Supporting people living with Parkinson’s

Parkinson's Victoria
Protective. Determined. Dedicated

Firefighter Steve Watts has spent the past four years raising awareness and funds for the 27,000 Victorians Living with Parkinson’s disease.

Steve Watts is a Commander with Fire Rescue Victoria and was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition in 2017 and understands that Emergency Service Workers get ill and injured too.

He was impressed by the support and care Parkinson’s Victoria provides and decided to volunteer to support the cause and be a part of the Parkinson’s community.

Steve’s contribution helps connect people living with Parkinson’s with peer support groups and specialists. It also supports the not for-profits health information line that provides expert advice on medications, symptom management mobility aids and wellbeing.

Steve is proud that his firefighting connections helped saved the day when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the annual Parkinson’s Victoria walk to raise funds for front line services and research. He challenged and mobilised firefighters across 84 Fire Rescue Victoria fire stations to walk on a treadmill, with the support of the Firefighters Charity Fund who matched $1 for each kilometre walked.

Steve’s next challenge is to help Parkinson’s Victoria break down employment barriers to ensure people don’t suffer in silence because they fear disclosing their condition at their workplace.

Steve is humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “If I can make life better for even just one person suffering from Parkinson’s, then it will mean I have made a difference. I hope I set a good example for others,” he says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Parkinson’s Victoria will use its funds to support its successful health advice and wellbeing line.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here