I’ve always believed that even in life’s toughest moments, there’s room for positivity, resilience, and community. When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I knew I had a choice: I could let it define me, or I could respond with action. I chose action.

Living with Parkinson’s means navigating both physical and emotional challenges every day. I understand firsthand how complex the condition can be. Rather than stepping back, I became determined to stay active, and to uplift others walking a similar path. That’s what led me to become involved in ParkinDance, and to champion the idea that movement truly is medicine.

Dance has been transformative for me. Through music, rhythm, and tailored movement, I’ve found not only improved strength and mobility, but also joy, confidence, and connection. It has reminded me, and so many others, that exercise doesn’t have to feel clinical. It can be uplifting, energising, and deeply human. As one of the early pioneers of the program, I’ve been proud to help grow its reach, and to encourage people at every stage of Parkinson’s to step onto the dance floor. You don’t have to be a dancer, you just have to be willing to move.

Beyond the dance floor, I’m passionate about supporting Fight Parkinson’s as a community fundraiser. I’ve organised creative events, grassroots campaigns, and reached out to friends, family, and local networks to raise vital funds for research and support services. For me, fundraising isn’t just about asking for donations, it’s about inviting people to be part of something meaningful and hopeful.

I also share my story publicly whenever I can. Speaking openly about my experience helps break down stigma, encourages earlier diagnosis, and reminds people that they’re not alone. Parkinson’s brings undeniable challenges, but it also reveals incredible strength, solidarity, and compassion within our community.

I’m proud to stand with Fight Parkinson’s, and to contribute in any way I can. My message is simple: keep moving, keep connecting, and never lose sight of joy.

Sean was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2017 at the age of 43.

Before he even realised something was wrong, people had begun asking why he was limping. The first symptom he personally noticed was a tremor in his right hand while mountain biking. At first, he attributed it to fatigue, low blood sugar, or simply not being fit enough, anything other than what it eventually turned out to be.

After visiting his GP, Sean was referred to a neurologist. Receiving the diagnosis was incredibly overwhelming. At first, he tried to convince himself it wasn’t anything serious. One of the most frightening aspects was the uncertainty and how quickly the disease might progress and what it would mean for the future. Questions began to surface. How long until he might not be able to ride his bike, drive a car, or continue working?

Sean considers himself one of the “lucky” ones, as his Parkinson’s has progressed slowly. Aside from attending medical appointments, he has not yet had to take a day off work because of the condition. Exercise has become a vital part of managing his symptoms, and he aims to ride around 3,000 kilometres each year. For Sean, regular exercise is just as important as medication in helping to slow the progression of the disease.

Alongside the visible symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and changes in gait, there are many symptoms that cannot be seen. These include cognitive changes, anxiety, mood changes, fatigue, pain and sleep issues. Learning and retaining information can become more difficult, as can concentration and focus.

Despite these challenges, Sean believes Parkinson’s is not a death sentence. With the right adjustments and support, it is possible to fight Parkinson’s and continue living a relatively normal life.

The love and support of his wife, family, friends and workplace have made a huge difference. One of the hardest aspects of Parkinson’s, he says, is the impact it has on the people around you.

Sean takes part in A Walk in the Park to support Fight Parkinson’s and ensure the organisation can continue helping people living with Parkinson’s, as well as their families, carers and friends. The organisation has been a tremendous support to him and to the thousands of Victorians living with the condition. Knowing he can pick up the phone and receive expert advice and guidance, no matter how trivial or serious the question, provides enormous reassurance.

Having participated in several A Walk in the Park events, Sean says that arriving at Federation Square and seeing the large crowd gathered in support is incredibly powerful. It is a reminder that no one facing Parkinson’s has to face it alone.

Sean Atkinson is a Geelong-based sports management professional and passionate advocate for Parkinson’s awareness, currently serving as an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026. As the Commercial Partnerships and Communications Manager at AFL Barwon, Sean has built a career centred on connection, community engagement, and meaningful storytelling—skills he now channels into raising awareness for a cause deeply personal to him.

In 2023, at just 36 years old, Sean was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. With no family history, genetic link, or prior health concerns, the diagnosis came as a complete shock. Like many, he had believed Parkinson’s was something that only affected older people. His experience reflects a lesser-known reality: a significant proportion of those living with Parkinson’s are under the age of 50.

Since his diagnosis, Sean has become a committed voice for the Parkinson’s community. As an ambassador he is dedicated to increasing awareness, supporting research, and challenging misconceptions about the disease. He works to highlight the complexity of Parkinson’s, which extends far beyond visible symptoms to include cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.

Sean actively encourages community involvement through initiatives such as A Walk in the Park in Melbourne and Geelong, bringing people together to show support and drive awareness. He also engages with national conversations, attending events like the Parkinson’s Australia National Conference to stay informed about the latest research and advancements. He has also taken part in numerous clinical trials in his bid to help support research into finding ways to treat Parkinson’s.

Determined not to let Parkinson’s define him, Sean continues to approach life with resilience and purpose. Through his advocacy, he is helping to build a more informed and supportive community, while contributing to the broader effort to improve outcomes and, ultimately, find a cure.

Kate Cowan is proud to be an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026, supporting a cause that is deeply personal to her, and closely aligned with her lifelong commitment to public service and community impact. As the daughter of Sir Zelman Cowan, former Governor-General of Australia, and a passionate advocate for social justice, Kate grew up with a strong understanding of the responsibility that comes with using one’s voice to support others.

Parkinson’s is often described as an “invisible” disease, misunderstood by many, and too often reduced to stereotypes. Through her role as an ambassador, Kate is determined to help change that narrative. She believes that raising awareness is essential not only to improve public understanding of Parkinson’s, but also to ensure that people living with the condition, and their families, feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Kate is particularly motivated by the wide-ranging impact Parkinson’s can have beyond its physical symptoms. The emotional, social, and psychological challenges can be just as significant, yet are frequently overlooked. By shining a light on the lived experience of Parkinson’s, Kate hopes to foster greater empathy, and encourage more meaningful conversations about care, research, and quality of life.

For Kate, supporting Fight Parkinson’s is about hope: hope for better treatments, hope for continued research breakthroughs, and hope for a future where no one faces Parkinson’s alone. She is inspired daily by the resilience of the Parkinson’s community, and the dedication of researchers, clinicians, carers, and advocates working toward improved outcomes.

As an ambassador, Kate is committed to helping amplify these voices, and ensuring Parkinson’s remains a visible, urgent, and shared priority, because awareness is the first step toward change.

John Eren was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019—a moment that marked both a profound personal challenge and the beginning of a new chapter. After nearly two decades serving his community as a member of the Victorian Parliament, he made the difficult decision to retire and prioritise his health, while stepping forward as a passionate advocate for people living with Parkinson’s.

His journey began with subtle but persistent symptoms: tingling in his fingertips, reduced arm movement and difficulty buttoning his shirts. When a parliamentary colleague noticed his hand shaking during a presentation, John sought medical advice and received his diagnosis. While unexpected, the diagnosis provided clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. Rather than retreat, he chose to use his voice and experience to support others facing similar uncertainty.

In 2020, John became an ambassador for 27forParkinson’s, sharing his story publicly to break down stigma and foster hope. That same year, his fundraising efforts helped raise $23,000 to support vital research and services. For John, fundraising has never been only about dollars raised, it’s about building awareness, strengthening community, and reminding people living with Parkinson’s that they are not alone.

Now an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026, John continues to champion research, early diagnosis and stronger support networks for families across Victoria and beyond. Through public speaking, community events and advocacy, he works to amplify the voices of those living with Parkinson’s and encourage others to seek support earlier. His message is simple but powerful: Parkinson’s may change your life, but it does not define it.

Rod is widely regarded as one of the fathers of hot-rodding in Australia, a title earned through decades of passion, persistence, and belief in the power of community. From the earliest days of the movement, Rod helped shape not just a style of cars, but a culture, one built on creativity, craftsmanship, and mateship. His influence helped bring hot-rodding into the mainstream, giving it legitimacy and a lasting place in Australia’s automotive story.

Looking back, Rod doesn’t just see cars, he sees people. He sees the friendships formed in sheds and workshops, the pride in building something with your own hands, and the sense of belonging that hot-rodding has always offered. “It was never just about the vehicles,” he says. “It was about giving people something to be passionate about, something that brought them together.”

In recent years, Rod’s journey has taken a deeply personal turn following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Living with Parkinson’s has changed many aspects of daily life, but it hasn’t changed who he is or what he stands for. “Parkinson’s challenges you in ways you don’t expect,” Rod reflects, “but it also makes you think hard about what really matters. Parkinson’s can strike anyone, at any age, at any time. It is really important to raise awareness of this debilitating and challenging condition.”

For Rod, raising awareness of Parkinson’s is important because he knows how misunderstood the condition can be. He understands firsthand the impact it has on movement, confidence, and independence. He also knows the emotional toll it takes on families and carers. By speaking openly, Rod hopes to shine a light on the realities of Parkinson’s, encourage earlier understanding and support, and remind others that a diagnosis does not define the end of a meaningful, active life.

Rod’s advocacy comes from the same place as his life’s work: a desire to help others and to leave things better than he found them. “If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, or pushes research and support forward, then it’s worth it,” he says.

Through his involvement with Fight Parkinson’s, Rod is proud to support an organisation that champions awareness, research, and care for people living with the condition. Standing alongside Fight Parkinson’s allows him to combine his personal experience with his lifelong commitment to community, continuing to make a difference, just in a new way.

Rod Hadfield’s legacy is one of passion, resilience, and purpose, proof that even when the road changes, the drive to help others never does.

Shane Jacobson is one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers—an award-winning actor, director, presenter, and storyteller whose warmth and authenticity have made him a household name. Best known for his breakout role in Kenny and his extensive work across film, television, and stage, Shane has built a career on humour, heart, and an ability to connect deeply with audiences. Beyond the spotlight, however, one of his most meaningful roles is as an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026, a cause close to his heart.

Shane’s connection to Parkinson’s is deeply personal. His mother, Jill, is living with the condition. Watching someone he loves navigate the daily realities of Parkinson’s has given Shane a profound understanding of the challenges faced not only by those diagnosed, but also by families and carers who walk alongside them. It is this lived experience that drives his commitment to raising awareness, supporting research, and advocating for better services and understanding.

As an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026, Shane uses his public platform to amplify the voices of people living with Parkinson’s and to shine a light on the urgent need for continued investment in research, treatment, and community support. Whether speaking at events, participating in fundraising initiatives, or sharing his family’s story, he brings sincerity, compassion, and optimism to the conversation. His involvement helps break down stigma, encouraging more open dialogue about Parkinson’s and its impact.

Shane understands the power of connection and communit, something he has championed throughout his career. He believes that laughter, storytelling, and shared experiences can bring comfort even in the most challenging circumstances. In supporting Fight Parkinson’s, he hopes to foster that same sense of solidarity for families navigating the condition, reminding them that they are not alone.

Through his advocacy, Shane honours his mum, Jill, and the resilience she demonstrates every day. He is passionate about ensuring that people living with Parkinson’s have access to the best possible care, resources, and hope for the future. By standing with Fight Parkinson’s, Shane Jacobson is helping drive meaningful change, raising awareness, strengthening support networks, and contributing to the ongoing search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Georgy McIntyre is a passionate advocate and ambassador for A Walk in the Park, driven by a deeply personal connection to the cause. Her journey began in 2022 alongside her family—Hyxy, Libby, Lachie, and Annie—when they first participated in A Walk in the Park after being introduced through peer support groups. What started as a small but determined team quickly became a powerful source of connection, as Georgy and her family shared their story and discovered how widely Parkinson’s impacts individuals and communities.

The experience was profoundly emotional and transformative, inspiring Georgy to deepen her involvement. By 2023, she had become an official A Walk in the Park Ambassador, while Hyxy’s Team grew significantly and multiplied its fundraising efforts. Motivated by the momentum, Georgy committed to expanding awareness, strengthening community ties, and encouraging open conversations about Parkinson’s.

Under her leadership and alongside her family, Hyxy’s Team continued to grow, reaching over 30 members and extending its presence across multiple locations in Australia and internationally. Through storytelling, social media, and initiatives like “A Day in the Life of Living with Parkinson’s,” Georgy has helped shine a light on the daily realities of the condition—highlighting not only its challenges, but also the resilience of those affected.

Georgy’s advocacy is grounded in the belief that community, education and open conversation are essential in navigating Parkinson’s. She is passionate about encouraging honest and ongoing dialogue, while supporting Fight Parkinson’s in its mission to provide accessible resources, support networks, and research—ensuring that no one faces the journey alone.

Marty Rankin is a former real estate agent and business owner who built two agencies in Melbourne’s inner west while raising a large, blended family. He is a proud father to Brad (31) and Lily (16), husband to his wife Rachel, step-father to Chloe (32), Olivia (28) and Gabrielle (25), and a deeply proud grandfather to Willow (3) and Hugo (7). Family, connection and showing up for others have always defined his life.

Music is where Marty’s heart lives. As part of a group of high-performing professional musicians, he has long believed in the power of music to heal, connect and uplift. In 2022, Marty himself was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a moment that changed his life and sharpened his sense of purpose.

While Marty was grateful to have access to world-class healthcare, his diagnosis also revealed a confronting reality: many Australians living with Parkinson’s in regional and remote communities struggle to access meaningful support. Rather than retreat, Marty chose to act.

In November, his band raised over $5,000 for Fight Parkinson’s at a fundraising gig at Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville, transforming personal challenge into collective action. Since then, Marty and the band have partnered with an exercise physiologist to bring drumming, singing, and dance workshops directly into communities—activities proven to support brain health and the development of new neural pathways. Each visit culminates in an inclusive live performance that invites local participants on stage, turning isolation into connection.

As an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026, Marty walks for his family, for his community, and for every person living with Parkinson’s, no matter where they live, who deserves hope, dignity and support.