Monthly Recap of Support Groups: May 2025 Edition

Recognizing Community Heroes in Parkinson's NSW Support Groups

Welcome to our May roundup, highlighting the vibrant activities and achievements of Parkinson's NSW Support Groups.

Community Heroes: Unsung Champions of the Parkinson's Community

Each year, extraordinary individuals and organizations are honored as Community Heroes for their significant and meaningful support to local support groups. These heroes are nominated by the support groups, and their contributions are recognized through a special certificate presentation. This year's Community Heroes are:

The Australian Chinese Charity Foundation (ACCF), chosen by the Chinatown Bilingual Support Group for their long-standing support of annual events and generous donation of $6500 for mental health promotion activities.
Tim Ayers, the cherished Parkinson's nurse from Lismore, recognized for his regular group attendance, offering valuable information and one-on-one interactions with members.
Faddi Azzi, of St George Sutherland Support Group, for his continuous monthly donations of fruit boxes for group raffles, with proceeds benefiting both the group and Parkinson's NSW.
Tina Boger and the Wolper Jewish Hospital, praised by the Eastern Suburbs Young Onset Support Group for their dedication to forming a support group for younger people with Parkinson's and providing complimentary facilities for monthly meetings.
Matt Cooke, a physiotherapist appreciated by the Kiama Support Group for his tireless efforts in encouraging group members to engage in regular exercise programs, and for his exceptional care of clients with Parkinson's.
Paul Manning, the former community nurse from Evans Head, recognized for his selfless assistance to the new group and ongoing support at meetings for a smoother running of sessions and valuable insights.
In Griffith, the gym instructor Lauren Bortolin, the WIN Television Griffith, Coro Club, Griffith City Council, and management and staff at these locations were all recognized for their consistent support of the group's activities.

Spreading Awareness During Parkinson's Awareness Month

Several support groups actively engaged their communities during April's Awareness Month by organizing events, awareness campaigns, and community speaking engagements.

Information tables were set up at local shopping centers in Temora, Tumbarumba, Forster-Tuncurry, Albury, Armidale, and Southern Highlands.
Graham Saxby, leader of the Coffs Harbour Support Group, presented to the Chamber of Commerce, discussing ways businesses can support the Parkinson's community in Coffs Harbour.
Port Macquarie Support Group organized a raffle and an information session at the local library, with support from Jody Lloyd, a Parkinson's Specialist Nurse, Mary Kay Walker, CEO of Parkinson's NSW, and the local member for Port Macquarie, Rob Dwyer.

Support Group Visits and Upcoming Meetings

In April and May, representatives from Parkinson's NSW have visited, or will visit, several support groups, including Eurobodalla, Yass, Crookwell, Kiama, Bathurst, Chinatown Bilingual, Manly Mosman, Port Stephens, Belrose Young Onset, Evans Head, and Inverell.

We look forward to connecting with our support group members in these locations and fostering continued growth and awareness within the Parkinson's community.

In the spirit of recognizing outstanding contributions to the Parkinson's community, support groups have formed partnerships with organizations such as science-focused health-and-wellness initiatives, ensuring mental health resources are readily available. For instance, the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation has been commended for their ongoing support in mental health promotion activities. Additionally, support groups have collaborated with science-oriented institutions to conduct research and provide up-to-date information to their members, fostering a supportive environment centered around both physical and mental wellbeing.