Parkinson’s NSW and the family of the late Brian Sherman AM have announced the results of the inaugural Brian Sherman Memorial Awards for significant contributions to the Parkinson’s community.

Brian Sherman had a distinguished career in business, animal advocacy and philanthropy in addition to being a Parkinson’s advocate.

Gillian O’Connor of Goulburn Support Group was awarded the Brian Sherman Memorial Award for Parkinson’s Advocate of the Year.

An Honourable Mention in the Advocate of the Year category went to Sydney’s Emma Tinkler.

Graham Saxby of Coffs Harbour was honoured with a Parkinson’s Community Spirit Award.

Vivienne Ross from Penrith was recognised with an Honourable Mention in the Parkinson’s Community Spirit category.

Dr Gene Sherman AM, wife of the late Brian Sherman, presided over the selection of award winners with other members and associates of the Sherman family.

“We worked with Parkinson’s NSW to develop this awards program in order to honour the memory of my late husband Brian,” said Dr Sherman.

“Brian was a very accomplished man who fought Parkinson’s with the same energy and determination he brought to his career in business and as a philanthropist and advocate. In judging the Brian Sherman Memorial Awards we looked for individuals who embodied the same persistence, determination and dedication,” she said.

“We received 30 nominations across two categories of the Awards, and they were all dedicated to the Parkinson’s community in individual ways. It was heartening to see the energy and creativity people put into their voluntary roles while living with Parkinson’s or caring for a loved one who does.”

The Awards were presented at a special event hosted by the Sherman family in Sydney on 28 April.