SNSWLHD.
A Goulburn-based Parkinson’s support group with a long history of community fundraising is continuing its mission to improve local access to specialised care, including helping secure the appointment of a specialist Parkinson’s nurse.
The support group was established in 2006 by Gill and Michael O’Connor, alongside a handful of local people living with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. The group was formed to provide peer support, reduce isolation and advocate for improved services across the region.
Over more than a decade, the group has grown and worked steadily to raise funds for specialist Parkinson’s care for people living within 100km of Goulburn. By 2017, fundraising efforts had reached $26,000, laying the groundwork for improved access to specialist nursing support. Since then, additional funds have helped support the appointment of a specialist Parkinson’s nurse in 2023, with the position part funded by NSW Health.
Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurological condition, and specialist Parkinson’s nurses play a critical role in supporting people to manage symptoms, medications and the day-to-day challenges of living with the condition. For regional communities like Goulburn, access to this level of specialised care can be limited, making locally driven initiatives particularly important.
A key supporter of the group’s fundraising efforts has been Goulburn Workers Club, which hosts the group’s popular annual Shakin’ Cocktail Party. The event has become a much-loved fixture on the local social calendar, attracting around 200 people each year and raising vital funds, while also increasing awareness of Parkinson’s disease.
Group members say their efforts are driven by a shared commitment to improving care close to home.
“Having access to a specialist Parkinson’s nurse can make a real difference to people’s quality of life,” said Gill O’Connor, whose husband Michael is living with Parkinson’s.
“It’s not just about medical care, it’s about education, support and having someone who understands Parkinson’s and can help people navigate the health system.”
Funds raised through the Shakin’ Cocktail Party and other initiatives contribute to supporting specialist Parkinson’s nursing services through Parkinson’s NSW, which provide education, care coordination and ongoing support for people living with Parkinson’s and their families across Goulburn and surrounding communities.
Lauren Hogan, Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant for the Inland North Network within Southern NSW Local Health District, said support groups play a vital role in regional care.
“Support groups are incredibly important, especially in regional areas,” Lauren said. “They provide connection, understanding and reassurance that people are not facing Parkinson’s alone.”
Now, nearly 20 years on, Gill and Michael continue to rally community support and raise awareness. In March, they presented to the local Rotary group.
“Many attendees said they had some exposure to Parkinson’s through family or friends, however they still knew very little about the condition,” Gill said.
The group hopes that continued community support, alongside ongoing funding from NSW Health, will help ensure specialist Parkinson’s care remains accessible locally, while continuing to raise awareness of the condition and the value of community-led health initiatives.
11 April 2026 is World Parkinson’s Day.Find out more via the Parkinson’s NSW website.