Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards 2026

“What makes the diabetes community so special is the cross section of people who contribute to it and the passion they bring,” Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan says.

“At Diabetes Victoria, while we deliver programs and services and support research, we’re also a connector, an advocate and a changemaker. 

“Our greatest impact comes from working together with our partners, supporters, researchers, health professionals and the communities we serve.

“We’re proud to present these awards, celebrating the people whose dedication and care have made a lasting impact.”

Diabetes Camps Victoria Award: Ramona Long

Ramona Long has attended an astounding 23 diabetes camps over 12 years. She has progressed from recreation leader to group mentor and now to Volunteer Coordinator, a role with the highest responsibility among our camps volunteers. Ramona has approached each role with enthusiasm and has made a significant impact on campers and fellow volunteers.

She is a wonderful mentor to upcoming leaders and a fantastic leader herself. Ramona is committed to continually improving the experience for campers, families and volunteers each year. Her attention to detail and the significant number of voluntary hours she works ahead of each camp does not go unnoticed.

“I'm very honoured to have this recognition. I've been working with Diabetes Camps Victoria for a long time and it’s a program I am incredibly passionate about,” Ramona says.

“The impact of camps is far reaching – I have seen families go through significant change in understanding how to better manage type 1 diabetes and the relationship with their kids who live with type 1. We get our own support network as camp leaders too.”

Peer Support Award: Liz Hare

Established in 1973, the Albury Wodonga Diabetes Support Group has connected people across the border for more than 50 years. Alongside co-convenor Jill Craig and the committee, Liz Hare has helped keep those connections strong.

The committee has advocated for better access to diabetes services on both sides of the Murray River, supporting people in north-east Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Since 2014, under Liz and Jill’s guidance, the group has raised funds and donated more than $80,000 worth of diabetes technology to Albury Wodonga Health.

“Peer support is essential. We meet up with people who have recently been diagnosed. They've received the shocking news and don't know what to do with it and they feel lost,” Liz says.

“We help people come to terms with living with diabetes and we bridge the gap between normal life and the health professionals.

“We've been a continuous operation for 53 years in our community and certainly we're very proud of it. Supporting type 1 kids in the region and their families is something we are very passionate about.”

Prevention Leader Award: Racha Slim

Racha Slim is a driving force in chronic disease prevention, blending clinical excellence with community leadership to transform lives across Victoria.

As the founder of NutriBlooms dietitian services and a Life! program provider since 2023, Racha has demonstrated unwavering commitment to diabetes risk reduction and improving public health outcomes.

Racha delivers the Life! program in both English and Arabic, helping to extend its reach to important priority populations and demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive health promotion.

“As a dietitian, I always believe that prevention is one of the most powerful things we can do in healthcare.” Racha says.

“Prevention isn't just about providing nutrition advice; it's about connecting with people and understanding their challenges and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable changes.”

“One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been delivering the Life! program in Arabic speaking communities. Being able to break down language and cultural barriers and make health education more accessible has been incredibly special to me.

“Seeing participants gain confidence, making positive changes, and take control of their health is what truly motivates me.”

Outstanding Contribution – Lived Experience: Bronwyn Halfpenny MP

Bronwyn Halfpenny lives with type 1 diabetes and is the Victorian Member of Parliament for Thomastown. 

Bronwyn is hardworking, dedicated and highly respected. Throughout her career, she’s used her platform to shine a spotlight on the issues affecting people living with diabetes.

For more than a decade, Bronwyn has co-convened the Parliamentary Friends of People Affected by Diabetes Group, a bipartisan forum that brings together members of parliament from across the political spectrum to support people affected by diabetes.

Through Bronwyn's leadership, the group has hosted numerous events at Parliament, bringing together policymakers, health professionals and people with lived experience to raise awareness, educate and build a deeper understanding of diabetes and its impact.

As the Victorian Government’s Health Ambassador for Diabetes, she has championed important initiatives that improve outcomes.

“I admire the dynamism, the commitment, and passion in all those that work within Diabetes Victoria and those who are connected to the organisation,” Bronwyn says.

“I feel very proud to be here and to accept this award. I feel like I'm standing amongst giants, the other recipients are incredible people that are doing and giving so much.”

Outstanding Contribution: Professor Jonathan Shaw

Professor Jonathan Shaw’s decades of pioneering research have transformed our understanding of diabetes. His work has influenced national health policy and clinical practice. 

Jonathan led AusDiab, a landmark study of more than 11,000 Australians that gave us the first true national picture of diabetes. Those findings have informed national health policy, prevention and clinical care for more than two decades.

Jonathan is President of the Australian Diabetes Society and the Deputy Director of Clinical Science at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. He has authored more than 700 scientific papers and has been named among the top one percent of most highly cited scientists in the world.

Jonathan has always been focused on turning research into real-world change. This award recognises his leadership across the sector and his commitment to people living with diabetes.

“It's the knowledge that something that I've done has helped some people. I try and do it on a one-to-one basis when I see patients in the clinic. I try and do it through discovering a little bit more about how diabetes works, and through advocacy,” Jonathan says.

“It is an honour to get the award. It's an honour to have been able to have done the work that has led to the award, and I thank everybody who has helped me along