Peer support group connects border community

“We have a large contact list of over 300 people living with diabetes in the region and we keep in touch with people in whatever way works for them,” she explains.

“Some people like to stay connected by receiving the newsletter, while we usually have between 15 and 20 people at our casual coffee catch ups.

“We have them once a month, always on the last Friday morning of the month and we hold it at a very central cafe with good coffee in the centre of Albury.

“We have a very enthusiastic bunch who usually turn up. You don’t have to be there every time; it’s just come when you can.”

When the group was established by Dot Franks in 1973, living with diabetes looked completely different. The group has changed over the decades too but remains a force for good in the community.

The committee has played a pivotal role in improving diabetes care in the region, advocating for improved access to services for both northeast Victoria and southern New South Wales.

The group has been fundraising for diabetes technology for the regional public health service since 2014. They've donated over $80,000 worth of medical equipment to Albury Wodonga Health.

Bringing type 1 families together

“Every year we run a type 1 kids’ event for children with type 1 diabetes and their siblings, who often miss out,” Liz explains.

“We run that in the winter school holidays, and we pay all the costs so it’s free for the families.

“Kids from the age of three up to about 14 come along – some families have travelled quite a distance to come in because they don't often get the opportunity to meet up with others who have diabetes.

“It benefits the parents a lot, they get to chat about the ups and downs while the kids are enjoying an activity like skateboarding or bowling.”

This generosity and community spirit has always been part of the fabric of the group and is driven by co-convener duo Liz and President Jill Craig.

“Supporting type 1 kids and their families is something we are very passionate about because we both live with type 1,” Liz says.

“I’m rather fortunate that I was diagnosed in ‘the good days’ when I was in my 30s, while Jill has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was a child when it was a lot harder to manage.”

Locals who understand

While the Christmas in July event was only added to the annual calendar in recent years, the monthly ‘coffee and chat’ catch ups were initiated in 2020.

“One of our committee members, the late Averil Greenhaugh, realised there was a need for daytime social gatherings for meeting-shy people living with diabetes,” Liz says.

“They are usually informal but occasionally we will have a speaker join us,” Liz says.

“A local podiatrist has come along and given us some really good practical sessions on looking after your own feet.

“We're aiming to have an optometrist come along in September to chat about taking care of our eye health.”

Regular attendees have established a camaraderie, and newcomers are always welcome. Anyone living with any type of diabetes in the Albury Wodonga region can pop in when it suits.

As one group member puts it: “it’s good to get out regularly and talk to people who also understand diabetes. I love the company… it’s a very friendly and welcoming group.”