About us
Parkinson’s Australia Board
Professor George Mellick
Director & ChairProfessor George Mellick
George is an interdisciplinary scientist who works on all aspects of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. He is the Deputy Director of the Eskitis Institute, Griffith University and holds adjunct positions at the University of Queensland, RBWH and Princess Alexandra Hospital.
George has authored over 100 research publications including articles in the Lancet, JAMA, Lancet Neurology and Annals of Neurology.
He is also an advocate for people affected by Parkinson’s disease and serves as the President of Parkinson’s Queensland.
Dr Moira Watson PhD, FAICD, FAIM, FGIA
Director & Vice ChairDr Moira Watson PhD, FAICD, FAIM, FGIA
Moira is an experienced company Chair and Director on a range of Boards with a background as a senior leader in ASX listed companies and as an executive director in government.
Moira has a PhD in business management and is a graduate and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.
Moira is also Chair of Chorus Australia, Chair of Diabetes WA, a Councillor with HBF, a Director with Diabetes Australia, and a Director with Diabetes Australia Research Limited.
Steve Ferguson
DirectorSteve Ferguson
Steve is a Chartered Accountant and was a partner with Ernst & Young for over 25 years leaving in late 2018. Steve was the Financial Services Accounts Leader for EY in Asia Pacific and as an assurance partner has led the audit of a number of large Australian multinational listed companies.
He is a graduate of the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Marcia Kimball
DirectorMarcia Kimball
Marcia’s husband, John, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s some 16 years ago.
She has over 35 years of experience in corporate and senior executive roles and was the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Australian Trade and Investment Commission. As the COO, Marcia had responsibility for providing the Australian Trade and Investment Commission globally across a broad spectrum of corporate services. These services encompassed Finance, IT, HR, Legal, Property and Procurement. Marcia has a Bachelor of Education, a Graduate Diploma as a Resource Educator and Masters’ level qualifications in Financial Management from the Australian National University. Marcia is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Director of The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s ACT and Chair of their Board of Governors.
Jen Harkness
DirectorJen Harkness
Jen was diagnosed in 2014, with Young Onset Parkinson’s at age of 48. Jen has spent the past 24 years working in the Public Service, with the last 16 years prominently in the international field, working within the Pacific Region as a program manager.
Since her diagnosis she has worked tirelessly advocating and raising awareness for Parkinson’s with a particular passion for those with young onset Parkinson’s. She continues to dedicate her volunteer time to improve support and resources for people and families living with Parkinson’s.
Previously Jen was a member of the Committee for Parkinson’s ACT and then sat on the Board of Governors for The Hospital Research Foundation – Parkinson’s ACT. Jen is the Coordinator for their Young Onset support group.
Sally Macdonald
DirectorSally Macdonald
Sally is a Sydney-based CEO, strategic advisor and investor with experience in retail, fashion, online and biotechnology. She chairs Carla Zampatti, the much-loved Australian women’s apparel business, serves as a non-executive director at Symbyx Biome, and advises early-stage consumer businesses. Previously, Sally was CEO of Oroton Group (2006-2013), overseeing a turnaround of the then-listed group which included Oroton and Ralph Lauren Australia and NZ. Sally was also CEO of Big W department stores in 2016 and her early career was as a management consultant at BCG in Melbourne and New York. Sally holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.Commerce from the University of Melbourne, where she received an Alumni of Distinction award in 2010. Sally has a personal connection to Parkinson’s through her Father and Grandfather.
We partner and collaborate with these organisations and alliances to advocate for people living with Parkinson’s
Partner organisations & alliances
Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. We’d love you to participate. Watch our campaign to change the face of Parkinson’s and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos on living well with Parkinson’s. Stay informed with our monthly newsletter. Please donate today to help us continue to raise awareness and advocate nationally for people living with Parkinson’s.
