Kate Cowen 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 Cowen, 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.