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Awards honour dedicated Parkinson’s community members
Nov. 27, 2024
The 2024 Fight Parkinson’s Awards were announced at last week's annual general meeting, including the recipients of the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award and the Harold Waldron Carer's Award.
Sir Zelman Cowen Award
John Eren is the recipient of the Sir Zelman Cowen Award, Fight Parkinson's highest accolade, for his outstanding voluntary service to the Parkinson's community.
He served as a Member of the Victorian Parliament from 2002 until 2022, stepping down two years after his Parkinson's diagnosis to focus on his health and well-being.
Upon becoming a Fight Parkinson's ambassador in 2020, John joined the 27forParkinson's campaign, courageously sharing his diagnosis to raise awareness and amplify the voices of those living with Parkinson's. That year, John individually raised nearly $14,000, with his fundraising team contributing $23,000. John's advocacy proved instrumental in securing a $150,000 Victorian Government donation to support the campaign.
Working alongside John Watkins from New South Wales, John's leadership and connections have fostered crucial bipartisan support for Parkinson's advocacy. Their combined efforts in Canberra this year garnered significant media attention and political engagement, elevating the voices of People Living with Parkinson's nationally.
John’s deep connection to his local community has ensured that the support extends to grassroots activities and events. From SIU Foundation research fundraisers to A Walk in the Park and community seminars, John has been a steadfast presence, inspiring and uniting people in the shared mission of supporting those affected by Parkinson’s.
What distinguishes John is his courage to step forward to step into the spotlight when he could have easily remained private about his diagnosis. He recognised his unique position to make a difference—a responsibility he has embraced with determination, as he has done throughout his life and career.
The Sir Zelman Cowen Award recognises both John's remarkable achievements and the values he embodies—courage, leadership and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Harold Waldron Carer's Award
The Harold Waldron Carer's Award honours a family member or friend touched by Parkinson’s, who has made a significant difference to the Parkinson’s community through their voluntary leadership or support of a leader, through their consistency, length of service and dedication to the community.
Betty Suggett, the recipient of this year's Harold Waldron Carer's Award, joined the Parkinson’s community alongside her husband, the late Andrew Suggett OAM. Together, Betty and Andrew have dedicated themselves to supporting and advocating for those affected by Parkinson’s since 2000.
In 2001, Betty and Andrew joined the Warrnambool Parkinson's Support Group. By 2005, Andrew had taken on the role of group leader, with Betty’s unwavering support playing a critical role in his leadership and the group’s welcoming atmosphere for both people with Parkinson’s and carers.
For over a decade, Betty and Andrew were instrumental in organising regional A Walk in the Park Events in Warrnambool. Together, they brought people together, from organising the first regional Peer Support Group meeting for members from Warrnambool, Portland, and Hamilton in 2017 to hosting countless community seminars, celebrations, and acknowledgments for fellow group members for almost 20 years.
In October 2024, Betty supported the Warrnambool A Walk in the Park held in Andrew’s memory. Betty's quiet strength and continued support illustrate why she is the deserving recipient of this year's Harold Waldron Carer's Award.
For the full list of 2024 Fight Parkinson’s Awards, read it here.