The group provides information and support for people with Parkinson's and their family and friends.

Mrs Hicks said she had seen a lot of beneficial developments in Parkinson's research through her involvement with the group.

"I learnt so much - I really did - about Parkinson's by being with this lovely group," she said.

"They are a lovely group - I wouldn't call them my family if they weren't."

She said through enlisting the services of guest speakers at the group's meetings she has hoped to teach people more about the condition.

"Every person that joins our group, I sincerely hope are on a bit of a learning curve and they learn from it - that has been my aim," she said.

Mrs Hicks became involved to support her late brother-in-law Alex who had Parkinson's.

One of her proudest achievements in establishing a library of information about Parkinson's at the Horsham Library.

"About 10 or 15 years ago I had a bit of a brainwave and thought it would be good if we had some books on Parkinson's," Mrs Hicks said.

"I rang Parkinson's Victoria and they said they could help us out, but I didn't have a clue how we were going to fund it."

After getting a grant from the Horsham Sports and Community Club the library was established and is maintained by government funding.

Mrs Hicks said she was hopeful someone would step forward and fill her role to keep the good work of the group going.

"I would hope that someone will take over from the office bearers that wish to retire," she said.

"The group will carry on and have guest speakers and that's going to help everybody to learn a bit more about their condition."