Ionic Lodge Sponsors

Parkinson's WA Support Group Brochure & Art Class

Sponsored by the Ionic Lodge, the updated brochure - What is a Support Group? will promote the Association's valuable resource of the many support groups located around the metropolitan and country areas of Western Australia. A support group is a group of people who meet to give and gain support from others with similar needs.

A Parkinson's support group includes people with Parkinson's, their carers and anyone interested in their welfare. By sharing ideas and information with others, many people are able to find new ways of coping. Most people who attend feel that the emotional support they both give and receive is of great benefit.

The support from the Ionic Lodge will also assist Parkinson's WA in creating a Parkinson's art class in the near future. Participation in various forms of art has been an effective method of reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's. It is hoped our art class will be helpful for our members with Parkinson's in giving them a fun and interesting activity to participate in whilst also being socially active.

Many thanks go to Mr Barry Nugent, and all the Members of the Ionic Lodge.

Parkinson's WA Volunteers' Lunch

On Friday 7 December 2007, Parkinson's WA held the annual Volunteers' Lunch to thank our dedicated team for all their hard work, providing support and services for people with Parkinson's and their family Carers. Our volunteers work tirelessly, co-ordinating community Support Groups, folding and packing newsletters, fund raising, catering for seminars, raising awareness of Parkinson's, and office administration. The contributions our volunteers make to Parkinson's WA are vital for the organisation to continue its support to the community.

Volunteer of the Year

Following a generous bequest in memory of Bianka Francas, Parkinson's WA was able to make a plaque to record our 'Volunteer of the Year' starting in 2007, and a trophy to go to the recipient. At the volunteers' lunch, Parkinson's WA President, Mr John McDonald announced Mrs Pat Chadbourne as the 2007 Volunteer of the Year. Pat Chadbourne has volunteered with Parkinson's WA since 1999 and her dedication to the Association is greatly appreciated by both staff and members of Parkinson's WA.

Parkinson's WA President, Mr John McDonald and Mrs Pat Chadbourne

Parkinson's Art Exhibition

Parkinson’s WA hosted an Art Exhibition in the foyer of The Niche, Nedlands in 2007, to exhibit artwork by people with Parkinson’s.  The exhibition ran for six days, featuring more than 75 pieces by people with Parkinson’s.

Brenda Matthews, Manager of Parkinson's WA, was delighted to see the interest the exhibition created  saying that “the exhibition highlighted people’s skills in stepping over the boundaries of the condition.“

The event culminated with the annual Newly Diagnosed Seminar on Saturday 8 September.  Held during Parkinson’s Awareness Week, the seminar, presented by Janet Doherty, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist, was aimed at people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the last five years and their families.

Brenda said the Association was very “grateful and proud of all those who generously supported this initiative, through exhibiting their paintings, purchasing or just enjoying the exhibition.” 

Karen Rowland at the Volunteers'

Lunch with her creative name badge.

Gil Farmer at the 2007 Parkinson's Art Exhibition

Brian England and his paintings at the

2007 Parkinson's Art Exhibition

(L to R) Yvonne Sinclair (artist), Neil and Vi Durston (raffle prize winners) and Janet Doherty (PNS)

Dr Janet Woollard, patron of Parkinson's WA, speaking to residents at

St Ives Eldercare, Myaree

Subicao Street Stall Volunteers helping out a keen shopper

Babette Lynch (left) co-author and Barbara Bowra, discuss the manual Guidelines for Physiotherapy Practice in Caring for People with Parkinson's at the launch in July 2007.

Volunteers assisting with newsletter packaging

(L to R back row) Reuben Lane, Peter Willmott, Kate Norris,

Pat Chadbourne, Wendy Wong

(front row) Maureen Harden and Glen Freeborn

Volunteers from Parkinson's WA at the November street stall in Subiaco.

On the steps of Parliament House, Thursday 21 June 2007

PWA President John McDonald (3rd from left), receiving a cheque donated by the Ionic Lodge at a recent Parkinson's Seminar

Ernie Littlely, member of the Rotary Club of Booragoon with Parkinson's Nurse Specialist, Jenny Taylor and PWA President, John McDonald