Motivated by her own Parkinson’s diagnosis and personal experience, Professor Michele Callisaya of the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research, leads a multidisciplinary team of clinician researchers specialising in brain disease and rehabilitation. Together they plan to adapt and test the world-leading model from the Netherlands called ‘ParkinsonNet’ for regional Australians.
The project aims to:
- improve access to expert multidisciplinary care for people with Parkinson’s
- provide specialised training opportunities for allied health professionals
- improve equity of care and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s living in regional and rural communities
- reduce hospitalisations and delay entry into residential aged care
Backed by $2.88 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the five-year project will work directly with people living with Parkinson’s, their carers, health professionals, and service providers to adapt the model, using Western Victoria as the test site.
“After diagnosis, care often focuses on medication, but allied health care can make a huge difference to quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Professor Callisaya.
“ParkinsonNet helps people access the right care, from the right professionals, at the right time – regardless of where they live.”
Phase one of the project has now commenced, with surveys of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and exercise physiologists working in Western Victoria now open until 15 March 2026. A selection of participants will also be invited to take part in interviews with the research team.
If you would like to know more or are interested in taking part in the survey, visit www.parkinsonnet.au
More details can also be found on the flyer under “Related resources for you” on this page.
