Parkinson’s: The Hidden Impact
Community voices. A new chapter. An invitation to act.
On Thursday, 8 October, Parkinson’s Queensland brought people with lived experience, carers, business leaders, parliamentary representatives and supporters together at Queensland Parliament House.
People. Workplaces. Queensland.
The evening made space for experiences that too often remain unseen: the changes Parkinson’s brings to family life, work, independence and belonging, and the effort involved in finding support.
It was also an opportunity to challenge perceptions, build connections and explore what we can make possible together.
We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Christian Rowan MP, representing the Premier of Queensland, for officially opening the evening and delivering an address.
Our appreciation also goes to The Hon Mark Bailey MP, our parliamentary sponsor, for sponsoring the event, delivering an address and supporting this important conversation, and to The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP for contributing to the panel.
A new chapter for Parkinson’s Queensland
General Manager Nadine Haddad connected the evening’s theme with her father’s experience of Parkinson’s, a man whose sharp intellect and generosity remain central to who he is, even as sharing his insights through conversation becomes harder.
Her story highlighted how closely wellbeing can be tied to connection, belonging and having something meaningful to contribute.
Nadine outlined PQI’s 2027–2029 strategy: strengthening its 34 support groups, expanding into more communities, supporting volunteer leaders, making information and education more accessible, and strengthening PQI’s role as a peak body and advocate.
“Our community has helped shape this next chapter.
I am asking you to help us build it.”
– Nadine Haddad, General Manager, Parkinson’s Queensland
The conversations that matter
Our panel brought the hidden impact of Parkinson’s into focus through experiences of diagnosis, caring, employment and access to support. We thank our panellists for their honesty, insight and willingness to share their perspectives.
Jason Bird | Lived Experience
Jason shared his experience of living with young onset Parkinson’s, speaking candidly about the uncertainty of diagnosis, the impact on his future, and the importance of maintaining independence, purpose and hope.
“The uncertainty hasn’t gone away. But neither has the hope,
and that’s worth raising a glass to.”
– Jason Bird, Panelist | The Hidden Impact
Melissa Stephenson | Partner and Carer
Melissa highlighted the extraordinary responsibilities families take on while navigating complex healthcare systems, often at significant personal and professional cost.
“A family shouldn’t have to be smart, rich, work in health, or speak fluent English just to get basic care and information.”
– Melissa Stephenson, Panelist | The Hidden Impact
The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP | Parliamentary Perspective
Leeanne spoke about equitable access and the challenges facing Queenslanders, particularly those in regional and underserved communities. Her contribution challenged us to look beyond whether services exist and consider whether people can genuinely access the care and support they need.
Her words captured one of the evening’s most important messages:
“We must recognise access is not the same thing as availability.”
– The Hon Leeanne Enoch MP, Panelist | The Hidden Impact
Shadow Minister for Closing the Gap and Reconciliation; Shadow Minister for Seniors and Disability. Services; Shadow Minister for Integrity; Shadow Minister for the Arts; Member for Algester
Stephen Ladds | Managing Director, Bellwether Group
Stephen contributed a valuable business leadership perspective, reinforcing the role workplaces and employers can play in supporting people affected by Parkinson’s.
Stephen also shared his vision for preventative healthcare to be adopted in the workplace, where employers are encouraged to recognise potential health concerns early and support employees in accessing appropriate care.
“As business leaders, it’s not our job to diagnose, but it is our job to recognize, ask questions and provide support.”
– Stephen Ladds, Managing Director, Bellwether Group
Together, these voices showed how Parkinson’s reaches beyond an individual diagnosis into families, workplaces and communities, and why those experiences belong in the decisions we make.
Jessika Suescun, MD | Research & Education Perspective
Dr Jessika Suescun highlighted the importance of translating research into practical, accessible education that empowers people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
Her contribution reinforced the importance of connecting research, education and community support to create meaningful, lasting improvements for Queenslanders affected by Parkinson’s.
“As a researcher in the field, it is inspiring to see how Parkinson’s Queensland has developed an evidence-based educational approach to support our community. This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to translating high-quality research into accessible, meaningful education that has the potential to deliver tangible and lasting benefits to people living with Parkinson’s and their families.”
Jessika Suescun MD, Panelist | Human Research Ethics Committee – Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
Celebrating an extraordinary partnership
The evening also gave us the opportunity to recognise the team at Bellwether Group.
Through Bridge to Brisbane 2026, the Bellwether Runners raised $26,879 for Parkinson’s Queensland, an extraordinary achievement.
David McDermott, President of Parkinson’s Queensland, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Managing Director Stephen Ladds and Marketing and Administration Coordinator Sophie Prosser, recognising the team’s generosity, commitment and community spirit.
Bellwether Group’s contribution goes beyond fundraising. Their care for their people, willingness to share personal experiences and commitment to making a difference reflect the values we hope to encourage in workplaces across Queensland.
To every runner, donor and person who helped: thank you.
You brought people together and turned that effort into support for our community.
You brought people together and turned that effort into support for our community.
Turning conversation into action
One of the most encouraging parts of the evening was connecting with people who want to help improve the lives of Queenslanders affected by Parkinson’s.
Our support groups are at the heart of that work. They give people somewhere to share practical knowledge, build friendships and connect with others who understand.
Our new strategy builds on those foundations, with people living with Parkinson’s and their families helping shape what comes next. We are also developing proposals for additional navigation and education support, which partnerships and funding can help us take forward.
Now is an opportunity to help build that future.
Your organisation could become a founding partner in our broader strategy, support our community programs, contribute expertise and connections, or help us develop new initiatives.
Our signature event, the Big Walk in April 2027, also offers a way to bring your team alongside our community during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, raising awareness and funds.
If this direction speaks to you, we would love to explore what we could make possible together.
Thank you to our parliamentary guests, panellists, business supporters, community members, volunteers and everyone who helped bring the evening together.
The hidden impact of Parkinson’s deserves to be seen, heard and understood. Help us turn that understanding into stronger support across Queensland.
The Hidden Impact | People. Workplaces. Queensland.
Start a partnership conversation:
Email: Rachael@parkinsonsqld.org.au
Phone: (07) 3209 1588
#ParkinsonsQueensland #TheHiddenImpact #PartnerWithPQI
Phone: (07) 3209 1588
