Media Releases - 12 July 2021
2021 Gwen Scott grant program for diabetes professional development: recipients announced
Diabetes Victoria is pleased to announce, during National Diabetes Week 2021, the recipients of funding support under the 2021 Gwen Scott grant program. Health professional members of Diabetes Victoria were encouraged to apply for these grants and, this year, Diabetes Victoria has awarded just over $23,000 to support their training and professional development in diabetes.
“We have awarded the 2021 Gwen Scott grants to six worthy recipients, who intend to use their grants in various ways – such as undertaking a Master of Nursing Practice, registering for a virtual diabetes symposium and completing a Diploma of Counselling,” says Diabetes Victoria CEO: Craig Bennett.
Gwen Scott (1934-2007) was a champion for people with diabetes and is forever linked to establishing the role of diabetes educators in Australia.
In 1957, Gwen was a registered nurse and the first employee, and later the CEO, of The Diabetic Association of Victoria, which is Diabetes Victoria today. She was influential in establishing the role of diabetes educators, both in Victoria and nationally.
“Diabetes Victoria launched the Gwen Scott grant program in 2006, as part of a commitment to health professionals who support those affected by, or at risk of, diabetes,” says Mr Bennett.
“Gwen Scott’s legacy lives on through the professional development grants awarded in her name.”
“Almost 367,000 Victorians are known to be living with diabetes and there is an increasing need to provide health professionals with opportunities to expand their knowledge and understanding of diabetes; including up-to-date management options and general health promotion strategies,” Mr Bennett adds. “Diabetes can lead to an array of serious health complications; including kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, vision loss and even amputations; so the more we can assist and encourage health professionals to further their learning in the field of diabetes, the better for all Victorians.”
“Diabetes is a complex and serious condition to manage. As information about diabetes changes quickly, due to research findings and advances in technology, continuous learning is essential to providing the best care,” adds Mr Bennett. “This is why Diabetes Victoria supports its health professional members through the Gwen Scott grant program,” Mr Bennett concludes.
This year, Diabetes Victoria offered up to $40,000 for Gwen Scott grants. Due to COVID-19 related uncertainty, changing events and continuing travel restrictions in 2021, application numbers and grant amounts were slightly lower than normal.
We support, empower, and campaign for all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
For more information:
Jane Kneebone 0416 148 845 jkneebone@diabetesvic.org.au
2021 Gwen Scott Grant Program recipients:
Sumi John RN – To undertake two modules of a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education at Deakin University
Jai Min Liau – To undertake What’s new in Diabetes – Diabetes Academy at The University of Melbourne and register for Diet for Insulin Therapy – Baker Institute Allied Health and Education
Deborah Mihelyi RN – To undertake a Diploma of Counselling at the Australian Institute of Counselling Melbourne
Sven Pohlsen RN – To undertake a Master of Nursing Practice at Deakin University
Kerryn Roem Dietitian – Registration for the virtual symposium: Diabetes Across the Divide in Melbourne
Nimasha Wijesinghe RN – To undertake two modules of a Graduate Certificate of Diabetes Education at Deakin University
