Meet the Blue Circle Collective â€” a national network of Ambassadors, Advocates, and Advisers united to drive meaningful change for all Australians.  

What is the Blue Circle Collective? 

A national network of passionate Ambassadors, Advocates and Advisers, united to amplify the cause, raise awareness, and drive meaningful change in how diabetes is understood, supported, and addressed.  

At şÚÁĎÍř, weĚýrecogniseĚýthat speaking means little unlessĚýit’sĚýgrounded in listening. The Blue Circle Collective strengthens our ability to hear directly from communities,ĚýreflectĚýtheir lived experiences, and advocate for what truly matters. WhetherĚýit’sĚýinfluencing policy, sparking grassroots action, or shifting publicĚýperception, the Blue Circle Collective is a driving force for progress.Ěý

Ambassadors, Advocates, and Advisers each have a distinct role, all connected by a common purpose. Whether influencing national policy, sparking grassroots action, or shifting public perception, members aren’t bystanders; they’re the driving force. 

” There has always been stigma surrounding people who live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and I believe one way to change that is for those with lived experience to help educate others.” – Dominic Speranza, Community Advocate 

Meet the Circle 

With the Blue Circle Collective spanning nationwide, we’re proud to introduce the powerful voices that represent and uplift the diabetes community across Australia. Our Ambassadors, Advocates, and Advisers come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, each bringing their own perspective to the Circle. 

#1 Ambassadors  

Ambassadors are high-profile voices who champion diabetes awareness on the national stage through media, public events, and major campaigns. As familiar faces, they share a real connection to the cause and a lifelong commitment.
 

Meet some of our 2026 Ambassadors: Warren Bingham, Lachlan Kennedy, Lara McSpadden, Isabella Magee, Bas de Ruijter, Gordon Bunyan 

#2 Advocates 

Advocates are passionate volunteers who speak from lived experience. They shape programs, share stories, and ensure real voices are heard where decisions get made â€” experts in what it’s like to live with diabetes. 

Meet some of our 2026 Advocates: Dominic Speranza, Lauren Cusack, Dr Amira Howari, Vicky Kavasilas, Sebastian Harris, Kate Wildermuth, Lucy Woods 

#3 Advisers 

Combining professional expertise with lived experience, Advisers guide şÚÁĎÍř’s Board and Management on strategy and research, translating community perspectives into authentic, impactful solutions. 

Meet some of our 2026 Advisers: Leon Tribe, Yvonne Appleby, Emma Bond, Jenna Cantamessa, Saradhi Motamarri, Caitlin Rogers, Caroline Thomas 

How Circle members make a difference 

Members contribute in ways that suit them, either sharing stories or insights that shape programs and services, participating in events and media opportunities, contributing to research and advocacy efforts, providing formal consultation to the şÚÁĎÍř Board and Management, and supporting or leading community-driven initiatives. Some step into the spotlight; others work behind the scenes. Both matter equally. 

No matter how diabetes touches your life, your experience is important. Whether you live with diabetes, care for someone who does, work in the field, or are at risk, your experience matters. Your voice can help shape programs, support others, and make a real difference in the lives of families living with diabetes. 

“If you’re thinking about joining the Blue Circle Collective, please step in. Your voice, your story, and your individual circumstances truly matter. Each of your stories within the Circle can help us eliminate the impact of diabetes on all Australians.”  â€“ Kirsten McMahon, National Manager Social Impact 

Want to learn more? 

Visit our website to discover how the Blue Circle Collective is creating change and get to know the stories behind the inspiring Australians driving it.   

One of Australia’s brightest stars is spearheading a newly formed group to amplify the voices of people living with diabetes.

Australian sprint champion Lachlan Kennedy, who lives with type 1 diabetes, is an ambassador with the Blue Circle Collective, a group of Australians living with diabetes throughout the nation, launched by şÚÁĎÍř.

Lachie broke the 10-second barrier in the 100m sprint twice at the recent Australian championships in Sydney, becoming the fastest man in Australia. Just 24 hours after running 9.96 seconds in the heats, despite a malfunctioning insulin pump and high glucose levels, Lachie clocked the same time in the final the next day.

He is aiming to break Patrick Johnson’s national record of 9.93 seconds this year and also join the ranks of elite athletes who have run 9.8 seconds.

“I’ve got more in the tank,” Lachie said. “The sky is the limit.”

This week, Lachie took time out of his busy schedule before he leaves for overseas to continue competing and prepare for the Commonwealth Games, to shine a light on the voices of people living with diabetes. şÚÁĎÍř’s Blue Circle Collective is working to ensure that lived experience of diabetes shapes the future of diabetes policy, care, and awareness in Australia.

The Blue Circle Collective brings together Ambassadors, Advocates and Advisers from around Australia who will share their perspectives of living with diabetes, raise awareness and help drive meaningful change in how diabetes is understood, supported and addressed.

şÚÁĎÍř’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative places people living with diabetes at the centre of national conversations about the condition.

“People who live with diabetes every day must help shape, at every level, the decisions that affect their lives,” Ms Cain said.

“The Blue Circle Collective is about elevating real voices and real experiences so that policy makers, health leaders and the wider community better understand both the challenges and the possibilities of living well with diabetes.

“It’s a growing circle of changemakers who are united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for the millions of Australians affected by diabetes.”

Ms Cain said representatives of the Blue Circle Collective will be the heartbeat of ongoing advocacy and community engagement to support important initiatives to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians and accelerate practical solutions and long-term policy.

Lachie is determined to raise awareness about diabetes. This determination underlines what thousands of Australians living with diabetes face every day: the unrelenting, often invisible work it takes to stay well.

“I don’t make a big deal out of my diabetes but I’m aware some people living with type 1 diabetes don’t have access to insulin pumps. My glucose monitor and insulin pump help me to have healthy glucose levels, and there are rarely any issues,” said Lachie.

“Whatever happens, wherever I am, I still have to manage my diabetes. It’s an extra layer of daily decisions in my life and I’m grateful that I have the diabetes technology that I need. I want the same for every Australian living with type 1 diabetes.”

Lachie believes that living with type 1 diabetes has shaped him into the athlete and person he is today.

“I think I live a healthier lifestyle than I would have done if I hadn’t developed type 1 diabetes,” Lachie said.

“It forces you to be aware, to think about your body, to be disciplined. That definitely helps on and off the track.”

Ms Cain said Lachie’s success is a reminder of the strength and resilience within the diabetes community.

“Lachlan Kennedy is evidence that people with type 1 diabetes can do anything,” Ms Cain said.

“Lachie isn’t just an athlete. He’s a brave and resilient champion in every sense of the word.”

Ms Cain said the Blue Circle Collective reflects şÚÁĎÍř’s commitment to ensuring the voices of people living with diabetes are heard, respected, and central to shaping the nation’s response to one of its most urgent health challenges.

To share your interest and learn more about the Blue Circle Collective, please email bluecirclecollective@diabetesaustralia.com.au. Visit Blue Circle Collective.

About şÚÁĎÍř

şÚÁĎÍř is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.         

A young mother in Bendigo is asking the government to change the lives of Australians living with diabetes by making diabetes technology more affordable.

Expanding subsidies to make Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices more affordable for people living with diabetes is a key area of focus for şÚÁĎÍř and the diabetes sector and was an important topic of discussion at the National Diabetes Summit on March 31.

For Caitlin, 32, diabetes technology is the difference between safety and risk for herself and for her eight-month-old son, Mac.

Caitlin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of nine. Like thousands of Australians, she grew up managing the complex autoimmune condition that requires constant vigilance, precise insulin dosing and round-the-clock monitoring to stay alive. For much of her childhood and young adulthood, that management relied on her Mum finger-prick testing her every two hours every night and multiple daily injections of insulin.

As a young adult, access to insulin pump therapy improved Caitlin’s glucose management, but cost meant she could only use continuous glucose monitoring intermittently until the Federal Government introduced subsidies for CGM devices for Australians with type 1 diabetes in 2022.

“That decision by government changed my life,” Caitlin said. “Managing my glucose levels became safer, easier and more predictable.”

Caitlin said she had been told from the time she was a young girl that if she decided to have children, she would have a high-risk pregnancy and would need to have strong control of her glucose levels to avoid complications for both her and the baby.

“Before I got pregnant, I worked extremely hard to keep my levels in the healthiest range. The CGM and insulin pump helped me manage healthy glucose levels.

“Even with that tight, successful management (and I worked extremely hard to control my glucose levels) I ended up with pre-eclampsia. When he was born, Mac was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit because of concerns about his glucose levels and there were a few other things, but he’s just fine,” she said.

Caitlin is acutely aware that her health is inseparable from her child’s safety.

“My baby’s wellbeing depends on my wellbeing,” she said. “I’m constantly thinking about my glucose levels when I’m driving, when I’m alone at home, when I’m caring for him.”

Despite the proven health benefits, access to AID systems that combine insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring remains out of reach for many Australians with type 1 diabetes due to cost.

“Technology is about dignity, safety and equity. People should never have to choose between managing a life-threatening condition or their family’s needs, like paying a mortgage or even putting food on the table,” Caitlin said.

The diabetes community has united in its advocacy to help ensure people living with diabetes can receive the right support and care.

“Diabetes technology saves lives, reduces complications and keeps people out of hospital,” şÚÁĎÍř Group CEO Justine Cain said.

“Research shows that CGMs and insulin pumps are game-changing in managing glucose levels and preventing serious complications like heart attack, stroke, blindness and kidney disease.

“Diabetes management costs an individual thousands of dollars each year. It costs our health system billions of dollars each year. Diabetes technologies can help reduce those costs.

“It’s critical that the health sector, government, industry and the community work together to address the impact of Australia’s diabetes epidemic. The National Diabetes Summit is an important opportunity to strengthen that collaboration and drive meaningful action,” Ms Cain said.

If you areĚýa young Australian living with diabetes and you’ve ever thought, “I wish things were different,” — this program is for you.

Expressions of interest are now open for the International Diabetes Federation Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme. This is a global initiative open to anyone aged 18-30 years old living with diabetes who wants to make a real impact. 

şÚÁĎÍř is the only Australian organisation authorised to nominate candidates for the International Diabetes Federation Young Leaders Programme. Expressions of interest are now open.

What is the IDF Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme?Ěý

The IDF Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) Programme brings together young people living with diabetes from around the world to lead change through advocacy, education, awareness, and community building. It is a volunteer program designed for people who want to contribute to meaningful diabetes projects and build leadership skills, empowering them to lead change, raise awareness, and stand up against stigma and discrimination.


As the sole Australian member organisation of the Western Pacific region of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), şÚÁĎÍř is proud to be the exclusive pathway for Australian youth to participate in the Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) Programme. We play a vital role in identifying, selecting, supporting, and nominating YLD trainees for IDF consideration.

Ěý 2025–2027 Cohort Ěý
79 Members	48 Countries	2–4 Hours per month commitment Ěý

What’s involved?

Who can apply?

Applicants need to be passionate about making a difference, open to learning new skills, and able to commit time to the Program and to delivering their project.ĚýThe full list of requirements to join the YLD trainee program includes:Ěý

• Live with any type of diabetesĚý
• Aged between 18 and 30 by 30 November 2026Ěý
• Able to communicate effectively in English (a video interview may be requested)Ěý
• Have an active connection with an IDF Member AssociationĚý
• Be passionate about making a difference in the diabetes communityĚý
• Have the desire to develop, execute, and report a diabetes project agreed with an IDF Member AssociationĚý
• Have reliable access to the internet for communication and reporting purposesĚý
• Be available two to four hours per month for the YLD program

Explore more about .

How the process works 

To become a YLD trainee, there are four steps for young Australians:​


Step 1: Express your interest by emailing şÚÁĎÍř with your project idea
Step 2: şÚÁĎÍř selects and nominates candidates to the IDF
Step 3: The IDF reviews all nominations and advises on successful candidates
Step 4: Successful trainees are awarded and begin their YLD journey

Ready to express your interest?

We’re excited to hear from passionate, young Australians ready to make a difference in diabetes advocacy. The next intake for the YLD program will be in October 2027, with applications opening inĚýApril – September 2027. ​ To express your interest early, email us at:​ bluecirclecollective@diabetesaustralia.com.au

In your email, tell us:​


• What is your project idea​Ěý
• Who you hope to reach​Ěý
• What impact you want to make​Ěý
• Any fundraising ideas you may have to support your project​Ěý

Where can I learn more?

Find out everything you need to know, including what past leaders have gone on to do, at the links below:

şÚÁĎÍř ambassadors – Young leaders

Australia’s Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and the nation’s leading diabetes experts will gather at Parliament House in Canberra today for the National Diabetes Summit, as figures highlight the growing scale and impact of one of Australia’s most complex health challenges.

Hosted by şÚÁĎÍř, the landmark Summit will bring together policy makers, clinicians, researchers, advocates and importantly, individuals living with diabetes, to address the escalating effects of diabetes and identify solutions.

şÚÁĎÍř’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the Summit marked a critical opportunity for the nation to confront the diabetes epidemic.

“A challenge of this scale demands a national response,” Ms Cain said.

“Diabetes is one of the most serious and costly health challenges facing Australians.

“Every five minutes an Australian is diagnosed with diabetes. These individuals are managing a complex condition that affects almost every organ in the body and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation.

“Bringing national leaders together, alongside lived experience representatives, is a critical step toward delivering the coordinated response Australia urgently needs.”

The Summit will feature a keynote address from Health Minister Mark Butler and bring together experts from across the sector to help shape the next phase of Australia’s national response to the condition.

This critical national dialogue comes as diabetes continues to place enormous pressure on Australia’s health system and economy.

Around two million Australians are currently living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, with another two million at high risk. Without decisive action, the number of Australians affected is projected to reach 3.6 million by 2050.

More than 1.2 million hospitalisations each year are linked to diabetes, accounting for around 10 per cent of all hospital admissions in Australia, and the number of diabetes-related amputations has increased by 51 percent in a decade according to the latest figures.

Each year about 6,300 Australians living with diabetes undergo a lower-limb amputation, and experts estimate that up to 85 per cent of these procedures are preventable with earlier intervention and coordinated care.

The condition is also the leading cause of blindness in working age adults and the leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Ms Cain said the recent parliamentary inquiry into diabetes made clear that Australia now needs a nationally coordinated response to deliver solutions that change lives.

“We know that investing in prevention, early diagnosis and better access to technology and coordinated care can dramatically reduce devastating complications like amputations, kidney disease and vision loss,” she said.

“Preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes is possible. When prevention programs focus on people at highest risk, around 58 per cent of cases can be delayed or avoided.”

The impact of type 2 diabetes is felt strongly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and nearly five times more likely to be hospitalised with diabetes-related complications.

Ms Cain said tackling diabetes effectively would deliver significant health and economic benefits.

“Diabetes already costs the Australian health system more than $14.2 billion each year, and those costs are projected to reach $45 billion by 2050,” she said.

“If we act now, we can prevent complications, help people live healthier lives, reduce hospitalisations and strengthen Australia’s health system for the future.”

Ahead of the Summit, the diabetes community has made two submissions to the 2026-27 Federal Budget seeking affordable access to diabetes technologies for those who face the greatest risk of complications.

The joint submissions, supported by peak diabetes, research and lived experience organisations, urge the Australian Government to expand subsidies for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems for people living with type 1 diabetes in priority groups and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes in priority groups, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Equitable access to technology is one of the topics that will be raised at the Summit.

Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler will deliver the keynote address at the National Diabetes Summit on 31 March at Parliament House in Canberra.

The Summit will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, exploring strategies to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes while strengthening Australia’s health system.

Minister Butler will be joined at the Summit by experts and leaders from across the health sector, including senior representatives of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Penny Shakespeare, Deputy Secretary for Health Resourcing, will provide the Summit’s opening address, and Duncan McIntyre, First Assistant Secretary, Technology Assessment and Access, will contribute to a key panel discussion on Australia’s diabetes landscape.

The National Diabetes Summit will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians and accelerate practical solutions to one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

şÚÁĎÍř Group CEO Justine Cain welcomed Minister Butler’s participation in the Summit and recognised the Federal Government’s commitment to the diabetes community.

“We are delighted that Minister Butler will deliver the keynote address and that senior leaders from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will also contribute to this important national conversation,” Ms Cain said.

“This Summit is an opportunity for direct dialogue at the heart of government about one of the most urgent and complex health challenges facing Australia.

“The importance of investing in preventive health; the urgency of the diabetes crisis in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities; the need for affordable access to diabetes technologies – these are all issues that will be canvassed at the Summit and we appreciate the willingness of the Minister and the department to engage in these important topics,” she said.

This event is hosted by şÚÁĎÍř, in partnership with Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari, and Melissa McIntosh MP, Member for Lindsay, the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends for the Prevention of Diabetes group.

“We’re so grateful for the support of the Parliamentary Friends group. As co-chairs, the Member for Lingiari and the Member for Lindsay have been invaluable in helping to coordinate this Summit,” Ms Cain said.

Summit participants will include people living with diabetes, health leaders, policymakers, clinicians, researchers and advocates, creating a unique opportunity for cross sector dialogue that connects lived experience with national decision making.

Following the summit an Exhibition and Networking Reception will showcase the latest technologies, services, treatments and research advancing diabetes prevention and management across Australia.

About şÚÁĎÍř  

şÚÁĎÍř is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.     

For information: Monica Rostron, şÚÁĎÍř – 0409 126 332ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý mrostron@diabetesaustralia.com.au

Australia’s response to one of its most significant health challenges will come into sharp focus at şÚÁĎÍř’s National Diabetes Summit in March.

The landmark summit at Parliament House in Canberra will bring together leaders across diabetes, health, research, policy and advocacy to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians.

With two million Australians living with diabetes and growing pressure on hospitals, primary care and government budgets, the event aims to accelerate practical solutions and long-term policy change.

The summit will provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, exploring bold strategies to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes while strengthening Australia’s health system for future generations. The program is designed to foster cross-sector dialogue, connect lived experience with decision-making, and translate evidence into action.

A key focus of the day will be engaging influential voices shaping national health policy and contributing to reforms that improve health outcomes and equity. Participants will include people living with diabetes, health system leaders, policymakers, advocates and decision-makers, creating a rare opportunity for direct exchange at the heart of government.

Following the summit, an Exhibition and Networking Reception will showcase the latest technologies, services, treatments and research advancing diabetes prevention and management, offering hands-on exposure to innovations already reshaping care and support across Australia.

The National Diabetes Summit is designed for those seeking to influence the future of diabetes policy and practice, understand emerging technologies, and contribute to a national conversation with real-world impact. It underscores the importance of coordinated leadership at a time when prevention, early intervention and equitable access to care and diabetes technology are more critical than ever.

The National Diabetes Summit will be held at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Official registration:

Children living with type 1 diabetes and their families enjoyed a free day out at Luna Park in Sydney, at a special event made possible by şÚÁĎÍř in the lead up to World Diabetes Day (14 November).

şÚÁĎÍř Group CEO Justine Cain said the aim of the day was to bring fun, laughter and community to families navigating life with type 1 diabetes.

More than 150 people, including children with diabetes and their families, attended the free day out.

Type 1 diabetes is a complex and serious autoimmune condition that affects 14,200 children and teenagers in Australia.

“Living with diabetes is about more than numbers—it’s about people, progress, and possibility. At şÚÁĎÍř, we’re doing everything we can to support children and their families who live with diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children can be incredibly stressful for parents, carers and families – it requires constant vigilance and can impact the whole family.” 

“Whilst we don’t yet know the cause, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications and serious illness.”

“Raising awareness is key and this World Diabetes Day, one of our goals is to shine a light on the importance of screening and early detection of type 1 diabetes.”

“It’s important to be aware of the early warning signs or what we call the 4Ts – Tired, Thirsty, Thinner and Toilet.  If you notice your child has signs of type 1 diabetes, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.”

Emma Bond, Blue Circle Collective Youth Advocate, joined the group at Luna Park and shared about her own experience living with type 1 diabetes.

“Having grown up in the central-western region of NSW, I truly treasure and understand the importance of creating spaces and active communities for everyone living with diabetes.

“This year I will be celebrating having lived with type 1 diabetes for twelve years (1 year longer than when I was diagnosed at 11) and whilst I know that I still have many more years to go, I love encouraging children and young people who are on the same journey,” Ms Bond said.

şÚÁĎÍř provides a range of resources, educational videos, and programs to support children living with type 1 diabetes and their families. One of these is the DiaBuddies program, which helps children with type 1 diabetes, their families and carers feel connected, confident, and part of a community through social activities that support education, peer support, and leadership opportunities.

Chef, TV personality, proud family man, and şÚÁĎÍř Ambassador, Miguel Maestre is someone who believes in the power of food to bring people together and lift the spirit.

His journey to becoming one of Australia’s most loved food personalities started in the sun-drenched south of Spain, in a city called Murcia. The region is known for its vibrant festivals and is sometimes referred to as the “Garden of Europe” due to its fertile lands and agricultural production. The area is bursting with fresh produce, flavour, and family – all things Miguel still holds close.

The middle child of three brothers, Miguel grew up in a home full of laughter, joy and great food. His parents are still in Murcia, “they are beautiful, still in love, and both happy and healthy,” says Miguel.

Food at the heart of his childhood

His grandfather, a towering, strong-willed man ran a farm, fathered 20 children, and lived with diabetes.

“He was 150 kilos and as stubborn as anything,” says Miguel. “I think about him a lot. He was part of the big, noisy family I grew up in where food was love, and food brought people together.”

On Sundays the entire extended family gathered around a huge paella pan or a roasting tray of pork at the farm.

“We picked capsicums straight from the plant, pulled watermelons out of the ground. Food wasn’t just a meal, it was an event,” says Miguel.

From those big, joyful gatherings, Miguel’s passion grew.

A journey from Spain to Scotland, and on to Sydney

At 19, driven by a desire to cook and a hunger for adventure, Miguel packed up and left Spain to become a chef. His first stop was Edinburgh.

“It was a baptism of fire,” he laughs. “I washed dishes, peeled prawns, and worked security as a bouncer on weekends, but I loved every second of it.”

Three years in Edinburgh not only sharpened his culinary skills but also introduced him to Sascha, the woman who would become his wife. Together, they chased a new dream across the globe to Australia. Miguel and Sascha arrived in Sydney with “a suitcase full of dreams, an empty wallet, and a passion for life”.

Kitchen to camera

In Australia, Miguel worked with some of the country’s culinary greats, such as Tony Bilson and Serge Dansereau, across iconic kitchens including Bathers’ Pavilion in Bondi. But it was a chance encounter during a TV shoot at the Pavilion that changed everything.

A producer spotted something in Miguel, charisma, warmth, and a spark that couldn’t be ignored. “He thought I might be good on TV,” says Miguel. “His famous last words.”

Soon, he found himself filming segments with Ed Halmagyi on Better Homes and Gardens and, just three weeks later, Miguel landed a contract with Channel 7.

From Boys Weekend on Foxtel to 11 years and over 600 episodes on The Living Room with Network 10, Miguel became a household name. He was a natural in front of the camera, known for his humour, heart, and high-energy.

“Live cooking is my favourite thing to do. Last year I did over 35 live shows, including my 100th Good Food & Wine Show. I’m the Rafael Nadal of cooking demos,” he laughs.

Alongside his many live shows, Miguel is also a savvy entrepreneur. Under his brand, Miguel is now one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of free-range pork and has over 70 products on shelves. But if you ask him his biggest achievement, he doesn’t hesitate “Being the husband to Sascha and dad to Claudia and Morgan,” he replies.

A Spanish soul with Aussie roots

While Miguel is proudly Spanish, he’s deeply in love with Australia and its native ingredients.

“I’ve made paella with buffalo and crocodile in the Northern Territory, and cooked barramundi straight from the water wrapped in paperbark over fire.

“I love using lemon myrtle, it has a very Mediterranean taste, and pepperberry – the leaves burn in your mouth. I love bush tomatoes, fish, and salt clams. There are so many amazing ingredients in Australia.”

Miguel is also passionate about simple, fresh ingredients.

“Extra virgin olive oil is very important. We are lucky in Australia to have amazing olive oil. And bananas, avocados, mangoes, tomatoes, fish, shellfish, nuts, garlic, and chilli. Leafy greens are amazing – I make a salad every day. And cos lettuce! It is the most underrated ingredient in the world.”

Miguel’s budget tips

Miguel doesn’t believe good food needs to be expensive; the secret is planning for the week ahead.

• Know what you’re cooking each day and tell the family. You can save 40% on your food budget with good planning.
• Never shop hungry.
• Buy in bulk. Get a whole chicken instead of chicken pieces, large packs of mince, rice, pasta, legumes.
• If you buy in bulk, you can also prep in bulk. Make a huge pan of Bolognese and use it for different meals across the week. Think spaghetti Bolognese, tacos, burritos, cottage pie.
• Use everything – boil the carcass of the roast chicken in water and then you have a delicious stock for risotto.

“We get carried away with things like wagyu,” he says. “If you want steak, just use one small piece, slice it really thin and serve with loads of veggies and salad.

“We just need to be smarter. Roast carrots in the oven with mustard. That is so cheap and turns into the most delicious accompaniment. You will be amazed at how much you can save.”

Fuss free food

Miguel is passionate about helping everyday people fall in love with cooking.

“You don’t need to be on MasterChef to cook dinner,” he says. “A French omelette with ham and cheese is a great start.

“If you are scared of chopping chicken – that’s okay. Buy it pre-cut, and grab a bag of salad. Just get started.

“For good health, reduce the amount of salt you use and instead reach for the herbs and veggies. A clove of garlic, lamb mince, and a handful of mint, roll into meatballs and you’re done.

“Add veggies to everything zucchini in your Bolognese, spiralised carrots in frittatas, grated cauliflower in couscous. The kids won’t even notice.

“And make your own sauces,” he adds. “One egg, splash of vinegar and boom. Homemade mayo. So much healthier than the bottled stuff.”

Food, mood, and mental health

As an RUOK? ambassador, Miguel is a big believer in the power of food to lift mood.

“When you eat a fresh watermelon from the fridge it feels amazing, right? Way better than a lolly. A salad makes you feel good. Fried chicken might taste good in the moment, but a big greasy meal makes me feel terrible.”

For Miguel, eating well isn’t just about nutrition, it’s a way of life that supports mental wellbeing. He used his platform on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2020 to help start conversations about mental health and burnout. He knows firsthand the relentless pressure in hospitality and says when you mix that with the stigma people often feel about speaking up, it can get dark very quickly. He raised $100,000 for RUOK?, and left the jungle with a renewed passion for resourceful, joyful cooking.

Miguel Maestre is many things: chef, entertainer, entrepreneur, dad, husband, and above all, a passionate believer that food is more than fuel – it’s connection, comfort, and a daily reminder that looking after yourself can start with what’s on your plate.

This National Diabetes Week (July 13 to 19) Australians who have lived with type 1 diabetes for 50 years or more were recognised with Kellion Victory Medals at a special ceremony at Perth’s Government House.

The Kellion Victory Medals are a celebration of strength, resilience and lifelong self-management. They honour the extraordinary commitment of people living with diabetes and are named in memory of John Kellion, who died at age 38 due to complications from type 1 diabetes. His father, Claude Kellion, established the Kellion Diabetes Foundation, which has contributed more than $1 million to diabetes research and education.

A number of Kellion presentations have been held throughout National Diabetes Week.

Among this year’s recipients is Colleen Ashby, 60, from Perth’s Kalamunda Hills, whose inspiring journey with type 1 diabetes spans five decades. Diagnosed at just nine years old at Princess Margaret Hospital in 1974, Colleen has refused to let diabetes define or limit her life.

She is the author of two books, I Can See Clearly Now and You Got to Laugh.

Colleen says living with diabetes has taught her persistence and adaptability.

“Diabetes has been part of my life since I was a child but it has never stopped me from achieving.

“There were times I was told I could not do something because of injuries or past surgeries but I have always believed that your abilities matter more than your limitations.

“After the transplant and losing my sight, I knew I couldn’t teach dance anymore but with my 5% peripheral vision I knew I could follow a black line in a pool. I learned to swim competitively and found new ways to live fully.

“Receiving the Kellion Medal means a lot to me. It’s recognition of not just living with diabetes but of living well and not giving in.”

At the event, şÚÁĎÍř also announced Gordon Bunyan as the inaugural Australian Kellion Victory Medal Ambassador. Gordon, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 50 years, is a respected lawyer, long-time şÚÁĎÍř Board member and diabetes advocate, and competitive sports car driver. He has served as the chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region (IDF WPR) Council, as well as IDF vice president. He is the co-chair of the IDF WPR Congress 2026 Organising Committee, with the Congress to be held in Melbourne next year.    

As Kellion Ambassador, he represents the voices of people who know the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes long-term and highlight the importance of improved care, research and support.

Mr Bunyan said the Kellion Victory Medals are a powerful reminder of what is possible with early diagnosis, access to care, and strong community support.

“These medal recipients have lived with type 1 diabetes for more than half a century,” Mr Bunyan said. “Their stories are a testament to resilience, innovation in care, and the importance of research and education. These are values Claude Kellion upheld when he established the foundation in memory of his son.

“Claude wanted people living with diabetes to have access to the best education about the condition so they could live long and healthy lives,” Mr Bunyan said.

About şÚÁĎÍř

şÚÁĎÍř is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, state-based diabetes organisations, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au