Local encouragement spurs on Narrabri’s Parkinson’s Support Group | PHOTOS

To commemorate World Parkinson’s Awareness Month, dedicated locals gathered for a morning tea fundraiser on Monday.

The event was hosted by the Narrabri Parkinson’s Support Group on the Post Office lawn at 10am, with the aim of spreading awareness about the illness and how the group can help.

Some members even travelled from out of town for the occasion, like Moree’s Miles Berghan.

“After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it was a great help knowing a group like this was hard at work just a few towns over,” he said.

A selection of delicious treats, as well as tea and coffee, were on offer for a gold coin donation.

The local Rotary Club ran a barbecue on the day, providing attendees with a sausage sizzle lunch.

Some of the ladies from the Tuesday’s Quilters Group were also present, donating a brand-new handmade blanket to be used for the raffle fundraiser.

Pat Woods, Irene Tomlinson, Marg Hallett, Diane Chessells, Tricia Hadley, Fay Kirk, Rob Walker and Miles Berghan. Pat Woods, Irene Tomlinson, Marg Hallett, Diane Chessells, Tricia Hadley, Fay Kirk, Rob Walker and Miles Berghan.

Bree Hall-Cronin and Trudy Schatz manning the morning tea treats. Bree Hall-Cronin and Trudy Schatz manning the morning tea treats.

Joyce Walker and Yvonne Barry. Joyce Walker and Yvonne Barry.

Barry Keys, Rob Walker, Darrell Tiemens and Dylan Smith. Barry Keys, Rob Walker, Darrell Tiemens and Dylan Smith.

Paul Sorensen and Phil Poore. Paul Sorensen and Phil Poore.

Therese Walton and Kim Scaysbrook. Therese Walton and Kim Scaysbrook.

Heather Caton and Marion Pike. Heather Caton and Marion Pike.

Tricia Hadley, president of Narrabri Parkinson’s Support Group, said these events wouldn’t be possible without such generosity.

“We’d like to thank the Narrabri Rotary and the Tuesdays Quilters Group – thanks to the assistance we receive from such local groups, our team is able to continue helping those affected by Parkinson’s across the district,” Mrs Hadley said.

“The quilting ladies have donated their wonderful creations on multiple occasions, so we wanted to show our thanks by presenting them with The Local Hero Award today.”

Diane Chessells, one of the Tuesday’s Quilters Group members in attendance, said she was proud to help local not-for-profits where possible.

She explained that, along with Narrabri Parkinson’s Support Group, the team also assists the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Charity.

“We just want to support local charities however we can, even if it only helps these groups raise a few extra dollars,” Mrs Chessells said.

“We want our efforts to continue helping people in the local area.”

The Narrabri Parkinson’s Support Group meets monthly, and always welcomes new members.