There are estimated to be 80,000 Australians living with Parkinson's disease (PD). A diagnosis can occur at any age, with the most common age of diagnosis being 50-60 years. There are no concrete figures available of how many people with Parkinson's (PWP) live in the City of Sydney.

Chris Davis (UTS Sustainability Business Development Manager) and Gerald Ganglbauer (The Ultimo Society) joined forces to launch a new support group in Ultimo, which closes a gap in Parkinson's NSW's existing support network.

Both Chris and Gerald know what is like to be challenged with PD, as they both suffer from the illness.

"When I was diagnosed a couple of years ago at 47, I went into shock; my emotions ranged from denial and disbelief to anger and depression. I wished I had known someone like me in the neighbourhood to talk to face to face," Gerald said.

"Besides raising awareness for Parkinson's in the community, this is the main reason we're launching a new local support group. We invite every PWP in the City West area to join the group!"

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, however there are a number of effective treatment and therapy options that can help manage symptoms. Nevertheless, the best therapy to share the burden is always a good talk.

Gerald Ganglbauer
World Parkinson's Day
11 April 2008

• Co-convenors for USG will be Gerald Ganglbauer and Chris Davis, to get the ball rolling
• USG will meet on the 1st Thursday of each month, from 10 till noon [say 10:15 – the Centre opens at 10]
• Members will rotate catering
• There will be no formal minute taking or motions, but notes will be kept and distributed
• The Ultimo Community Centre will be the permanent venue for USG
• Members were happy to have their contact details made available for other USG members
• Recruitment channels could include: neurologists; UTS; TAFE; local newspapers like The Glebe, CENtRAL Sydney; CITY NEWS; the Centre notice board.

USG Launch
The Ultimo Support Group was initiated by Chris and Gerald on World Parkinson's Day 2008 to serve PWP living in the City of Sydney, and launched on 4 June 2008, at the Ultimo Community Centre, where a meeting room was kindly provided by the City.
USG is the 55th in NSW, so joins a large family of active Parkinson’s stakeholders.

Trish Morgan
Parkinson's NSW Support Groups Coordinator
Phone 8875 8903

Parkins(on)line
After three years of real life meetings, which are still being held every month at UCC, Gerald added virtual support with instant messaging groups on Skype.

Virtual Australia right here
on our USG website
Parkins(on)line Virtual Groups
currently for NSW and WA

Global information
www.parkinsonline.info