Shake It Up Australia Foundation: Leading the charge for Parkinson’s research in Australia

April 11th marks World Parkinson’s Day, a moment to reflect, raise awareness, and rally support for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. 38 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's everyday in Australia, and so to commemorate the day, the PKF Perspective Podcast hosted a special conversation with Vicki Miller, CEO of the Shake It Up Australia Foundation; a not-for-profit organisation laser-focused on funding Australian Parkinson’s research.

Founded in 2011 by Clyde Campbell AM, who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s at age 44, the foundation emerged from a vision to do more - and do it better. With a background in robotics engineering, Clyde approached his diagnosis like a true problem solver. He soon discovered a major gap: Australian researchers were passionate and capable but underfunded. This sparked his collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in the U.S., allowing for a powerful 50/50 co-funding model that brought world class research capabilities to Australian shores.

From the outset, Clyde and his family made a remarkable commitment: they would personally cover all administrative costs of the foundation, ensuring that 100% of public donations would go directly to research. That commitment has remained strong to this day.

Over the past 14 years, the Shake It Up Foundation has invested over $36.4 million into 85 research projects across 24 institutions in Australia - making it the country’s largest non-government funder of Parkinson’s research. The foundation’s singular mission has remained crystal clear: to slow, stop, and ultimately cure Parkinson’s disease.

Where early research focused primarily on symptom management, today’s efforts are pushing toward disease-modifying therapies; treatments that can actually change the course of the disease. And thanks to ground breaking work led by their international partners, including the Fox Foundation, there’s now real hope.

The biomarker breakthrough

One of the most exciting developments came in 2023, when a reliable biomarker for Parkinson’s was discovered, a game changer in the world of neurological disease. This breakthrough allows researchers to better diagnose the disease, track its progression, and test new treatments in more targeted ways. While the current method of detection (via spinal tap) isn’t ideal, efforts are underway to create more accessible options, such as blood tests or skin biopsies.

This biomarker is already speeding up the development of new therapies, and there’s optimism that in the near future, people diagnosed early could take daily medication that prevents progression - enabling them to live full, healthy lives.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, the Shake It Up Foundation is focused on:

• Expanding access to clinical trials in Australia.
• Collaborating globally with partners like Cure Parkinson’s UK and the Parkinson’s Foundation.
• Developing a National Parkinson’s Action Plan in collaboration with the Australian Government.
• Continuing their push for new, disease-modifying therapies, including gene therapy and immune-based treatments.

With more than 16,000 Australians already involved in a genetic screening trial called the Australian Parkinson’s Genetic Study, Australia is becoming a global leader in Parkinson’s research.

Help us reach $500,000 for Parkinson’s research

This April, during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the Shake It Up Foundation has set a goal to raise $500,000 to support their life changing research programs. Every dollar goes directly to funding studies that could lead to the next big breakthrough.

Whether it's participating in a fundraiser, donating, or simply spreading the word, everyone can play a part in reaching this goal and helping pave the way toward better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.

At PKF, we are proud to support the Shake It Up Foundation and the incredible work they do to advance research and raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease. We're honoured to assist with events, raising awareness, and participating in direct fundraising activities. One highlight each year is our annual PKF Golf Day - while it’s a chance for connections and conversations, it also serves as a meaningful fundraising event to support the Foundation’s mission.