Dovida wins National Award for Parkinson’s Support Group

Dovida has claimed national recognition at the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards, with the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers team winning the Neurological Care category for their groundbreaking Parkinson’s Support Groups.

Launched on the Gold Coast in 2022 by Community Engagement Manager Carol Peach, the initiative has grown from 14 participants to as many as 60 monthly attendees. Following overwhelming success, Community Liaison Manager Leigh Matthews established a second group in Murwillumbah in October 2024, which drew 45 participants at its inaugural session.

The monthly sessions combine gentle exercise led by accredited exercise physiologists with expert presentations from neurologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and aged care specialists. The program operates entirely on community goodwill without external funding, with venues generously provided by local partners.

“Social isolation affects 55-65 per cent of people with Parkinson’s, linked to faster disease progression and reduced quality of life,” explained Carol Peach. “We created a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered – where isolation is replaced by belonging.”

The grassroots approach has delivered measurable outcomes, with 4-5 participants each month connecting with services including My Aged Care registration, allied health support, and home safety modifications. Participant feedback consistently highlights the groups as primary sources of emotional support and practical guidance.

Dovida’s triple nomination at the national awards also recognised excellence across other categories. National Client Experience Manager Amy Devlin received Highly Commended recognition in the Emerging Leader category for her instrumental role supporting teams through the Support at Home transition.

Amy’s innovative work implementing AI technology to reduce administrative burden on care managers whilst keeping them focused on client relationships demonstrated forward-thinking leadership that impressed judges in a competitive national field.

The Brisbane South and Redlands team earned finalist recognition in the Social Inclusion category for their Energise and Socialise program, combating isolation and loneliness across the Beaudesert area through six-week blocks of exercise sessions and educational presentations delivered four times annually.

The Future of Ageing Awards received record entries in 2025, making Dovida’s three nominations and national category win particularly significant achievements. The awards celebrate solutions, providers, and individuals leading change across Australia’s aged care sector.

Participant testimonials for the Parkinson’s Support Groups reflect the profound impact of community-led engagement. One attendee shared: “When I was diagnosed, I knew the value of support groups. From the very first meeting, Carol’s warmth made everyone feel welcome. Through the group, I’ve accessed speech therapy, joined Parkinson’s Boot Camp, updated legal documents, and installed a fall alert system.”

The award win validates Dovida’s approach to embedding genuine community connection within aged care delivery, demonstrating how locally-led, inclusive initiatives can transform lives whilst building sustainable support networks.

Award outcomes

Neurological Care (Winner): Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Parkinson’s Support Groups

Emerging Leader (Highly Commended): Amy Devlin, National Client Experience Manager

Social Inclusion (Finalist): Brisbane South and Redlands Energise and Socialise program