By Matthew Sims
Two Hobsons Bay locals have received awards at the recent Fight Parkinson’s awards.
Announced at Fight Parkinson’s recent annual general meeting in November, ParKanDo co-founder Pam West received the Sir Zelman Cowen award, while Williamstown ParkinSong co-founder Mark Jobling received the Harold Waldron carer’s award.
First presented in 2006, the Fight Parkinson’s Sir Zelman Cowen Award acknowleges an individual for their outstanding voluntary services to the Parkinson’s community.
Ms West co-founded ParKanDo in 2020, which was initially aimed at Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Brimbank residents, but later reached out to participants in Canberra and Queensland through Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During her acceptance speech, she said she accepted the award on behalf of co-founders Peter and Carmel Wall and Mimi Morgan.
“ParKanDo would not exist without them and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do,” she said.
“Volunteering has given me purpose.
“There is no greater feeling than that you get when helping others.”
Fight Parkinson chief executive Emma Collin said she has been impressed with Ms West’s drive and passion since meeting her in 2016.
“It didn’t take long to be inspired by her dynamic and inventive approach, her generosity and compassion for others and determination to deliver real impact and change,” she said.
The Harold Waldron carer’s award honours a family member or friend of someone affected by Parkinson’s.
Mr Jobling has been a constant support for his wife Heather, allowing her to living a rich life since her diagnosis in 2006.
The pair were instrumental in launching the ParkinSong group in Williamstown, which hosts singing sessions as part of an evidence-based therapeutic program.
Diagnosed with aphasia in March, Mr Jobling accepted the Harol Waldron carer’s award alongside Heather.
“Caring means having empathy with your partner, to be able to sense what another person needs from you,” he said.
Details: parkando.west@gmail.com or parkando.org.au
