For Cameron, these moments are a powerful reminder that meaningful connection remains possible for people living with dementia.
"Within a few minutes of me playing or singing, their faces light up," he said.
Looking back, Cameron believes his passion for aged care began in childhood.
Growing up, his parents regularly took him and his three brothers to visit relatives living in a nearby aged care home. The family would often sing for
residents, experiences that initially felt a little daunting to Cameron as a young child. Over time, the visits became a regular part of everyday life.
It wasn’t until many years later, while studying chaplaincy, that he realised how deeply those early experiences had shaped him.
"It was a formative moment for me," he reflected.
"What once felt like simple family visits now seemed like the beginning of a much bigger calling."
Today, Cameron continues to share that gift with residents across BaptistCare aged care homes.
Drawing on his background in chaplaincy and counselling studies, he sees music as a way of reaching people beyond words alone.
One encounter has stayed with him.
A resident at BaptistCare Graceford and former violinist with the WA Symphony Orchestra was no longer able to play because of cancer. Yet after
hearing Cameron's music, memories from decades earlier began to resurface.
The resident spoke about learning violin in Perth from a Jewish immigrant who had fled Germany during World War II.
"There were tears welling up as he relived those early years. It was like going on a journey through time as he listened to me play and sing the very
same music he was taught," Cameron said.
Today, Cameron is passionate about advocating for people living with dementia and challenging some of the misconceptions that can lead to
social isolation.
"There is still a lot of misunderstanding about people living with dementia,"
Cameron said.
"Every person deserves to be recognised, respected and valued for who they are. Dementia may change the way we connect, but it doesn't remove a person's need for friendship, companionship and belonging. I always try to be a safe and calming presence in their life."
Lana Davis, Acting Head of Volunteer Operations, said Cameron's story highlights the difference volunteers can make when they share their
passions, talents and life experiences with others.
"Cameron reminds us that meaningful connection does not depend on someone remembering a name or conversation. It begins with being
present, recognising the person and finding what brings them joy."
For Cameron, every visit to a BaptistCare aged care home is an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of residents.
"I no longer stand in front of a room full of strangers, but of new-found friends enjoying a moment in time that is both inclusive and uplifting," he
said.
For Cameron, those moments are what keep him coming back.
"Nothing fills my cup more than that."
