Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards
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Each year Diabetes Victoria celebrates exceptional individuals, though the Outstanding Contribution Award & Outstanding contribution – Lived Experience Award. We are expanding our tradition of excellence by adding three new awards. The prestigious Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards will bring all these honours together under one collective banner to celebrate our community.
You can read more about the 2025 below.
Read moreThese awards will recognise contributions across several key areas, including:
- Outstanding Contribution Award: Honouring individuals who have made substantial and meaningful contributions to improving the lives of Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes. This award has been presented annually since 2007.
- Outstanding Contribution – Lived Experience Award: Recognising an individual living with diabetes who has made a meaningful contribution over time to support others in the community. This award has been presented annually since 2020.
- Peer Support Award: Recognising those who provide invaluable time, care, and ideas to help others feel supported and included within peer support groups.
- Diabetes Camps Victoria Award: Acknowledging the significant difference made by Diabetes Camps Victoria volunteers and health professionals in supporting children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes, and their families.
- Prevention Leader Award: Celebrating community members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to preventing type 2 diabetes and improving community health outcomes through inclusive, innovative, and community-driven initiatives.
We encourage you to consider the inspiring people in our community who embody these values and make a profound impact. Together, we are building a more supportive and inclusive world for everyone affected by diabetes.

2025 Impact Awards Gallery
Outstanding Contribution Award
Recipient: Associate Professor Ralph Audehm
Outstanding Contribution – Lived Experience Award
Recipient: David Burren
Peer Support Award
Recipient: Teresa Pitt
Camps Award
Recipient: Zac Sanders
Prevention Leader Award
Recipient: Nicole French
Award Criteria
Please note, nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed
Outstanding Contribution Award
Purpose
The purpose of the Diabetes Victoria Outstanding Contribution Award is to recognise individuals who have made substantial and meaningful contributions to improving the lives of Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
This award aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s 2024-2030 strategic priorities. To learn more about our goals, please visit: www.diabetesvic.org.au/strategic-priorities/
Eligibility Criteria
To be nominated for this prestigious award, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- they currently live in the state of Victoria;
- their work or contribution has had a major and positive impact on the health and well-being of Victorians living with, affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
- examples include activities that support people living with, affected by, or at risk of, diabetes; research discoveries; innovations; the development or promotion of new technologies; campaigning; advocacy; fundraising; and/or policy changes.
- they have a sustained record (at a community, state, national and/or international level) over many years, representing a dedicated career or exceptional service in the diabetes field;
- their contribution aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s vision of a world in which diabetes can do no harm;
- their contribution aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s purpose being dedicated to reducing the impact of all types of diabetes on people, families, communities and health systems across Victoria.
- they are recognised by their peers as a leader in diabetes care, management, research, policy development, or advocacy at a state, national and/or international level.
Exclusion Criteria
The following would make a nominee ineligible for the Award:
- the nominee works for an organisation whose vision and purpose do not align with those of Diabetes Victoria;
- the nominee is a previous recipient of the Award (unless in exceptional circumstances, or in recognition of a new outstanding contribution);
- the nominee is an organisation or team, rather than an individual.
2025 Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed
All nominations, regardless of the submission method, must include the following information:
- Personal information
- Full Name:
- Title (if applicable):
- Postal Address:
- Email Address:
- Phone Number:
About you (if you’re nominating someone else):
- Your Full Name:
- How do you know the person you’re nominating?
- Your contact details (email or phone):
- Does the person you are nominating know you are nominating them?
2. Why Are You Nominating This Person? (300 words max)
3. Extra Information (Optional)
- Please include any additional information that might support your nomination. This might be a short story about the person, a photo, a letter of recommendation or something from the news.
2025 Selection and Notification Process
All nominations will be presented to a panel made up of Diabetes Victoria Leadership Team members. The panel will provide advice and input to assist the CEO, Glen Noonan, in determining the award recipient(s).
The successful awardee(s) will be contacted directly by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards Luncheon on 23 October 2025.
The CEO, Glen Noonan, reserves the right to confer more than one Award, or to refrain from conferring an Award, in any given year.
Outstanding Contribution Award – Lived Experience with Diabetes
Purpose
The purpose of this award is to recognise a Victorian living with diabetes who has made a meaningful contribution over time to improve the lives of other Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
This award aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s 2024-2030 strategic priorities. To learn more about our goals, please visit: www.diabetesvic.org.au/strategic-priorities/
Who can be nominated?
Residents of Victoria with lived experience of diabetes are eligible for this award if they have either;
- volunteered, formally or informally, and this contribution has had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of Victorians affected by diabetes;
- supported and/or actively advocated for people impacted by diabetes in Victoria over many years;
- contributed in a way that aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s vision of a world in which diabetes can do no harm; and
- their contribution aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s purpose being dedicated to reducing the impact of all types of diabetes on people, families, communities and health systems across Victoria.
- Please note that self-nominations are permitted.
Who cannot be nominated:
The following would make a nominee ineligible for the Award:
- Current paid employees of Diabetes Victoria.
2025 Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed
All nominations, regardless of the submission method, must include the following information:
- Personal information
- Full Name:
- Title (if applicable):
- Postal Address:
- Email Address:
- Phone Number:
About you (if you’re nominating someone else):
- Your Full Name:
- How do you know the person you’re nominating?
- Your contact details (email or phone):
- Does the person you are nominating know you are nominating them? 2. Why Are You Nominating This Person? (300 words max)
- What has this person done that you deem special? (e.g. support the Diabetes Victoria fun run etc.)
- How have they helped people living with or affected by diabetes? (e.g run events and fundraised for people living with diabetes)
- Why do you think they deserve this award?
- How long has this person been involved in supporting people living with diabetes? 3. Extra Information (Optional)
- Please include any additional information that might support your nomination. This might be a short story about the person, a photo, a letter of recommendation or something from the news.
2025 Selection and Notification Process
All nominations will be presented to a panel made up of Diabetes Victoria staff and Leadership Team members. The panel will include people living with diabetes, ensuring that at least 3 members will bring a personal understanding of the condition. The panel will provide advice and input to assist the CEO, Glen Noonan, in determining the award recipient(s).
The successful awardee(s) will be contacted directly by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards Luncheon on 23 October 2025.
The CEO reserves the right to confer more than one Award, or to refrain from conferring an Award, in any given year.
Diabetes Victoria Peer Support Award
Purpose
This award recognises Peer Support Group Convenors, Supporters and/or members who have made significant differences in supporting others living with and/or affected by diabetes.
We want to thank and celebrate those who give their time, care, and ideas to help others feel supported and included.
This award aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s 2024-2030 strategic priorities. To learn more about our goals, please visit: www.diabetesvic.org.au/strategic-priorities/
Who can be nominated?
A person can be nominated if they:
- Are currently part of the Diabetes Victoria Peer Support Program or have been so in the past year
- Have been active in the program for at least one (1) year
- Help support others living with or affected by diabetes
- Are a Peer Support Group Convenor, support and/or regular, active Member
Please note that self-nominations are permitted.
This award recognises people who:
- Are actively involved in their peer support groups
- Help organise or support group meetings
- Run or take part in activities that support others who are living with or affected by diabetes
- Contribute to their wider local community
- Share helpful information or ideas with their peer support group and/or wider community
- Make everyone feel welcome and included
Who cannot be nominated:
The following would make a nominee ineligible for the Award:
- Current paid employees of Diabetes Victoria are not eligible for this award.
2025 Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed
All nominations, regardless of the submission method, must include the following information:
- Personal information
- Full Name:
- Title (if applicable):
- Postal Address:
- Email Address:
- Phone Number:
- Name of their Peer Support Group (if known):
- Are they a Convenor or a Member?
- How long have they been involved in the group? (If known)
About you (if you’re nominating someone else):
- Your Full Name:
- How do you know the person you’re nominating?
- Your contact details (email or phone):
- Does the person you are nominating know you are nominating them?
2. Why Are You Nominating This Person? (300 words max.)
- What does this person do in the Peer Support Group? (E.g. do they run meetings, help plan activities, welcome new people?)
- What have they done that has helped others living with or affected by diabetes (E.g. offered support, shared useful tips, started new ideas, kept the group going?)
- How do they make people feel included, safe, or supported?
- Why do you think they should receive this award?
3. Extra Information (Optional)
- Please include any additional information that might support your nomination. This might be a short story about the person, a photo, a letter of recommendation or something from the news.
2025 Selection and Notification Process
All nominations will be presented to a panel made up of Diabetes Victoria Leadership Team members. The panel will provide advice and input to assist the CEO, Glen Noonan, in determining the award recipient(s).
The successful awardee(s) will be contacted directly by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards Luncheon on 23 October 2025.
The CEO, Glen Noonan, reserves the right to confer more than one Award, or to refrain from conferring an Award, in any given year.
Diabetes Camps Victoria Award
Purpose
This award recognises Diabetes Camps Victoria Volunteers or Health Professionals who have made a significant difference in supporting children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes and/or their parents or carers. It also recognises those that consistently provide valued support to fellow volunteers and health professionals in the camp setting.
We want to thank and celebrate those who give their time, care, and ideas to help the camps program continue to flourish.
This award aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s 2024-2030 strategic priorities. To learn more about our goals, please visit: www.diabetesvic.org.au/strategic-priorities/
Who can be nominated?
A person can be nominated if they:
- Are a current recreation leader, mentor or Volunteer Coordinator for Diabetes Camps Victoria or have attended a camp in the past year
- Are a current health professional for Diabetes Camps Victoria or have or have attended a camp in the past year
- Have been active in the program for at least three camps
Please note that self-nominations are permitted.
We’re looking for people who:
- Have showed passion for and commitment to Diabetes Victoria camps
- Have consistently been an enthusiastic, reliable and supportive team member
- Have served as a role model or demonstrated leadership to fellow volunteers or health professionals in their respective roles
- Have demonstrated kindness and compassion to others in the camp setting
- Have shown initiative and been actively engaged with the camp attendees on the camps they have attended
- Have made a notable positive impact on campers and/or parents/carers who have attended a Diabetes Victoria camp in the past year
Who cannot be nominated:
The following would make a nominee ineligible for the Award:
- Current paid employees of Diabetes Victoria are not eligible for this award.
2025 Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed
All nominations, regardless of the submission method, must include the following information:
- Personal information
- Full Name:
- Title (if applicable):
- Postal Address:
- Email Address:
- Phone Number:
- Are they a Volunteer or Health Professional?
- How long have they been involved in the camps program? (If known)
- How many camps have they attended? (If known)
About you (if you’re nominating someone else):
- Your Full Name:
- How do you know the person you’re nominating?
- Your contact details (email or phone):
- Does the person you are nominating know you are nominating them?
2. Why Are You Nominating This Person? (300 words max.)
- How has this person made a notable impact on campers and/or parents/carers who have attended a Diabetes Victoria camp? (e.g. spent additional time with a nervous camper to encourage them to form connections with others in their colour group)
- What positive qualities has this person demonstrated on camp, and how has this supported the experience of campers, parents/guardians, volunteers or health professionals? (e.g. through kindness and patience this person supported many campers trying to do their own injection for the first time)
- Why do you think this person should receive this award?
3. Extra Information (Optional)
- Please include any additional information that might support your nomination. This might be a short story about the person, a photo, a letter of recommendation or something from the news.
2025 Selection and Notification Process
All nominations will be presented to a panel made up of Diabetes Victoria Leadership Team members. The panel will provide advice and input to assist the CEO, Glen Noonan, in determining the award recipient(s).
The successful awardee(s) will be contacted directly by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards Luncheon on 23 October 2025.
The CEO, Glen Noonan, reserves the right to confer more than one Award, or to refrain from conferring an Award, in any given year.
Prevention Leader Award
Purpose
This award recognises a community member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to enhancing community wellbeing through impactful, prevention-focused action. It celebrates individuals who embody values of inclusion, innovation, and community-driven support, whether through direct program delivery, advocacy, education, or other impactful initiatives. We want to thank and celebrate those who are making a significant difference in fostering healthier communities across Victoria.
This award aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s 2024-2030 strategic priorities. To learn more about our goals, please visit: www.diabetesvic.org.au/strategic-priorities/
Who can be nominated?
Nominees can be individuals who actively support their communities to improve health, and contribute to our goal of fewer people developing type 2 diabetes through:
- Coaching
- Leadership
- Advocacy
- Health work
- Community organisation/group involvement
- Volunteering
This award recognises people who have made a meaningful contribution to improving community health and wellbeing through prevention-focused efforts in one or more of the following ways:
- Sustained initiatives, education, advocacy, or support services.
- Actively engage and empower communities, particularly those facing barriers to participation, and demonstrate inclusive and culturally safe practices.
- Foster collaboration, share knowledge, and support others, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
- Show innovation through unique approaches, tools, or models in the prevention discipline.
- Have successfully overcome barriers (e.g., transport, language, stigma) to increase participation or reach.
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to prevention efforts over time, through long-term projects or consistent contributions.
Who cannot be nominated: The following would make a nominee ineligible for the Award:
- The nominee works for an organisation whose vision and purpose do not align with those of Diabetes Victoria.
- The nominee is a previous recipient of the Award (unless in exceptional circumstances, or in recognition of a new outstanding contribution).
- Current paid employees of Diabetes Victoria, or other similar diabetes organisations, are not eligible for this award.
- The nominee is an organisation or team, rather than an individual.
2025 Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed
All nominations, regardless of the submission method, must include the following information:
- Personal information
- Full Name:
- Title (if applicable):
- Postal Address:
- Email Address:
- Phone Number:
About you (if you’re nominating someone else):
- Your Full Name:
- How do you know the person you’re nominating?
- Your contact details (email or phone):
- Does the person you are nominating know you are nominating them?
2. Why Are You Nominating This Person? (300 words max.)
- How has this person made a meaningful contribution to reduce their risk or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through initiatives, education, advocacy, or support services? (e.g., developed an innovative program, delivered impactful community workshops, advocated for policy change).
- How has this person actively engaged and empowered communities, particularly those facing barriers to participation, and demonstrated inclusive and culturally safe practices? (e.g., tailored programs for specific cultural groups, reached underserved populations).
- How does this person foster collaboration, share knowledge, and support others, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement? (e.g., mentored new facilitators, participated in relevant networks).
- Why do you think this person should receive this award?
3. Extra Information (Optional)
- Please include any additional information that might support your nomination. This might be a short story about the person, a photo, a letter of recommendation or something from the news.
2025 Selection and Notification Process
All nominations will be presented to a panel made up of Diabetes Victoria Leadership Team members. The panel will provide advice and input to assist the CEO, Glen Noonan, in determining the award recipient(s).
The successful awardee(s) will be contacted directly by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards Luncheon on 23 October 2025.
The CEO, Glen Noonan, reserves the right to confer more than one Award, or to refrain from conferring an Award, in any given year.
Previous recipients
| Year | Outstanding Contribution Award Recipient | Outstanding Contribution Award – Lived Experience Recipient | Peer Support Award Recipient | Diabetes Camps Victoria Award | Prevention Leader Award |
| 2025 | Associate Professor Ralph Audehm | David Burren | Teresa Pitt | Zac Sanders | Nicole French |
| Year | Diabetes Victoria Outstanding Contribution Award Recipient | Diabetes Victoria Outstanding Contribution Award – Lived Experience Recipient |
| 2024 | Professor Thomas Kay | Georgie Peters |
| 2023 | Malcolm Gray AM| Dianne Harvey APD | Dr Ashley Ng |
| 2022 | Susan Alberti AC | Cheryl Steele |
| 2021 | Professor James Dunbar | Roslyn Brown |
| 2020 | Dr Christel Hendrieckx | Jill Craig |
| 2019 | Professor David O’Neal | |
| 2018 | Professor Helena Teede | |
| 2017 | Professor Fergus Cameron | |
| 2016 | Lynne Fraser and Ann Morris | |
| 2015 | Victoria Stevenson | |
| 2014 | Professor Paul Zimmet AO | |
| 2013 | Peg Kearin OAM | |
| 2012 | Professor Len Harrison | |
| 2011 | Dr Alison Nankervis | |
| 2010 | Professor Trisha Dunning AM | |
| 2009 | Professor Peter Colman and Lynne Fraser | |
| 2008 | Dr Harald Breidahl | |
| 2007 | The Hon Steve Bracks MP |