By Stacey Foster, Support Group Coordinator 

Welcome to the June Support Group round up.

It’s been a busy couple of months as we have visited several groups, meeting participants and sharing information.

In May, Gary Cowlishaw , our Donor Development Manager,  visited Eurobodalla Support Group and there was a great group discussion around Parkinson’s, the need for services, programs that are available, how Parkinson’s NSW operates and is funded and how people can help.

One of our InfoLine staff, Margaret Howard, visited Nepean Blue Mountains Support Group to talk all about travel tips and shared many important resources and links, including making sure your immunisations are up to date, obtaining travel insurance, mobility assistance, companion cards, and Parkinson’s NSW information sheets and resources.

At the end of May, Christine McGee (Education Manager) and I travelled down to Merimbula to support the Bega Valley Support Group Parkinson’s Information Seminar. It was a sold-out event and the guest speakers included movement disorder neurologist fellow, Dr Owen Chan, geriatrician Dr Janice Taylor, and local allied health professionals – speech pathologists, physiotherapist and dietitian. Congratulations to the support group and Christine for a successful event!

At the beginning of June, our InfoLine registered nurse, Melanie Ledbury visited Manly Mosman Support Group to speak about invisible symptoms. The meeting was well attended, and the group was very engaged, asking plenty of questions. Once the meeting concluded, Melanie joined the group for lunch where everyone took part in some important socialisation!

The following day, John Back (Communications Manager) and Terri Herlings (Community Engagement and Support Coordinator) attended the annual Chinatown Bilingual Support Group’s Parkinson’s Education Seminar at the Ultimo Community Centre, with about 70 members, volunteers, and community participants also attending.

Rosanna Ng, co-leader of the support group, notes, “The seminar featured two expert speakers:
• Professor Simon Lewis, who explained current treatment options for Parkinson’s, including medications, deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, and emerging therapies.
• Speech Pathologist Abi Shi, who introduced the Speak Out! voice therapy program and demonstrated practical voice‑strengthening exercises.

Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation was provided throughout, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.”

It was also an opportunity for John and Terri to acknowledge and thank Rosanna Ng ang Wilson Ng who have been volunteering with the group since 2005, and leaders since 2019. Diana Ma, treasurer of the group was also acknowledged for her contribution since 2022.

Chinatown bi-lingual information seminar

Chinatown bi-lingual Support Group leaders past and present

L to R – Abi Shi speech pathologist, John Back, Terri Herlings, Rosanna Ng, Julia Fry, Prof Simon Lewis

Griffith Support Group

Mirelle Brockett, Marketing and Digital Manager, visited Griffith Support Group and had a wonderful time with the group and chatting all about supporting, connecting and advocating for the Parkinson’s community. Mirelle spoke about the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Parkinson’s, the National Parkinson’s Alliance and Action Plan; covered what PNSW has been working on over the past 12 months, including Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Step Up for Parkinson’s, GP and allied health education, collaboration and partnerships, and finished off talking about Parkinson’s NSW services and supports.

Lismore Support Group

Last week, Mirelle and I travelled to Northern NSW and were warmly welcomed by Lismore Support Group. Thank you for having us! We also covered supporting, connecting and advocating for the Parkinson’s community, how Parkinson’s NSW is funded and the free services and supports we offer, made possible by the fundraising community, grants and gifts in wills.

After the meeting, we then had a lovely lunch with the leadership teams from Lismore, Murwillumbah, Evans Head, Northern Rivers and Tweed Heads. We all had a great time chatting and Mirelle and I appreciate everyone travelling to Ballina, juggling personal and professional duties.

Northern NSW Support Groups Leaders June 2026

A big thank you to Griffith and Lismore Support Groups for their contributions to the National Action Plan consultation, research participation, their strong support

group leadership and their ongoing advocacy and awareness raising!

Upcoming SG visits:

• Orange SG
• Fairfield-Liverpool SG
• North Ryde SG
• Murwillumbah SG
• St George-Sutherland SG

If you would like us to visit your group later in 2026 or early 2027, please let us know!

Thank you.