Former Shepparton PSG leader awarded OAM
Jan. 29, 2020
Fight Parkinson’s extends its congratulations to Shepparton Parkinson’s Peer Support Group (PSG) member and former leader, Geoffrey Alexander OAM, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 2020 Australia Day honours.
Mr Alexander was recognised for his service to the Shepparton community, including more than 25 years involvement with the Parkinson’s PSG.
Fight Parkinson’s CEO Emma Collin said the PSG had grown under Mr Alexander’s leadership to become a vital resource for the community in Shepparton and surrounds.
“Under his care, the group developed as a warm, welcoming and inclusive group. Mr Alexander developed a mentor/buddy system within the group so that new members felt welcomed from the moment that they joined.
“The value of this in reducing social isolation cannot be under-estimated. The group’s initiative of sharing soup and eating together before each meeting developed into a great fundraising idea to publish a book of soup recipes with all proceeds going to support the funding of Fight Parkinson’s’s services.”
Emma said Mr Alexander was also instrumental in improving the lives of people with Parkinson's and other neurological conditions in the Shepparton area by engaging with local politicians and healthcare executives to lobby for services.
“This active engagement has embedded improved services at Goulburn Valley Health and supported development of the movement disorder nurse program in the region. This project has improved the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.”
In recognition of his significant contribution to the Parkinson’s community, Geoff was awarded the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for outstanding voluntary service to the Parkinson’s Community in 2009.
Shepparton News journalist James Bennett spoke to Mr Alexander about the award and his work in the Shepparton community. Read the full article.
Do you know any Victorians living with, or caring for someone with Parkinson's, awarded in the 2020 Australia Day honours? Let us know so we can celebrate their recognition - email us the details.