Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards
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These 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
2025 Recipient: Associate Professor Ralph Audehm
Outstanding Contribution – Lived Experience Award
2025 Recipient: David Burren
Peer Support Award
2025 Recipient: Teresa Pitt
Camps Award
2025 Recipient: Zac Sanders
Prevention Leader Award
2025 Recipient: Nicole French
Award Criteria
Please note, nominations for the 2026 awards are now open.
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.
2026 Nomination Process
You can submit a nomination through one of the following three options by close of business Friday 28 August:
- Complete a nomination form online: You can fill out our easy-to-use digital form by clicking here: Online Form.
- Submit your nomination via email: Send an email with the required information to the CEO, Glen Noonan (e: gnoonan@diabetesvic.org.au).
- Call us to submit your nomination over the phone: If you prefer to speak with a staff member, you can call us at: 03 9046 5089. A Diabetes Victoria team member will be happy to assist you in completing your nomination over the phone.
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?
Why Are You Nominating This Person? (300 words max)
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.
Privacy
By submitting a nomination, the nominator confirms they have the nominee’s consent to provide their personal information to Diabetes Victoria. Diabetes Victoria may contact nominees in relation to the Award process. Successful nominees may be invited to participate in promotional activities, including publication of their name, photograph and/or story in Diabetes Victoria communications, subject to their consent.
2026 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 by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards event on 10 November 2026.
Diabetes Victoria, 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.
2026 Nomination Process
You can submit a nomination through one of the following three options by close of business Friday 28 August:
- Complete a nomination form online: You can fill out our easy-to-use digital form by clicking here: Online Form.
- Submit your nomination via email: Send an email with the required information to the CEO, Glen Noonan (e: gnoonan@diabetesvic.org.au).
- Call us to submit your nomination over the phone: If you prefer to speak with a staff member, you can call us at: 03 9046 5089. A Diabetes Victoria team member will be happy to assist you in completing your nomination over the phone.
Outstanding Contribution Award – Lived Experience with Diabetes
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?
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?
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.
Privacy
By submitting a nomination, the nominator confirms they have the nominee’s consent to provide their personal information to Diabetes Victoria. Diabetes Victoria may contact nominees in relation to the Award process. Successful nominees may be invited to participate in promotional activities, including publication of their name, photograph and/or story in Diabetes Victoria communications, subject to their consent.
2026 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 by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards Event on 10 November 2026.
Diabetes Victoria 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.
2026 Nomination Process
You can submit a nomination through one of the following three options by close of business Friday 4 September28 August:
- Complete a nomination form online: You can fill out our easy-to-use digital form by clicking here: Online Form.
- Submit your nomination via email: Send an email with the required information to the CEO, Glen Noonan (e: gnoonan@diabetesvic.org.au).
- Call us to submit your nomination over the phone: If you prefer to speak with a staff member, you can call us at: 03 9046 5089. A Diabetes Victoria team member will be happy to assist you in completing your nomination over the phone.
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?
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?
Diabetes Victoria Peer Support Award
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.
Privacy
By submitting a nomination, the nominator confirms they have the nominee’s consent to provide their personal information to Diabetes Victoria. Diabetes Victoria may contact nominees in relation to the Award process. Successful nominees may be invited to participate in promotional activities, including publication of their name, photograph and/or story in Diabetes Victoria communications, subject to their consent.
2026 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 event on 10 November.
Diabetes Victoria 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 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 or former Recreation Leader, Mentor, Volunteer Coordinator or Health Professional (DNE, dietitian, wellbeing coordinator or medical officer) with Diabetes Camps Victoria who has either been active in the program for at least three camps or made a significant impact on the program.
*Please note that self-nominations are permitted, and you may submit nominations for more than one person.
Multiple people are welcome to nominate the same person, however please avoid submitting more than one nomination for the same individual yourself for this award.
We’re looking for people who:
- Have shown passion for and commitment to Diabetes Camps Victoria
- Have demonstrated kindness and compassion to others in the camp settingHave made a notable positive impact on campers and/or parents/carers who have attended a Diabetes Victoria camp
- Have shown initiative and been actively engaged with camp attendees
- 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
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.
2026 Nomination Process
You can submit a nomination through one of the following three options by close of business Friday 28 August:
- Complete a nomination form online: You can fill out our easy-to-use digital form by clicking here: Online Form.
- Submit your nomination via email: Send an email with the required information to the CEO, Glen Noonan (e: gnoonan@diabetesvic.org.au).
- Call us to submit your nomination over the phone: If you prefer to speak with a staff member, you can call us at: 03 9046 5089. A Diabetes Victoria team member will be happy to assist you in completing your nomination over the phone.
All nominations, regardless of the submission method, must include the following information:
Personal information
- Full Name:
- Title (if applicable):
- Pronouns:
- 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?
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/carers, 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?
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.
Privacy
By submitting a nomination, the nominator confirms they have the nominee’s consent to provide their personal information to Diabetes Victoria. Diabetes Victoria may contact nominees in relation to the Award process. Successful nominees may be invited to participate in promotional activities, including publication of their name, photograph and/or story in Diabetes Victoria communications, subject to their consent.
2026 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 by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards Event on 10 November 2026.
Diabetes Victoria , 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 an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to enhancing community wellbeing through impactful action in the field of type 2 diabetes prevention (actions that help reduce risk or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes). It celebrates individuals who embody values of inclusion, innovation, and community-driven support, whether through direct program delivery, advocacy, education, or other initiatives that contribute to 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 may include individuals involved in a wide range of community-based roles or activities, such as:
- Coaching or mentoring community members
- Leading community initiatives
- Advocating for healthier environments
- Delivering health education or support
- Supporting community organisation or group activities
- Volunteering in community health and wellbeing activities
Their contribution may be demonstrated in one or more of the following ways:
- Delivering sustained initiatives, education, advocacy, or support services that promote healthier communities.
- Engaging and empowering communities, particularly those facing barriers to participation, through inclusive and culturally safe practices.
- Fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting others to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
- Using innovative approaches, tools, or models that support healthier communities through health promotion and community wellbeing.
- Overcoming barriers, such as transport, language, or stigma, to increase participation, reach, or access.
- Demonstrating sustained commitment over time through long-term projects or consistent contributions to community health and wellbeing activities.
Who cannot be nominated: The following would make a nominee ineligible for the Award:
- The nominee works for an organisation whose work conflicts with Diabetes Victoria’s purpose or values.
- 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.
2026 Nomination Process
You can submit a nomination through one of the following three options by close of business Friday 28 August:
- Complete a nomination form online: You can fill out our easy-to-use digital form by clicking here: Online Form.
- Submit your nomination via email: Send an email with the required information to the CEO, Glen Noonan at gnoonan@diabetesvic.org.au
- Call us to submit your nomination over the phone: If you prefer to speak with a staff member, you can call us at: 03 9046 5089. A Diabetes Victoria team member will be happy to assist you in completing your nomination over the phone.
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?
Why Are You Nominating This Person? (300 words max.)
- How has this person made a meaningful contribution to type 2 diabetes prevention 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, in ways that support inclusion, cultural safety, and healthier communities? (e.g., tailored programs for specific cultural groups, reached underserved populations).
- How does this person foster collaboration, share knowledge, and support others to strengthen community health and wellbeing activities? (e.g., mentored new facilitators, participated in relevant networks).
- Why do you think this person should receive this award, including the impact of their contribution on inclusion, reach, community wellbeing, or supporting people and communities to reduce risk or delay onset, where possible?
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.
Privacy
By submitting a nomination, the nominator confirms they have the nominee’s consent to provide their personal information to Diabetes Victoria. Diabetes Victoria may contact nominees in relation to the Award process. Successful nominees may be invited to participate in promotional activities, including publication of their name, photograph and/or story in Diabetes Victoria communications, subject to their consent.
2026 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 by the CEO, Glen Noonan, and the Award will be formally presented at the Diabetes Victoria Impact Awards event on 10 November 2026.
Diabetes Victoria, 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 |