Direct Advocacy
Living with diabetes can be challenging at times. It is a complex and serious health condition that impacts on a person’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing; requiring constant attention, motivation and resilience to manage. Diabetes Victoria’s advocacy team recognise this and is here to help you.
Diabetes Victoria’s advocacy team understands that there are many things to stay on top of when living with diabetes. All these things play an important role in our social and emotional wellbeing. The topics below are areas that we regularly encounter when speaking with people living with diabetes.
Our advocacy team
-
Julie Davie
Advocacy Officer at Diabetes Victoria.
Hi, I’m Julie,
I have a background in social sciences and experience in helpline support. I’m committed to empowering people with diabetes and their loved ones to make informed healthcare decisions. I aim to stay engaged in their health journey.
When not working, I love to cook, travel and spend time at the beach. I am also a keen walker, gardener and tennis player.
-
Bart Walus
Lead of Community Advocacy
Bart brings lived experience of type 2 diabetes and expertise in health risk communication and community advocacy.
Following a postdoctoral fellowship in health communication co‑funded by the Welcome Trust and the University of York, he has focused on work in the not‑for‑profit sector supporting vulnerable communities.
At Diabetes Victoria, Bart leads advocacy initiatives that amplify lived‑experience voices, strengthen volunteer engagement, and influence policy and service design.
How we help
- Listening to your diabetes story
- Working alongside you on any concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing
- Linking you with services, resources and information
- Building on your strengths and abilities to find solutions
- Working towards services and policies that value your lived experience and better support you in the ongoing management of your diabetes.
The most common topics people living with diabetes seek our advice and support on are listed below.
If you have any further questions or would like to speak to someone from our team, please call Diabetes Victoria on 1300 437 386 and ask to speak to the advocacy team. Alternatively, you can email advocacy@diabetesvic.org.au to arrange a conversation
Navigating life with diabetes involves much more than checking glucose levels; it also means dealing with the many complex systems that affect your daily life. Whether you are coming to terms with a new diagnosis, adjusting to life in Australia, or looking for information about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace, we can help you.
Our direct advocacy services are designed to reduce stress and provide straightforward, personalised support tailored to your unique circumstances.
Direct Advocacy Services