Hundreds gather for Parkinson’s support and insights
Three hundred people attended The Parkinson’s Conference – Sunshine Coast 2026 at Maroochy RSL on Thursday, October 8, bringing together people living with Parkinson’s, carers, clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals and members of the Parkinson’s community for a day focused on practical support, better care, connection and hope for the future.
Organised by The Parkinson’s Centre at Forest Glen, the conference was officially opened by Federal Member for Fisher and Ambassador for The Parkinson’s Centre Andrew Wallace MP, and featured more than 20 exhibitors alongside a program of Australian and international speakers.
This year’s theme, “Seeing the Whole Story – Leading Voices. Practical Insights. Real Impact,” reflected the conference’s focus on the many ways Parkinson’s can affect a person’s health, independence and everyday life.
Presentations covered medication, genetics, pain, sleep, allied health, care navigation and emerging Parkinson’s research.
Internationally recognised Parkinson’s expert Professor K. Ray Chaudhuri delivered the closing keynote, with other speakers including Associate Professor Miguel Rentería, Dr Quentes de Vries and a range of clinicians and researchers working directly in Parkinson’s care.
The Parkinson’s Centre co-founder and Operations Director Rory Cullinan said the aim was to create a conference that was genuinely useful to people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
“What we wanted to create was a conference that people could take something practical away from — not just information, but insights they could use in their own lives and conversations with their healthcare team,” Mr Cullinan said.
“Parkinson’s is complex and affects far more than movement. Good care depends on people sharing information, recognising changes early and working together around the person living with Parkinson’s.”
Mr Cullinan said the conference also provided an important opportunity for people with Parkinson’s and their families to connect with others who understood the experience.
“There is enormous value in bringing people together, sharing knowledge and making sure families know they are not navigating Parkinson’s alone.”
Mr Wallace described the conference as bringing together clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals and members of the Parkinson’s community, with a focus on practical support, better care and connection.
The Parkinson’s Centre thanked major community sponsor Sundale, conference partners Parkinson’s Queensland and Wellways, along with the speakers, exhibitors and supporters who helped make the event possible.
“The response to this year’s conference showed just how important events like this are for the Parkinson’s community, and we are already looking at how we can build on that in the future,” Mr Cullinan said.
The Parkinson’s Centre is based at Forest Glen and provides allied health services, group programs, education and support for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers. www.theparkinsonscentre.com.au
The conference was opened by Federal Member for Fisher and Ambassador for The Parkinson’s Centre Andrew Wallace MP.
