Tamworth Parkinson's disease support group Movers and Shakers mark 30 years and awareness month in April with celebrations

The Tamworth local was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years ago, during a routine doctor's appointment.

It's been scary and stressful at times, but he's learnt the important things are family, good company, and making the most of life.

"There's no cure for it ... it's just been one of those things you have to live with," he said.

"I do have a few symptoms, I haven't got the tremors or anything but who knows what will happen down the track."

Mr Robinson used to play footy as a younger man in Sydney, and only retired from running his own heating and cooling business at 70 years old.

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It's that zest for life that's pushed him to be a passionate leader of the Tamworth Movers and Shakers, a support group for Parkinson's sufferers.

The group is marking 30 years this year, and April is a dedicated awareness month for the degenerative disease.

So, Mr Robinson and his team have planned celebrations, the first is a mystery bus tour to hot spots in the region like Werris Creek, Willow Tree and Quirindi.

"It's something different, we can sit around here and feel sorry for ourselves ... this is about getting out of the house and comfort zone," he said.

He said everyone had been "looking forward to it".

The Movers and Shakers have monthly meetings, but also live up to their name through going to a specialised gym class together each week.

"I try to make meetings as bright as possibly so we're not always talking about our problems but we get together and have a chat and talk about what we're looking forward to," Mr Robinson said.

"I'm glad I joined the gym class, I look forward to that each week, not only to do the exercises but also to meet up with the group and have morning tea afterwards and chat about things that are going on."

Mr Robinson urged sufferers to reach out if they needed support, and said the 30 or so members of the group represented just a fraction of locals who would have been diagnosed with the disease.

"There are plenty more people in our area and region living with Parkinson's and we would like them to ... know we can lend them a hand if they want it," he said.

The group meets monthly at the community centre and weekly at the Rural Fit gym.

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