Parkinson's Support Group

Next date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM

PURPOSE

• Share information about Parkinson's and related conditions, medications, diet, and allied health services available
• Create and maintain friendships
• Catch up with each other's personal situations
• Develop a network of those with Parkinson's and their carers

HISTORY

The group has existed in some form for many years. Originally, a small group of people with Parkinson's and their carers met in individuals' homes. Later, they were able to meet at the Yeppoon Hospital. They moved to the Community Centre shortly after it became available.

The current coordinators have been doing it for more than a decade, and the previous coordinators led the group for more than a decade before that.

DETAILS

The group is open to any interested parties. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month in the Community Centre's Garage, from 9-11 or thereabouts.

Meetings always leave time for discussion of issues and personal situations. Sometimes they have speakers on topics such as diet, speech pathology, physio therapy, or demonstrations of mobility equipment. It has been more difficult to get speakers since COVID.

PEOPLE

There are nearly 40 members on their list, but due to medical appointments or emergencies, travel, and other reasons, they usually have from 8-28 people attend each month. About half of the attendees have Parkinson's or related conditions, and the other half are carers and partners. The youngest members are in their late 50s and the oldest are in their 80s.

• The exercise physiology group at Activate Health grew out of the Parkinson's Group some years ago. The group were also early supports of the creation of the Sing 4 Health and Dance for Brain Health groups in the local area.
• Overall, more men than women get Parkinson's
• Well-known people with Parkinsonism include boxer Muhammad Ali, comediate Billy Connolly, singer Linda Rondstadt, and actor Alan Alda.
• Parkinsonism is an umbrella term used to cover a range of conditions that share similar symptoms to Parkinson's.
• Shaeleen and Ron have coordinated the group for more than 10 years.

PARTICIPANT QUOTE

"Both the people with Parkinson's and the carers can get support, make friends, and learn from the sharing. Doctors just give their diagnosis, check the patient's progress, then say, 'See you in six months'"

Wendy, participant for six years

When

Location

Yeppoon Community Centre, 80 John Street, Yeppoon, 4703, View Map