Have you been living with diabetes for 50 years or more?

Then you are eligible to apply for a Kellion Victory Medal.

Kellion Wreath What is the Kellion Victory Medal?

The Kellion Victory Medal acknowledges the great achievement of living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 50 years or more. The medal encourages others to continue working for victory over diabetes. Diabetes Victoria celebrates Kellion Victory Medallists at an annual award ceremony.

Alternatively, there are other options available to receive your medal.


Kellion Wreath Kellion Victory Medalists in the News

Carla Northmore, Philanthropy Coordinator at Diabetes Victoria travelled to Koonoomoo to present Karen Rentsch with her 50-year Kellion Victory Medal, and her husband Peter with his certificate as Karen's carer. 

The story was featured in Shepparton News in December 2022, highlighting Karen's journey with living with type 1 diabetes and her husband's support along the way. 

After Carla presented Karen with her medal, she said:

“I am proud to be awarded the Kellion Victory Medal as I never thought I would live this long with diabetes. In the ‘bad old days’ using a syringe three times a day to using the FreeStyle Libre today, it has made life so much easier. The device is worn on your upper arm and the automatic sensor can detect hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and is undoubtedly a new generation, continuous glucose monitor (CGM). It gives readings 24 hours a day, it’s water resistant and possesses an alarm, while results and data are stored in a separate reader.”

Pictured (L-R): Karen Rentsch with husband Peter and Carla Northmore of Diabetes Victoria. Photo by Barb Love.


 

How to apply

If you wish to apply for a Kellion Victory Medal, please complete the below application form and return via the details provided.

We are now accepting applications for Kellion Victory Medal 2023. 

Applications close 17 July 2023.

APPLY FOR 2023

 

Kellion History 2021 Kellion Victory Medal Ceremony image gallery

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Kellion History History

The Kellion Victory Medal was named after the late Claude Kellion AM. He was a Sydney businessman who created a foundation to promote diabetes research after his son died from diabetes complications, aged 38.

Since 1984 more than 2,180 people have received Kellion Victory Medals in Australia. Victorians who have lived 50 years or more with diabetes are eligible for a medal. People who have lived with diabetes for 50 years or more are presented with a silver medal. A gold medal honours 60 years of lived experience. In the last five years we have added additional medals for people who have lived with diabetes for 70 and 75 years. In 2017 and 2020 medallists were awarded for living with diabetes for 80 years!

 

Kellion Support People Support people

We acknowledge the involvement of support people and the effect they have on the health and wellbeing of people living with diabetes. These support people are eligible for recognition certificates.

Carers and support people should be equally proud of their contribution to improving and enhancing the life of someone with diabetes.

  

"I would like to enthusiastically encourage anyone who, like me, has lived with type 1 diabetes for 50 years, or more, to apply to receive the medal. The application process is easy. Assistance from Diabetes Victoria is available. The ceremony is well organised, tasteful and is a true recognition of achieving a significant milestone."

- Leigh, 50-year Kellion Victory Medalist in 2019

 

Kellion Booklet Kellion Victory Medal commemorative booklets

Each year, we share the fascinating stories of our Kellion Victory Medallists in a commemorative booklet to honour those who have lived with diabetes for 50 years or more.

Past commemorative booklets

 

Previous award recipients media stories

Kellion Medal awarded to Karen

Shepparton News (12 December 2022)

Castlemaine resident Douglas Padgham awarded Kellion Victory Medal

Bendigo Advertiser (10 July 2018)

Ballarat's Barry Goodall has just three words to live well by in a life of diabetes

The Courier (17 March 2018)

Evelyn recognised after 73,000 insulin injections

Latrobe Valley Express (5 October 2017)

Living with diabetes for almost 60 years

Colac Herald (10 July 2017)

Marong woman Heather Chalmers recognised after living with diabetes for 50 years

Bendigo Advertiser (14 July 2017)

Living with diabetes for almost 60 years

Colac Herald (10 July 2017)

Melbourne brothers, thought to be Australia’s longest surviving twins with type 1 diabetes, honoured

Moorabbin Glen Eira Leader (10 July 2017)

Gary Lucas wins award

The Standard (27 June 2017)

Shining light on diabetes (PDF)

Preston Leader (28 June 2016)

Learning to live with diabetes (PDF)

Maroondah Leader (28 June 2016)

Imagine a life well lived (PDF) 

Brimbank Northwest Star Weekly (28 June 2016)

Taylor Lakes woman to receive Diabetes Victoria award

Star Weekly (28 June 2016)

Living with diabetes for 50 years

Latrobe Valley Express (13 July 2015)

Belmont great-grandmother celebrates 70 years living with diabetes

Geelong Advertiser (9 June 2014)

Cranbourne South man shows how to live with diabetes and make most of life

Cranbourne Leader (6 July 2014)

Victory over diabetes

Albury Wodonga Star Community (31 October 2013)

Residents honoured at award ceremony

Bendigo Advertiser (28 November 2013)