April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the challenges faced by people living with Parkinson’s disease and the importance of community support. In the Burdekin, one group is doing just that.
The Parkinson’s Queensland Burdekin Support Group has become a vital connection point for not only locals navigating the realities of the condition, but anyone seeking to learn more about it.
Group Co-Ordinator Elvie Dickinson says the group aims to provide connection, understanding, and offer a place where no one feels alone in their journey.
“It’s about sharing and being together… just sharing different things. And it’s not only sharing the information about Parkinson’s—it’s sharing your togetherness.”
The group meets at 10am on the fourth Friday of every month between February and November in a warm, welcoming space at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.
The group meetings often include educational guest speakers—from Parkinson’s medication specialists to physiotherapists, and even the fire brigade. In other meetings, members can enjoy morning tea outings or supportive in-house chats.
Dickinson says the group has been her way of giving back to the community since it’s inauguration over 10 years ago.
“When I was first diagnosed, I went down to the library here and there was no information. I could see that other people would be in the same boat as I was, and I just thought that [starting the group] was one way that I could do something for the community.”
Including the Burdekin Region, there are over 18,000 sufferers of Parkinson’s disease across Queensland.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s range from subtle early signs like fatigue and slight tremors, to more noticeable issues such as muscle stiffness, slowed movement, balance problems, and changes in speech or facial expression.
Dickinson says that understanding Parkinson’s means recognising just how different the journey can be for everyone involved.
“Parkinson’s is such a diverse disease—we don’t all have the same symptoms. So, by sharing what you’re going through, it helps other people.”
And while the group provides vital support for people living with Parkinson’s, its doors are open much wider than that.
“It’s for anybody; it’s for family, it’s for friends, it’s for carers—it’s for anybody that wishes to come along.”
For more information about the Parkinson’s Queensland Burdekin Support Group, please contact Group Co-Ordinator Elvie Dickinson at 07 4783 1896 or the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre at 07 4783 4243.
WHAT: Parkinson’s Queensland Burdekin Support Group
WHERE: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
WHEN: 10am, 4th Friday of every month between February and November
Group Co-Ordinator Elvie Dickinson says the group has been her way of giving back to the community since its inauguration over 10 years ago. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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