The Hospital Research Foundation Group - Parkinsons ACT

14/08/2025

It's time to meet another of our fabulous lineup of speakers!

We're thrilled to welcome Professor Simon Lewis back to the ACT.

Simon Lewis is a Consultant Neurologist, an NHMRC Leadership Fellow and Professor of Cognitive Neurology at Macquarie University. He has published over 300 peer review papers, 2 books and 8 book chapters and has helped to attract over $40 Million in funding from various sources including the NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and Michael J Fox Foundation to support his research targeting Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and related conditions.

Professor Lewis will present an overview of the Australian Parkinson’s Mission (APM), a world-first initiative integrating platform trial design, biomarker science, and precision medicine in Parkinson’s disease.

He will also be a part of our expert Q&A panel, so when you register make sure to fill out a question for him!

Get your tickets here:
https://give.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/act-parkinsons-conference-2025

13/08/2025

Our August Seminar is fast approaching!

We're excited to welcome Lori Drennan, who will be discussing management strategies for speech and swallowing symptoms related to Parkinson's. She will also discuss the LSVT Loud program for Parkinson's, of which Brindabella speech is a licenced provider.

Lori Drennan is a dedicated speech pathologist and team leader at Brindabella Speech Therapy. She holds a Master’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Washington State University and moved from the United States to Canberra in 2015. After more than a decade here, she proudly calls Canberra home.

Lori is a Mum to two beloved greyhounds and brings a calm, thoughtful presence to her work. She specialises in supporting adults with communication and swallowing difficulties, with particular interest in neurological conditions and stuttering.

With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, Lori is committed to empowering individuals to communicate confidently and maintain their quality of life. She values collaboration and works closely with clients, families, and healthcare teams to provide person-centred, functional care that makes a meaningful difference.

You can register for this seminar here: https://register.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/parkinsons-community-seminar-act-august

06/08/2025

Did you see us on the news?

We're so proud of the advocacy work that our community does. Jenny Miragaya and Marcia Kimball met with Rosie King from ABC this week to discuss the ever-growing need for an additional community funded Parkinson's nurse - and pushed for the government to deliver on their election commitment.

A big thanks to Rosie from the ABC, our wonderful advocates and all those who have called or written in with messages of support.

Together, we're doing the work to maximise choice and independence for those living with Parkinson's, and their loved ones, in the ACT.

Canberra's Parkinson's community has long been campaigning for the ACT government to employ a specialist Parkinson's nurse who can visit patients at home. The ACT government says planning is underway to create the position but a start date has yet to be confirmed.

04/08/2025

No, this is not a typo! we've been working tirelessly to make this conference as accessible as possible, without sacrificing quality.

On 29th October, join us at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden for a full day of inspiration, learning, and connection. From 9 to 5, you'll hear from world-class speakers, explore exhibition stalls during breaks, and enjoy a fully catered day with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included.

This year's theme is The Power Within: Living Well, Living Strong with Parkinson’s. It is a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and thriving with purpose.

We’d love to see you there!

Get your tickets here:
https://give.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/act-parkinsons-conference-2025

31/07/2025

Last chance to register!

If you can't complete the survey online, you're welcome to join us in person at two locations in the ACT. Both locations have a maximum of 20 participants, so register your attendance now!

We invite those living with Parkinson’s, family members and unpaid carers to help us understand the challenges of living with Parkinson’s in your area.

What will the workshop look like?

The workshop will last for 1 - 2 hours. There will be 10 – 20 people in each session. The sessions will be facilitated by 2 people from KPMG. Our facilitators will share more information with you about the NPAP, and will encourage you to share your experience. You are welcome to have a carer or support person attend.

By sharing your experiences and insights, you will help us develop a robust and inclusive action plan that addresses the most pressing needs of the Parkinson’s community.

Deakin: 4th August, 10:30am-12:30pm @ our office, 32 Thesiger Court.

Register here:
https://register.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/npa-community-consultation-deakin

Belconnen: 12th August, 2:45pm-4:45pm @ Belco Arts Centre (scheduled right after the ZEST dancing group).

Register here:
https://register.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/npa-community-consultation-belconnen

30/07/2025

☕ Support Group Spotlight ☕

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s comes with unique challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Join us for Carer’s Coffee, a warm and welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and support one another over a cup of coffee.

📅 First Thursday of the month
⏰ 1:00pm - 2:30pm
📍 Yarralumla Gallery & The Oaks Brasserie, Yarralumla

Whether you’re looking for advice, friendship, or just a chance to unwind, this group is for you. Because carers deserve care too. 💙

Enquiries:
📞 Phone: 1800 644 189
📧 Email: pactinfo@fightingparkinsons.org.au

25/07/2025

We're delighted to introduce our first speaker at this year's ACT conference! A trailblazer in her field, Dr Melissa McConaghy is a physiotherapist and researcher with specialisation in Parkinson's.

Melissa is a clinician, educator, author, entrepreneur and thought leader. Recognised as a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist in 2010 by the Australian College of Physiotherapists, she holds this title as one of only 8 in Australia.

Melissa is passionate about health innovation and upskilling health professionals in the effective management of people living with Parkinson’s and other Movement Disorders. Melissa owns and runs Advance Rehab Centre, a multi-site and community neuro rehab service in Sydney as well as PD Warrior, an education and training program for people living with Parkinson’s licensed across 10 countries globally.

Melissa currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and is President-Elect for International Neurological Physiotherapy Association (INPA) for World Physio.

She will be discussing the benefits of exercise on management of Parkinson's Disease.

If you would like to hear her speak, make sure to get your tickets now!

You can purchase them here: https://give.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/act-parkinsons-conference-2025

23/07/2025

There's still time to register!

If you can't complete the survey online, you're welcome to join us in person at two locations in the ACT. Both locations have a maximum of 20 participants, so register your attendance now!

We invite those living with Parkinson’s, family members and unpaid carers to help us understand the challenges of living with Parkinson’s in your area.

What will the workshop look like?

The workshop will last for 1 - 2 hours. There will be 10 – 20 people in each session. The sessions will be facilitated by 2 people from KPMG. Our facilitators will share more information with you about the NPAP, and will encourage you to share your experience. You are welcome to have a carer or support person attend.

By sharing your experiences and insights, you will help us develop a robust and inclusive action plan that addresses the most pressing needs of the Parkinson’s community.

Deakin: 4th August, 10:30am-12:30pm @ our office, 32 Thesiger Court.

Register here:
https://register.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/npa-community-consultation-deakin

Belconnen: 12th August, 2:45pm-4:45pm @ Belco Arts Centre (scheduled right after the ZEST dancing group).

Register here:
https://register.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/npa-community-consultation-belconnen

20/07/2025

🎾 SUPPORT GROUP SPOTLIGHT 🎾

Looking for a supportive space to connect with others while staying active? Guys and Games is a welcoming, non-judgmental group for men living with Parkinson's.
Join us on the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm for coach-run tennis workouts and board games.
It's a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun!

📍 Enquiries:
📞 Phone: 1800 644 189
📧 Email: pactinfo@fightingparkinsons.org.au

Join the fun and build community, one game at a time!

18/07/2025

Tickets are officially on sale!

Secure your spot at the 2025 ACT Parkinson’s Conference.
This year's theme is The Power Within: Living Well, Living Strong with Parkinson’s.

We have a set limit for tickets, so make sure you get in early if you're interested!

🗓️ Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025
📍 Location: Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden
⏰ Time: 9:00am–5:00pm
💵 Tickets: $40

Join us for a day of insight and education, featuring keynote speakers Dr Melissa McConaghy, A/Prof Natalie Allen and Prof Simon Lewis, plus a range of exhibition stalls showcasing the latest in Parkinson’s support and research.

We hope to see you there! Get your tickets here:
https://give.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/act-parkinsons-conference-2025

16/07/2025

Have your say!

If you can't complete the survey online, you're welcome to join us in person at two locations in the ACT. Both locations have a maximum of 20 participants, so register your attendance now!

We invite those living with Parkinson’s, family members and unpaid carers to help us understand the challenges of living with Parkinson’s in your area.

What will the workshop look like?

The workshop will last for 1 - 2 hours. There will be 10 – 20 people in each session. The sessions will be facilitated by 2 people from KPMG. Our facilitators will share more information with you about the NPAP, and will encourage you to share your experience. You are welcome to have a carer or support person attend.

By sharing your experiences and insights, you will help us develop a robust and inclusive action plan that addresses the most pressing needs of the Parkinson’s community.

Deakin: 4th August, 10:30am-12:30pm @ our office, 32 Thesiger Court.

Register here:
https://register.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/npa-community-consultation-deakin

Belconnen: 12th August, 2:45pm-4:45pm @ Belco Arts Centre (scheduled right after the ZEST dancing group).

Register here:
https://register.hospitalresearch.org.au/event/npa-community-consultation-belconnen

10/07/2025

🧠💡 Parkinson’s and Bladder Trouble – You’re Not Alone

When we think of Parkinson’s, most of us picture shaking or stiffness—but did you know it can also affect your bladder?

Needing to go more often, waking up at night, or feeling like your bladder won’t empty properly are all common (but rarely talked about) symptoms.

The good news? There are simple ways to manage it.

👉 Read more helpful tips at www.fightingparkinsons.org.au/news/latest-news/bladder-trouble-and-parkinsons-youre-not-alone