More than $10,000 was raised for people living with Parkinson’s when about 115 supporters, along with volunteers, gathered at The Barn at Flaxton on Sunday, 13 September, for Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy’s annual fundraising celebration.
Amid the auction, raffle, coffee and cake, some of the strongest appeals for support came from people who know firsthand what that support can mean.
A Reluctant Start to Speech Therapy
Ralph, who lives at Glass House Mountains with his wife, told the gathering he had initially been reluctant to accept that he needed speech therapy.
Parkinson’s had made its appearance about six years earlier. Although his first symptoms were mild, Ralph and his wife were particularly conscious of the potential effects of the disease after an old friend died following swallowing difficulties associated with Parkinson’s.
About three years after his diagnosis, Ralph agreed to an assessment with speech pathologist Louise, although he remained convinced speech therapy was “not yet needed”. Then she turned the computer screen towards him.
“I initially had trouble accepting Louise’s findings, until she turned the screen and showed me the recorded graphs of my weak volume compared with others in the room,” Ralph recalled. “Oh dear!” The evidence also explained something his family had been trying to tell him. “So, this was why the family had been complaining of my soft voice for ages!”
Ralph went on to undertake RHPT’s intensive speech therapy program. Years later, he said continuing support, including assistance videos, teletherapy sessions and the Choir of Sound INTENT, helps him maintain the daily exercises that can be easy to skip. “It makes a huge difference to have support close at hand,” he said.
Graduates Share Their Stories
Ralph was one of several participants and graduates who spoke during the Flaxton fundraiser about living with Parkinson’s and the effect speech therapy has had on their ability to communicate.
Robyn demonstrated her increased confidence by speaking to the room both with and without a microphone, while the Choir of Sound INTENT entertained the gathering with I Sing with INTENT and Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.
Division 10 Councillor David Law officially opened the afternoon and reflected on RHPT’s early days, including the circumstances in which its choir began during COVID, when members could not gather in a room and sing together. Six years later, the choir was performing before a packed fundraising gathering at Flaxton.
Chaffey Backhouse led a lively auction, with raffles and hamper sales also contributing to the final result of more than $10,000.
The Barn’s Ongoing Support
The Barn at Flaxton provided substantial support for the fundraiser, donating the venue, staff, coffee and cake for the afternoon, meaning RHPT did not have to meet those costs to run the event.
Speaking to Range Community News, Dani said “Rach and I are so happy to continue supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation. We think it is an amazing cause. I think this year was the biggest one yet which is so great! Louise and the team do so much for the people they support.” She went on to say “We will continue to provide our space for future events as this is a part of what makes the community and The Barn great”.The Barn has also signed up to recycle its cans and bottles for the Parkinson’s charity after hearing Louise mention it at the event.
The afternoon also saw the final auction of RHPT’s Benevolent Bears from the 2026 Collection. Three handcrafted bears, Mr Darcy, Naomi and Antoinette, made by bear artist Lorraine Dippelsmann, found new homes with generous bidders on the day. The Blackall Range Lions Club, RHPT volunteers, donors and others who contributed to the day also helped make the fundraiser possible.
Removing the Financial Barrier
For RHPT, the money raised will help continue services for people living with Parkinson’s. The charity has offered its weekly maintenance groups without charge since August 2020, with fundraising and donations helping it continue to offer the groups without a financial barrier.
Speaking at the fundraiser, RHPT Board Member, Alison Donaldson, said maintaining that access remained an important goal. “We dream of removing financial barriers to access our services,” she said.
She encouraged supporters to consider longer-term ways of helping RHPT, including regular donations and directing Containers for Change refunds to the charity.
For Ralph, that continuing support is part of living with a condition that requires persistence. He described it as “a constant battle to remain committed to the daily practices required” as Parkinson’s progresses.
Having support close at hand makes a significant difference, he said, acknowledging his wife and the RHPT team for providing the “tools, knowledge and encouragement to stay as strong as possible.”
Supporters wanting to contribute ongoing donations, or direct their Containers for Change refunds to RHPT, can do so through the charity directly.
Parkinson’s Choir to Perform at Sundale Carols Night
Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy’s Choir of Sound INTENT will headline a carols evening at Sundale Palmwoods on Friday, 27 November, from 5pm. RHPT has held similar carols nights in previous years as part of its broader program of community events, alongside its annual fundraising celebration at The Barn at Flaxton. its broader program of community events, alongside its annual fundraising celebration at The Barn at Flaxton.
Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy Website
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