Sydney grandfather Roy Hazelwood underwent deep brain stimulation in 2020 to manage Parkinson's symptoms, after years of medication that was becoming less effective. He says the surgery cleared his thinking and restored his confidence at work, though his voice and handwriting have changed. Parkinson's Australia chief executive Olivia Nassaris says non-motor symptoms such as anxiety, depression and apathy are often the greatest hurdles. About 50 Australians are diagnosed each day, and the organisation expects cases to triple by 2050.
Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk has announced that he is battling Parkinson's disease. He made the disclosure on a podcast with neurologist Dr. Sandeep Thakkar. Faulk, who is head football coach at Southern University, said he has little tremors but is still living a normal life, in part because the condition was found early. He said he first noticed stiffness in his hand and was advised to seek a closer evaluation during a physical. Faulk said he hopes to encourage others to take their health seriously and have regular medical checkups.
Tribute performers Peter Byrne and Damian Mullin will stage a concert on Saturday, November 7, at the Evan Theatre in Penrith. The show aims to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease. Byrne will perform the music of Neil Diamond, while Mullin will play Elvis Presley. Byrne said he was inspired to give back after Diamond's 2018 diagnosis, and has raised close to $100,000 for research since then. The Shake It Up Australia foundation will receive $10 from every ticket sold.
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David Hammond, 90, has built a busy life in Griffith, including a recent turn to intensive gym work. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 89 and began training with personal trainer Lena Sergi at LiveFit 24/7 Griffith Gym. He now trains twice a week, focusing on strength, mobility and balance. A former chief executive of Riverina Wines and Miranda Wines, Mr Hammond says he has not drunk alcohol for eight years. He also says he met his partner of 10 years through an online dating app.
Australia's high court has dismissed an appeal by MACH Energy against a ruling that the approval of the Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion was unlawful. Retired teachers Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan brought the legal challenge. MACH Energy said it accepted the decision. The judgment sets a legal precedent for fossil fuel approvals across Australia. Elsewhere, a new therapy combining gene therapy with light-stimulating goggles showed a clinically meaningful increase in light sensitivity in six of 10 participants with advanced retinitis pigmentosa.
A Parkinson’s community forum in Newport will offer insights and support for those affected by the disease. Scheduled for 17 October, the event features experts like Professor David Finkelstein and Emma Collin, alongside personal experiences from a long-term Parkinson’s patient. Organised by ParKanDo, the forum aims to educate attendees, challenge stigma, and provide practical management tips. The free event is open to individuals with Parkinson’s, their families, and carers. For details, visit the ParKanDo website or register via the provided link.
