Celebrating our supporters at Thank You Event
Diabetes Victoria hosted its 2026 Thank You Event in late April, celebrating donors, corporate partners and long-term supporters.
It highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration in the pursuit of Diabetes Victoria’s vision – a world where diabetes can do no harm.
Diabetes Victoria team members provided updates about research and advocacy, while community members shared their stories about turning personal journeys into acts of support.
Turning passion into impact
A community panel featured four people who represent the incredible diversity of our diabetes community. Chris Winter achieved a new Australian record for the fastest marathon run by a person living with type 1 diabetes, raising funds and awareness for Diabetes Victoria.
Be Fit Food founder Kate Save is the driving force behind the annual Diabetes Victoria Fun Walk, raising funds for our camps program. Marie Calabro hosted a beautiful high tea fundraiser inspired by her son Charlie, while Niti Bhargava has been a powerful advocate for type 2 diabetes prevention in her local neighbourhood.
“Charlie and I attended a family camp in Anglesea, and it was honestly life changing for us,” Marie says of her decision to support Diabetes Camps Victoria.
“He was able to spend a weekend surrounded by other children just like him – it helped him understand that he isn’t alone.
“I wish for every child diagnosed to have the opportunity to attend a camp, to give them that courage and show them things get easier.”
Every member of the panel showed the extraordinary power of turning a personal passion into community-wide impact.
Creating a legacy
Bequests make up about one third of all charity income in Australia. The Thank You Event is an opportunity to recognise people who have decided to leave a gift in their will to Diabetes Victoria.
Joan Nolan has confirmed her gift in will to Diabetes Victoria many times over the years. Her motivation is simple and deeply heartfelt.
“Supporting Diabetes Victoria means that other people will hopefully get better treatment from the start.”
“What Diabetes Victoria did for me (when I was diagnosed with type 2) was an amazing help. It was an unsure and scary time, but they reassured me and supported me without judgment.”
Donations enable Diabetes Victoria to continue to support this generation and the next, driving better health outcomes for all.
Britt Denton
Communications and Media Lead
Brittany Denton is the Communications and Media Lead at Diabetes Victoria. She oversees media relations and communications, contributing to the organisation’s mission of supporting people with diabetes across the state.
