Fight Parkinson’s and University of Tasmania lead $3.7 million push to transform Parkinson’s care
Apr. 15, 2025
Fight Parkinson’s and The University of Tasmania have announced a joint $3.7 million investment to bring the internationally recognised ParkinsonNet model of multidisciplinary care to Australia. The funding includes $2.88 million from the Medical Research Future Fund, awarded to the University of Tasmania, and $815,000 raised through community support by Fight Parkinson’s.
ParkinsonNet, developed in the Netherlands and proven across Europe and the United States to improve health outcomes, reduce disability, lower hospitalisation rates and cut healthcare costs, will be piloted in Western Victoria (including Geelong and the Bellarine) and Tasmania. The pilot will be led by Professor Michele Callisaya from the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
“Fight Parkinson’s research funding of $815,000 demonstrates a significant community commitment to advancing access to multidisciplinary care,” said Ms Emma Collin, Fight Parkinson’s CEO.
“Community, clinical and research collaboration have fuelled every stage of this initiative, and will see grassroots fundraising turned into a robust, multidisciplinary network of care,” said Ms Collin.
“Events like A Walk in the Park in Melbourne on April 27 transform everyday generosity into lasting change for people living with Parkinson’s and our community’s $815,000 contribution underpins the training, mentoring and technology that will bring the ParkinsonNet pilot to life.”
Professor Michele Callisaya, research lead and a physiotherapist living with Parkinson’s, added, “By integrating ParkinsonNet into Australia’s healthcare system - through this $3.7 million MRFF and community-funded pilot - we will upskill health professionals, strengthen visible networks, and ultimately improve outcomes for the 220,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s.
John Eren - who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 while serving as Member for Lara - said the initiative was a significant milestone for people living with the condition.
“ParkinsonNet is a big win for regional communities and shows what is possible when lived experience, medical expertise and community advocacy come together,” Mr Eren said.
“Parkinson’s does not discriminate, but unfortunately, access to care still does."
“I would like to thank all who were involved in making this project a priority and listening to and understanding the needs of the Parkinson’s community, including the importance of better care and support.”
ParkinsonNet brings together experts from the University of Tasmania, Fight Parkinson’s, University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Queensland, Deakin University and Radboud University in the Netherlands. Key partners also include Parkinson’s Tasmania, Barwon Health, South West Healthcare, Western Alliance, the Tasmanian Health Service, the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Occupational Therapy Australia and Speech Pathology Australia.
The pilot will be rolled out in Western Victoria, including Geelong and the Bellarine, and Tasmania with the outcome to be a ready-to-implement roadmap and National ParkinsonNet Centre, creating a legacy of improved care and support for all Australians living with Parkinson’s.