News and Events
ECU Parkinson's Centre Launch
Summary of Events
ECU launched its newest research centre, the Parkinson’s Centre (ParkC), on Thursday 13 March, at the trendy inner city bar, Bar One. With its upbeat tempo the bar was the perfect venue for the launch as it was reflective of the excitement and enthusiasm that has surrounded ParkC since its inception.
Upon arrival, guests found their name badges that sported the Denise Williams designed ParkC logo. The flowing red ribbon in the logo creates a sense of vibrancy and action. While the elegant outline of a head with an inner ragged part of the red ribbon makes it clear that ParkC is committed to investigating the underestimated cognitive aspects of the condition.
The ParkC banners contained the quote “This is the best day of my life, I’m not scared of tomorrow, I’ve seen yesterday and I love today” by William Allen White. The quote is the motto used by the Young Onset Support Group (YOGs). One of the photographs on the banner was of a YOG member Tara Preston, a 36 year old PWP and a mother of a 3 year old boy. Other members of the YOGs to attend the launch included the YOG founder, Pam vanOmme and her husband Tony (PWP) and Don and Shirley Capel.
Also featured on the banner is the Director of ParkC, Dr Meghan Thomas with members of her laboratory research team, Ms Lauren Evill and Mr Peter Allen. The research team are integral to the advancement of research into this field.
Drinks and cocktail canapés were served from 5:30pm, with the Bar One staff working hard, both behind the bar and on the floor to ensure everyone had a full glass.
Prof Rob Newton began the official proceedings at 6pm by welcoming everyone
and explaining the aims of the Centre. He then introduced ECU’s Executive
Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Tony Watson.
Prof Watson’s noted that ECU had committed $800,000 over three years
to the Centre as well as noting the excellent resources available to
the Centre through ECU’s Vario Health Institute. Prof Watson stressed
the wishes of the Centre to be a truly collaborative venture that involved
all Universities and Health Services and highlighted the importance placed
on the strong links with Dr Roger Baker Director of the Cambridge Parkinson’s
Disease Research Centre. Prof Watson called Dr Thomas to the podium and
congratulated her on the initiative and expressed ECU’s belief in her
potential.
The WA Chief Scientist, Prof Lyn Beazley, was introduced by Prof Newton as someone strongly committed to research into Parkinson’s. Prof Beazley outlined how the Centre fitted with her themes of “Do Science, Translate Science and Communicate Science”. She passed on Dr Roger Barker’s congratulations and well wishes with his regrets at not being able to attend the Launch in person. Prof Beazley commended ECU on their support for such an exciting and innovative Centre. She also explained the significance of Dr Thomas’ laboratory research and how this had been recognised by her obtaining an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant.
The final speaker for the night was Karen Rowland, a person with Parkinson’s. Karen made a heartfelt and deeply emotive speech that encouraged people to continue in their support for the Centre and research into Parkinson’s. Karen thanked Dr Thomas for providing a `beacon of hope’.
Following the formal component of the night, guest returned to their cocktail canapés and drinks. The launch provided the opportunity for those who have been supporters or been involved in establishing ParkC on all levels to get together and celebrate their achievement.
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| Meghan Thomas, Karen Rowland, Lyn Beazley, Tony Watson, Robert Newton |
Andrea Morgan, Brad Lohoar, |
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Andrea Loftus, Romola Bucks, |
Lisa Breen, Don Capel |
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Denise Williams, Meghan Thomas, Karen Rowland |
Lyn Beazley, Ralph Marins, Marica Taylor |
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Karen Rowland, Tony Hume, Judy Edwards |
