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 șÚÁÏÍű, we recognise that speaking means little unless it’s grounded in listening. The Blue Circle Collective strengthens our ability to hear directly from communities, reflect their lived experiences, and advocate for what truly matters. Whether it’s influencing policy, sparking grassroots action, or shifting public perception, the Blue Circle Collective is a driving force for progress. 

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 șÚÁÏÍű’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 șÚÁÏÍű 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.   

Shoppers at selected Target stores in South Australia can now take five from checking out the latest fashion fits to check in on their health, thanks to a pilot partnership between the retailer, șÚÁÏÍű, and SiSU Health.  

The partnership will see 10 SiSU Health Check stations deployed across selected Target stores in South Australia, where shoppers can check a range of health markers such as blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, body composition, and risk of developing type 2 diabetes (against AUSDRISK criteria), all discreetly delivered directly by secure app.  

Health Check stations are self-serve TGA-registered medical devices that can provide validated screening results in minutes, which can give baseline health data and support conversations with health professionals.   

The initiative aims to encourage early screening for a range of common health markers that could help people catch their risk of chronic conditions sooner.  

Currently, just over 121,000 South Australians live with all types of diabetes, with a further 34,000 estimated to be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Nationally, 2 million Australians are living with diabetes.  

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative was an important step forward in exploring new ways to make preventive health more accessible to the community.  

“With this partnership there’s no need for people to ‘shop around’ for good health – now they can check their risk while at Target checking the latest fashion,” Ms Cain said.   

“A five-minute health check could be the best thing you put in your shopping basket today. 

“Millions of Australians are either living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, and many don’t realise it.  By partnering with a trusted brand like Target, we have a powerful opportunity to reach people earlier. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people take control of their health.” 

Ms Cain said the partnership reflects șÚÁÏÍű’s commitment to innovative approaches to prevention.  

“We know that when health checks are easy, accessible and stigma free, more people engage. These health stations at Target stores provide a simple way for people to learn their risk, track their results, and, if needed, seek support early through their GP or health professional. Small steps like this can make a big difference.” 

Target will host the health stations in 10 participating stores, as part of the pilot, providing customers with a convenient five-minute check while they shop.  

Kmart Group (Kmart and Target) Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer Alexandra Staley said Target is proud to partner with șÚÁÏÍű to bring accessible health solutions into everyday retail environments.  

“At Target, we’re committed to supporting our local communities. By hosting these health stations in our stores, we’re helping make it easier for customers to access simple, free health checks as part of their everyday routines.”  

“This pilot reflects our broader focus on creating positive community impact — using our national store network to help explore ways to remove barriers to early detection and support better health outcomes for Australians.”  

The health checks have already proven successful in other settings, with thousands of Australians using SiSU Health Stations each year to proactively monitor their health.  

SiSU Health Check machines are available now in Target Australia locations across South Australia. Participating stores include: Centrepoint (Adelaide CBD), Sefton Park, Edwardstown, Newton, Marion, Tea Tree Plaza, West Lakes, Hollywood Plaza, Elizabeth, Reynella.  

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 șÚÁÏÍű.

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. șÚÁÏÍű’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.

șÚÁÏÍű’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 șÚÁÏÍű’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 șÚÁÏÍű

șÚÁÏÍű 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.         

When blood glucose levels run high, people often assume it must be related to food choices, missed medication, or lack of exercise. While these are common causes, there are many other factors that can influence blood glucose levels.

Diabetes education programs emphasise that glucose levels are affected by a range of everyday factors including hormones, stress, illness, sleep, and hydration. This is why people sometimes see higher readings even when they feel they have done everything “right”. Understanding these less obvious influences can help explain unexpected glucose readings and support better diabetes management.

Below are five less common reasons your glucose levels may be higher than expected.

1. Stress and emotional pressure

Stress can have a significant impact on blood glucose levels. When the body experiences stress, whether emotional, physical, or psychological, it releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.  These hormones trigger the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream as part of the body’s natural “fight or flight” response. While this response is helpful in emergency situations, it can raise blood glucose levels in people living with diabetes.

Stress may come from many sources including work pressures, family responsibilities, illness, financial concerns, or even the ongoing demands of managing diabetes itself. Developing strategies to manage stress may help reduce this effect. Activities such as walking, meditation, breathing exercises, or spending time outdoors may help lower stress levels and support overall wellbeing.

Recognising the relationship between stress and glucose levels can also make unexpected readings feel less confusing or discouraging.

2. Poor sleep

Sleep plays an important role in regulating hormones that influence glucose metabolism. When sleep is disrupted or shortened, the body may become more resistant to insulin. This means glucose remains in the bloodstream for longer rather than moving into the cells where it is used for energy.  Sleep deprivation may also increase hunger hormones, making people more likely to feel hungry and crave high-energy foods.

Many adults benefit from seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Maintaining consistent sleep routines, limiting screen exposure before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment may help improve sleep quality. If poor sleep is ongoing, discussing this with a healthcare professional may be helpful as sleep quality can significantly influence diabetes management.

3. Dehydration

Hydration is another factor that can affect glucose levels but is often overlooked. When the body becomes dehydrated, the amount of fluid in the bloodstream decreases. This can lead to a higher concentration of glucose in the blood.

High glucose levels themselves can also increase urination, which may further contribute to dehydration. This creates a cycle where dehydration and elevated glucose levels reinforce each other.  Drinking water regularly throughout the day can help support hydration and overall body function. Maintaining adequate fluid intake may be especially important during hot weather, illness, or increased physical activity.

4. Hormonal changes and the dawn phenomenon

Some people notice their glucose levels rise in the early morning even though they have not eaten overnight. This pattern is known as the dawn phenomenon. In the early morning hours, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and growth hormones to prepare for waking. These hormones stimulate the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.

In people without diabetes, the body typically produces additional insulin to balance this effect. However, in people with diabetes this response may not occur, leading to higher morning glucose levels. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or ageing can also influence insulin sensitivity and glucose patterns.

Identifying patterns in glucose readings may help determine whether hormonal changes are contributing to higher levels. 

5. Illness or infection

When the body is fighting illness or infection, glucose levels may increase even if a person is eating less than usual. During illness the body releases stress hormones that increase glucose production to provide energy for the immune system. As a result, glucose levels may rise despite reduced food intake.

When you are living with diabetes, monitoring glucose levels more frequently during illness can help identify changes early. Staying hydrated and following individual sick-day management plans may help manage glucose during these periods. If glucose levels remain very high or symptoms worsen, medical advice should be sought.

Blood glucose levels are influenced by far more than food alone. Stress, sleep, hydration, hormones, illness, medications, and daily routines can all affect how the body regulates glucose. Recognising these factors can help people understand unexpected readings and make informed decisions about their diabetes management.

Monitoring patterns over time and discussing concerns with healthcare professionals such as doctors, diabetes educators, or dietitians can help identify underlying causes and guide appropriate adjustments. Understanding the many factors that influence glucose levels can make diabetes management feel less frustrating and help you respond more confidently when their readings change.

By Robbie Tyson, Credentialled Diabetes Educator

If you live with diabetes, chances are you’ve heard it before:

“Should you be eating that?”
“Are you allowed cake?”
“I thought people with diabetes can’t have sugar?”

These comments often come up at the worst possible times—birthday parties, Christmas lunch, Easter gatherings, or when you’re simply trying to enjoy a meal out. While usually well-meaning, they can feel intrusive, judgmental, and frankly exhausting.

If you are nodding your head, you are not alone. Diabetes stigma is still very real and is an important topic for discussion.

The problem with “food policing”

As you know, diabetes management is complex, individual, and influenced by many factors—medication, other medical conditions, activity, stress, timing, and overall eating patterns.

Yet people often reduce it to a single moment:
– one slice of cake
– one dessert
– one meal

This kind of “food policing”:

• Oversimplifies diabetes
• Reinforces outdated myths
• Can create shame or guilt around food
• Undermines a person’s autonomy and lived experience

The reality? People with diabetes can include a wide variety of foods in their diet. What matters most is the overall pattern, not one occasion.

Special occasions are part of life

Food is more than fuel—it’s connection, culture, and celebration.

Whether it’s:

• Christmas dinner with all the trimmings
• Birthday cake
• Easter chocolate
• A meal out with friends

These moments matter. Managing diabetes doesn’t mean missing out, it means making informed, flexible choices that work for you.

What to do when someone comments?

Having a few go-to responses can make these situations easier. The goal isn’t to argue, it’s to set boundaries, educate (if you want to), or simply move on.

Calm and confident

• “I’ve got it under control, thanks”
• “I work this into my plan”
• “I know how this affects me”

 Light but firm

• “If I had a dollar for every time I heard that
”
• “Good thing you’re not my dietitian!”
• “I can assure you, I’ve done this before”

Educational (if you feel like it)

• “People with diabetes can eat all kinds of foods, it’s about balance”
• “It’s not just about sugar; there’s a lot more to it”
• “One food doesn’t define my health”

Boundary-setting

• “I’d rather not talk about my food choices”
• “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve got this”

And sometimes, the best response is no response at all.

The bigger picture: tackling stigma

Comments like “should you be eating that?” might seem small, but over time they contribute to:

• Feeling judged or watched
• Anxiety around eating in public
• Misunderstanding of diabetes in the wider community

Reducing stigma starts with awareness:

• Diabetes is not caused by a single food
• Management looks different for everyone
• People living with diabetes are the experts in their own care

Remember:

You don’t need to justify your food choices.
You don’t need permission to enjoy a celebration.
And you don’t need to carry the weight of other people’s misunderstandings.

By Rebecca McPhee, Accredited Practising Dietitian

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 șÚÁÏÍű, 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.

șÚÁÏÍű’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.

șÚÁÏÍű extends its thoughts to the individuals, families, and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Far North Queensland. 

We recognise that natural disasters like cyclones can make it harder for people living with diabetes to access essential supplies and manage their health. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is here to help ensure you can continue to access the support and products you need during this time. 

Accessing diabetes supplies 

If you need NDSS products, you can collect them from any NDSS Access Point, which is usually a local pharmacy. If you don’t have your NDSS card with you, you can still access your products using your Medicare card. 

We understand that your regular pharmacy may be closed or difficult to reach. You can search for an alternative pharmacy using the . If you’re unsure if a pharmacy is open, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting. 

Support is available 

If you need assistance accessing diabetes products, the NDSS Helpline is here to support you. 

• NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 Operating Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (AEST) 
• Email: info@ndss.com.au 

In a life-threatening emergency, please call Triple Zero (000). 

șÚÁÏÍű will continue to work closely with emergency services and local support organisations to ensure people with diabetes have access to the care and supplies they need throughout the recovery. 

Tasmania’s Parliament has welcomed a delegation of people living with diabetes, raising awareness of life with the condition, highlighting the importance of preventing complications, and sharing their stories about the positive impact that diabetes technology has on their daily lives.  

Meeting with lawmakers from across the political spectrum, the șÚÁÏÍű-led event heard about the impact preventative telephone health coaching programs like The COACH Program have in the Tasmanian community.  

Attendees also heard about the national campaign for more equitable access to technology including continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and automatic insulin delivery (AID) systems. 

șÚÁÏÍű Group CEO Justine Cain thanked members of Parliament from all sides and all chambers for their interest and support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.  

“No one chooses diabetes, and thanks to the support of the Tasmanian Parliament, we’re taking big steps to support people living with diabetes in Tasmania to live healthy and fulfilling lives,” she said.  

“Just last weekend, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett led the 19th Pollie Pedal charity bike ride through 300 kilometres of Tasmanian scenery to raise money to support people living with diabetes, cutting-edge research, and activities to help prevent and delay diabetes.  

“We’re grateful for the support of the Tasmanian Government, through prevention programs like The COACH Program, which help support people in many vulnerable and at-risk communities right across Tasmania. 

“A big thank you to every Council and Assembly member for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania.” 

Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing, the Hon. Bridget Archer, welcomed the delegation to Parliament.  

“I thank șÚÁÏÍű for its strong support of The Health Revolution, Tasmania’s 20-year preventive health strategy, and for its tireless work and ongoing partnership in improving diabetes outcomes for Tasmanians,” Minister Archer said. 

“Hearing first hand from people living with diabetes helps us to understand how we can ease the challenge of living with diabetes for people across the state.” 

șÚÁÏÍű State General Manager, Impact and Innovation (Tas) Minke Hoekstra said delivery of local prevention programs like The COACH Program were helping to prevent and delay diabetes and associated complications, like cardiovascular disease, by helping Tasmanians lead healthier lives.  

“More than 32,000 people live with diabetes across Tasmania, with another estimated 12,000 silently living with type 2 diabetes,” she said.  

“The COACH Program has seen positive outcomes over the last two years including improved glucose levels and increased physical activity.   

“These results show the importance of prevention programs that give people the tools and resources to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.  

“Thank you to all Assembly and Council members for your ongoing support of people living with diabetes in Tasmania – your support helps our community to thrive.” 

Around 50 people living with diabetes and their families and supporters gathered at Tasmania’s State Parliament on 18 March to discuss life with diabetes across all sides of Parliament. 

Proud Alwayarre woman Louise Gilbey and proud Bandjin and Djakunda man Josiah Little have achieved two important milestones that are helping strengthen culturally safe diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

șÚÁÏÍű has reinforced its commitment to empowering the First Nations diabetes workforce with the appointment of Ms Gilbey as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Facilitator. At the same time, Mr Little, employed by Queensland Health, has become the first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner in Australia to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator.

To mark Close the Gap Day, șÚÁÏÍű is highlighting the achievements of these outstanding individuals.

Ms Gilbey, based in Mount Isa, brings more than 20 years of frontline experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across rural and remote Queensland. She made history in 2024 as the first Aboriginal Health Practitioner to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator. Her new role with șÚÁÏÍű is focused on delivering education to health professionals and communities across regional and remote Australia.

Ms Gilbey said the role fulfilled a long-held ambition to strengthen diabetes education where it is needed most.

“I applied for this position because it fulfils my dream of travelling to rural and remote areas to provide diabetes education to health professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members,” Ms Gilbey said.

“Promoting prevention and management strategies is something I feel very passionate about. șÚÁÏÍű is a respected national organisation and I’m proud to be part of it and continue my learning journey.”

In a further milestone for the First Nations health workforce, Mr Little, who was born and raised in Bundaberg, completed postgraduate diabetes education and the required hours of supervised clinical practice to become a CDE. His achievement builds on Ms Gilbey’s historic credentialling and strengthens culturally informed diabetes care for First Nations communities.

Mr Little said family, culture, and community remain central to who he is, shaping both his personal values and professional practice.

“Ultimately, my goal is to support a health system that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, embeds cultural capability at all levels, and delivers better health outcomes through genuine partnership with community.”

șÚÁÏÍű Group CEO Justine Cain said both achievements represented a significant step forward in improving health outcomes and strengthening the First Nations diabetes workforce.

“Louise and Josiah represent the future of diabetes care in Australia, with strong cultural knowledge, deep community connection, and advanced clinical expertise,” Ms Cain said.

“Unfortunately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes and are more likely to experience serious complications. Expanding the number of First Nations Credentialled Diabetes Educators is essential to addressing these urgent challenges.

“Culturally safe care delivered by First Nations health professionals improves trust, engagement, and outcomes.

“Louise’s leadership in delivering education across rural and remote Australia, and Josiah’s historic achievement as the first male Aboriginal Health Practitioner to become a CDE, will help ensure more people receive care that is culturally appropriate, trusted, and effective,” she said.

ADEA CEO Melanie Morris congratulated Ms Gilbey and Mr Little on becoming CDEs and their career choices.

“We are incredibly proud of Louise and Josiah’s achievements,” Ms Morris said.

“As the impact of diabetes continues to be felt across communities, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, growing a culturally safe and community-connected specialist workforce is essential to ensuring people can access high-quality education and care close to home.

“ADEA is committed to supporting more First Nations health professionals to gain credentialling as it is an important step toward strengthening self-determination and delivering care that is culturally informed and community led.”

The CDE title is awarded by ADEA through a structured national credentialling pathway that combines postgraduate study in diabetes education, supervised practice, mentoring and workplace-based assessment to ensure consistent, high professional standards.

In a further development amplifying leadership in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diabetes workforce, șÚÁÏÍű’s Lead Diabetes Educator for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Aunty Grace Ward, an Adjunct Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, was part of the UTS team who was recently recognised for the pioneering “Walking Together: a Parallel Practice” model. The model is delivered as part of the UTS Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management, an ADEA-accredited program that forms a step within the ADEA’s credentialling pathway to become a CDE.

ADEA Vice President Dr Shannon Lin, also a Senior Lecturer and Diabetes Course Director at the UTS, Professor Lynn Sinclair, Dr Wenbo Peng, and Aunty Grace received an AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for 2025 for the model.

The AAUT, coordinated by Universities Australia, recognises excellence and innovation in learning and teaching across the higher education sector, with citations recognising individuals or teams who have made a significant and sustained contribution to improving the quality of student learning.

Learn more about the ADEA credentialling pathway to become a CDE:

The Australian Government has unveiled a new national framework and $110 million grants program aimed at preventing chronic conditions and improving care for Australians living with long-term illness.

The funding will be delivered over three years through the Chronic Conditions Prevention and Integrated Care Grants Program and coincides with the launch of the refreshed 2026 to 2035. The framework outlines a coordinated national approach to preventing chronic disease and improving care for people already living with complex health conditions.

Chronic conditions remain the dominant health challenge facing Australia. Almost two thirds of Australians are living with at least one chronic condition and more than one third are managing two or more.

The updated framework identifies five priority focus areas including health promotion and education supporting prevention and self management of risk factors and conditions.

That focus strongly aligns with the work of șÚÁÏÍű, which supports people living with diabetes and works to prevent complications through education, advocacy and improved access to care.

Diabetes is one of the most complex and costly chronic conditions in the country. In addition to the impact on individuals, diabetes currently costs the Australian health system an estimated $14.2 billion each year and those costs are projected to rise to $45 billion annually by 2050 without stronger action on prevention and management.

Experts say investments in prevention, early intervention and self management can significantly reduce serious diabetes complications including amputations, kidney failure, vision loss and heart disease.

Strengthening health promotion and education programs is also critical to helping people manage risk factors and maintain healthier lives.

Programs delivered through șÚÁÏÍű focus on prevention, supporting people to better understand diabetes, managing their condition day to day, and reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Health leaders say stronger national coordination through the new strategic framework presents an opportunity to improve outcomes for millions of Australians while easing pressure on the health system.