Parkinson’s Centre recognised for life-changing work in health, movement community

Parkinson’s Centre founder Barbara Cullinan: “exercise remains the most effective known way to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease”.

The Parkinson’s Centre® has been recognised at the 2026 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards, sharing the Healthy and Active category with Bamboo Projects.

Known locally as The Park, the centre is the region’s first dedicated allied health hub for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Guided by the Parkinson’s Alive® protocol, the centre delivers condition-specific therapy and movement programs aimed at improving function, confidence and quality of life.

Alongside its core clinical services, the centre leads major community initiatives that have become fixtures on the Sunshine Coast calendar. These include Step Out for Parkinson’s®, which has now raised more than $200,000 for Parkinson’s-related causes, the Parkinson’s Conference Sunshine Coast®, and the Parkinson’s Support Fund, which provides practical assistance to people living with Parkinson’s who are awaiting access to NDIS or My Aged Care support.

The Park founders Barbara and Rory Cullinan said the award recognised both the Parkinson’s community and the team behind the centre, who turn up each day with a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Barbara said exercise remained the most effective known way to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

“Medication plays an important role in managing symptoms, but exercise is critical for maintaining mobility, independence and confidence over time,” she said. “Using principles of neuroplasticity, we use targeted exercise to retrain the brain and improve the way the body moves.”

Beyond physical therapy, Barbara said the centre placed strong emphasis on connection, belonging and shared experience.

“But more importantly than that, we create a community,” she said. “People come here and feel part of something special — a community that understands who they are and the challenges they’re going through. It’s wonderful to be recognised with this award on behalf of our community.”