Parkinson's hold no sway when Anthony Doneley immerses himself in painting

The 61-year-old former teacher has attended art classes at Amici House, a community hub at Bracken Ridge run by Co.As.Is since September 2022 and the classes stimulate him to continuously think outside the box.

Anthony taught primary school for about 40 years but then COVID-19 hit.

"By that stage, I had already been thinking, 'I can't do this [teaching] much longer. The stress and the tension, constant headaches and the knot in my back are getting worse and worse'," he said.

"With the beginning of COVID, I suddenly noticed that I had started shaking. I got all organised to see a specialist, and I'll never forget thinking it was nonsense; I'm just stressed."

That day, Anthony was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements and difficulty with balance and coordination.

But when Anthony paints the shaking rarely occurs, meaning he doesn't have to hold his hand to try and get a straight line.

"When painting, I feel like reaching a neutral zone with peace and no pressure. I don't feel like being scrutinised because that's when I naturally get a bit of a tremor," he said.

On the verge of finalising his 39th piece, Anthony's artistic portfolio varies from birds to portraits, including the image of former U.S. president Barack Obama. His fondest work is a kookaburra - which took him four weeks to finish. He has held exhibitions and sold some of his paintings.

In addition to the art classes, Anthony also takes part in Amici House's Stay Active program - fitness lessons for seniors, including stretches, balance, cardiovascular fitness, strength and coordination activities.

Anthony belives this program has also helped with his Parkinson's.

"Amici House has changed my life for the better. Now, because of it, I feel a sense of positivity about my future. I think things are not just all doom and gloom because now I can shape my future," said Anthony.

Amici House runs activities and services for seniors and members of the community including yoga classes, art classes, women's groups, technology classes, latin dancing, NDIS art classes and health services such as podiatry and physiotherapy.

The centre attracts more than 300 visitors a week and is a hub for the Brighton, Shorncliffe, Bracken Ridge, Deagon, Boondall communities and beyond.

www.coasit.asn.au/amici-house 1800-262-748