Recognition Awards
Each year, Parkinson's Victoria recognises the significant contribution volunteers make in supporting people living with Parkinson's and their families.
The Parkinson's community has been built on the invaluable contributions of volunteers, who have offered their time, insight and experience to inspire and support others.
Our annual Recognition Awards recognise the years of service and outstanding contributions to the Parkinson's community by individuals and groups.
The 2020 Awards include a new award to recognise the invaluable contribution made by carers.
Award categories
Sir Zelman Cowen Award
Parkinson's Victoria's highest honour, the Sir Zelman Cowen Award, is presented to an individual in recognition of their invaluable voluntary contribution to the Parkinson’s community. In 2006, Sir Zelman Cowen generously gave permission for an award to be presented in his name, allowing Parkinson’s Victoria the honour of recognising his outstanding community service and support for people living with Parkinson’s.
Harold Waldron Carer’s Award
This new award will honour a family member or friend who has been touched by Parkinson’s and 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.
Community Recognition Award
Recognises the significant contribution of an individual or an organisation to events or activities.
Five, 10 and 15 Year Service Awards
Acknowledges the continuous service of volunteers in an administrative, project or service capacity, particularly those coordinating a Peer Support Group.
Honorary Life Membership
This award recognises outstanding services for a period of at least 15 years.
Nominations
Nominations for the 2020 Awards ARE NOW OPEN. Award recipients will be announced at the Parkinson's Victoria Annual General Meeting in November 2020.
Learn more about the 2020 Awards and How to apply.
2019 Recognition Award recipients
Sir Zelman Cowen Award: Heather Jobling
Community Recognition Award: Judy Russell; Richard Grimmett; Mike Atkinson; Christine Anderson.
Honorary Life Member: Trevor & Pearl White; Judy Phelan
10 Year Service Award: Louise and Paul Zajac (Geelong Young@Park)
5 year Service Award: Darryl Keeble (Mildura); Cynthia Parker (Mildura); Christine Anderson (Kyabram); Joy Shortis (Kyabram); Kathy Kukuljan (Kyabram)
Certificate of Appreciation: Kirsten George; Peter Walsh; Dr John Locke; Fred Van Ross; Shane Murphy
2018 Award recipients
Sir Zelman Cowen Award: Andrew Suggett
Community Recognition Award: Geoff Constable; Kim Goodridge; Shane Jacobson.
15 Year Service Award: Elaine Maberly, Ray McClusky and Margot Adams (Ballarat); Edith Weaver (Essendon)
10 Year Service Award: Gordon Townsend (Essendon); Ingrid Camille (Eltham)
5 year Service Award: Anne Simpson (Eltham); Clarrie & Hwa O’Brien, Nu & Vien Lieu, Sue & Franz Schnellman, Robert & Sharyn Mains (Essendon); Jenny & John Wilson (Bentleigh); Mike Atkinson
Certificate of Appreciation: Kirsten George; Adam Conrad.
Previous Sir Zelman Cowen Award recipients:
2017 – Cheryl Barnes
2016 – Peter Raymond
2015 – Anne Mooney
2014 – Fred van Ross
2013 – Karyn Spilberg