At Diabetes Victoria, our values statement reads, ‘Above all, we value and respect the lived experience of Victorians affected by diabetes. This is at the core of everything that we do.’ Community engagement is a key component of ensuring that we are adhering to these values in our day-to-day work. 
 
The Community Advisory Committee (the Committee) was introduced by Diabetes Victoria in 2017 to provide a means by which people with lived experience of diabetes can contribute to the organisation. 

The role of the Community Advisory Committee is to act as a consultative, collaborative body of people with lived experience, providing input on matters relating to Diabetes Victoria’s service delivery, program development, policy development and advocacy for the diabetes community.

Purpose:

The purpose of this Committee is to bring together a group of diverse and passionate advocates who are connected to the diabetes community and/or have a lived experience of diabetes. Diabetes Victoria recognises that diversity of membership is essential to the success of the Committee. The Committee will contribute advice to the Diabetes Victoria Board and the Leadership team on issues important to those living with diabetes. The intention is that this group amplifies the voices of people living with or affected by diabetes.

Role:

Participants within the Committee aim to:
  • Promote and advocate for people living with, affected by, or at risk of, diabetes;
  • Support, and contribute to the Strategic Priorities of Diabetes Victoria; and
  • Provide feedback on proposed initiatives, plans, policies, advocacy and support approaches and communications, to ensure the needs and preferences of people living with diabetes are considered.
The Committee also considers other issues of relevance as they arise.

Members:

The Committee will consist of up to 12 members with lived experience of diabetes.
Members of the Committee include:
  • People who live with all types of diabetes, including but not limited to; type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, LADA, MODY, gestational diabetes and other types of diabetes;
  • Parents of children living with diabetes;
  • Families, friends and/or carers of adults living with diabetes;
  • People at high risk of diabetes within the community.
Members have previous experience with community advisory committees, governance, advocacy, community engagement, creation of or participation in media campaigns, policy development, and peer support groups.

Expectations of members:

  • Attend scheduled meetings where possible, read information provided prior to meetings and provide information when feedback from members is requested.
  • Actively participate in discussions, share lived experience stories and perspectives, and collaborate with the organisation's leaders to enhance the quality and relevance of programs and services.
  • Bring areas of interest and/or concern from the diabetes community to the attention of Diabetes Victoria.

Member commitment:

The Committee meets approximately six times per year, with additional meetings scheduled if required.

Meetings are held via Zoom Meetings or, where appropriate, at Diabetes Victoria’s head office in Carlton.

The Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference can be found here.

If you have any queries about the Community Advisory Committee at any time or would like to apply to be considered for membership in coming years, please contact us by email at engagement@diabetesvic.org.au.