ParKanDo is a grassroots peer support group run solely by
volunteers with lived experience of Parkinson’s.
Our Mission
ParKanDo’s mission is to increase the number and diversity of member identified peer support
options in Melbourne’s West.
Background
In mid-2019 four people met for coffee and a chat. Two with Parkinson’s and two carers. Even though each of their journeys was very different, they shared a great deal of enthusiasm.
The idea to form ParKanDo was born. ParKanDo is a grassroots peer support group with a difference. Formed and run by volunteers with lived experience, ParKanDo surveys members to identify preferred activities for development.
Launched in February 2020, just as COVID-19 hit, ParKanDo offered activities online via Zoom. Members were assisted with pro-bono tech support, to access and use the platform. ParKanDo now offers activities simultaneously, via Zoom and in person (where possible).
The original ParKanDo members meet for a coffee and the rest is history.
Leadership Team
Peter Wall
co-leader
Each and every one of us performs many roles in our lives and one of mine is being a carer for my wife, Carmel.
For the most part, as carers, we see from the sidelines what effect Parkinson’s has upon those we love and care for; often feeling a sense of frustration and helplessness and asking ourselves “What more can I do?”
For me, the answer lay in helping to create ParKanDo, a Peer Support group with a difference, and actively participating in the various activities offered to our members. They are a lot of fun. Come join us!
Carmel Wall
Treasurer
I was diagnosed in 2007 after a long time of trying to make sense of a wide range of seemingly unconnected symptoms that I had been experiencing over many years.
I soon realised that exercise plus medication was the way to go, so it was with surprise and dismay to find little on offer in the west of Melbourne.
Meeting Pam and starting ParKanDo has been very rewarding not only to help me but all those who suffer from PD.
Mimi Morgan
Co-Secretary
I have recently been appointed as Co-Secretary of ParKanDo. Having worked in the tertiary education sector for over 15 years, I have considerable administrative and management experience.
Keen to raise the profile of Parkinson’s Disease in the community, I recently raised over $4,500 for Parkinson’s research. I was diagnosed in 2020 with early onset Parkinson’s and in the same year my brother passed away from PD.
Pam West
Co-Leader & Co-Secretary
My passions are my gorgeous grandsons and giving back to the local community. Keen to address the shortfall of peer support opportunities in Melbourne’s West, I became a founding member of ParKanDo.
Despite an early onset diagnosis in 2009, ParKanDo has helped me realise I still have the ability to do things; I just do them a little differently now. ParKanDo has shifted my focus from what I have lost or can’t do to what I can do and for that I am truly grateful.
ParKanDo wins the Grassroots Volunteering Award
ParKanDo is thrilled to announce it has received the prestigious Grassroots Volunteering Award for 2023 from Volunteering Victoria.
Winners were revealed during a special ceremony held at Government House on Tuesday 27th February 2024.
Fight Parkinson’s CEO, Emma Collin, attended the event and shared in the excitement as the winner was announced.
Pictured left to right: Carmel Wall, Peter Wall,
The Hon. Margaret Gardner AC, Mimi Morgan. Front: Pam West
Year in Review Reports
Sept 2020 – Sept 2021
Despite COVID lockdowns and restrictions, ParKanDo went from strength to strength during its second year.
The membership grew to 67 and members remained active and connected through Zoom activities and events.
Read about our second year of operation in our Annual Review Report.
download 2021 review
Previous Review Reports
September 2019 – September 2020 Review 