Connections | Issue 1 2018

PQI UPDATES
President’s Letter
Welcome to the Autumn issue of ‘Connections’.So
far this year, the team at Parkinson’s Queensland
has been focused on building the levels of
awareness of Parkinson’s across our State.
A great deal of effort has been placed upon government
impact and visitation with representatives at all tiers; Local,
State and Federal. Our federal efforts have been focused
upon promoting the national action framework driven by
Parkinson’s Australia.
While there is still a lot to do, I am pleased to let you know
that Parkinson’s Queensland has secured a two-year
extension to our recently completed Federal Government
Grant. Our focus has now shifted to building new
relationships at a State level as we work to secure funding
through new Queensland-Government schemes that will
replace our current State-based grant that expires in mid-
2019. Should we be successful, we will be in a position to
enhance our education programs and service delivery efforts
considerably and relieve a potential shortfall of $350,000
from Parkinson’s Queensland’s operational budget over the
coming two years.
It has been a source of pride to see our Management
Committee and our Office Team working so closely on many
of our projects. Collaboration and communication with
Support Groups and our members have been the keys to our
success to date. Also, a strong collaborative and collegiate
association with other States is in place as we work together
which is bring additional support across borders.
After much consideration, we have decided to move the date
for ‘A Walk in The Park’. For many years there has been
ongoing discussion among the members of the national
Parkinson’s community and their State CEO’s around the
realignment of the date for A Walk in The Park so that it
is more closely aligned with World Parkinson’s Day on
11 April annually. A change in date will provide us with
greater opportunity for collaboration with other states and
international agencies while also utilising the power of World
Parkinson’s Day and the resources it provides. Importantly,
it also offers us the chance to create greater awareness and
highlight Parkinson’s disease generally. Taking into account
Easter, school holidays, the impact of ANZAC Day, and
knowing we’ll never be able to meet all needs, we have
chosen the weekend closest to 11th April for our next walk,
which will now be held on Saturday, 13 April 2019.
Membership of Parkinson’s Queensland is an important
way in which to help us grow our influence and impact
in the service of all people affected by Parkinson’s. In
coming weeks, you will receive an invitation to renew your
membership which is an invitation I heartily endorse. By
doing so you will make a big difference!
As signalled previously, our intention
is to increase the frequency and diversity of our educational
offerings. Since October we have provided a program
in Cairns where we hosted an international research
conference. We also held a symposium for allied health
professionals and support group members in Townsville. In
addition, we’ve enhanced our support of programs offered
through Support Groups.
The recent ‘Newly Diagnosed Forum’ held in Townsville
was an outstanding success involving members, carers,
a support group coordinator, allied health professionals,
nurses, a neurologist and people with Parkinson’s. The
Forum saw attendance rates that were well above our
expectations with delegates from as far away as Victoria,
Sydney, Western and Far North Queensland proving that a
well-designed and delivered program will draw the audience
(had it not been for the floods attendance would have been
significantly higher). It is the aim of PQI to further develop
these types of programs with engagement from research,
medicine and allied health professionals.
The Pharmacy Guild national conference held on the Gold
Coast enabled our team of staff, volunteers and Board
members to interact with one of the most important
groups of professionals to people living with Parkinson’s -
Pharmacists. These types of events wouldn’t be possible
without the assistance of our volunteers, so a huge thank
you goes to the volunteers we attracted from Griffith
University and the University of Queensland for this event.
Support Groups continue to be an important foundation
from which Parkinson’s Queensland can realise its vision.
Over coming months, we hope to be able to bring you some
enhancements to our offerings that will help us to grow even
further.
Enjoy the magazine and I encourage you to renew your
membership in 2018-19.
Best wishes.
Professor George D Mellick
President.
4
Parkinson’s Queensland Inc.