Tribute to Parkinson's Support Group

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—I would like to acknowledge the excellent work and tireless efforts of the lead volunteers behind the Newcastle Parkinson's Support Group. Among those volunteers are Sandra Elms, Lawrence Gray, Tonee Knowles, Christine Gray, Karen Begley and Verlie Sullivan. This group provides support and well-being for people living with Parkinson's disease as well as their carers throughout my electorate in Lake Macquarie and also throughout the broader Newcastle area. As well as providing expert information on the disease to the local community, the group runs cognition sessions for members such as drumming circles, musical events, art classes and craft activities. The group also runs a Parkinson's choir, dance and Pilates groups. This valuable community organisation receives very little financial help and host fundraisers such as trivia nights to cover the costs of these activities. I commend the valuable work of the Newcastle Parkinson's Support Group volunteers and thank all of them for making life a little easier for sufferers of this debilitating disease.