Media Releases - 10 July 2021
2021 Gwen Scott grant program applications now open
Diabetes Victoria encourages health professionals, who have been a health professional member of our organisation for 12 months or more, to apply for the 2021 Gwen Scott grant program. This year, Diabetes Victoria will award up to $40,000 to health professionals to further their training and development in diabetes. Through this program, grant recipients can also take advantage of valuable networking opportunities with other professionals in the field of diabetes, either online or in person.
Gwen Scott was Australia’s first nurse employed as a specialist in diabetes education and the first employee of the Diabetes Association of Victoria, which is Diabetes Victoria today. Gwen Scott is best known for her contribution to diabetes education and for establishing the role of diabetes educators in Australia.
“Past recipients have used their grants in different ways – such as further study for a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education, attending international and national diabetes conferences, or assistance with completing a Masters of Advanced Nursing,” says Diabetes Victoria CEO: Craig Bennett.
Diabetes Victoria established the Gwen Scott grant program in 2006, as part of a commitment to health professionals who support those affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
“More than 362,000 Victorians are known to be living with diabetes and there is an increasing need to provide health professionals with opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of diabetes, management strategies and health promotion,” Mr Bennett says.
“Diabetes increases a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision and loss of a limb; so, the more we can encourage health professionals to further their learning in the field of diabetes, the better for all Victorians.”
“Diabetes is a complex and serious condition to manage. As information about diabetes changes quickly due to research findings and advances in technology, continuous learning is essential.
Health professionals need to update their knowledge and reflect on their practice in order to constantly improve the education and care they provide,” Mr Bennett adds. “Furthering their education will help them to better support people living with diabetes, as well as widen their career options. This is an incredible opportunity not to be missed.”
Elizabeth Dlugosz is a diabetes nurse educator and the Diabetes Camps Victoria Program Leader. She received funding through the 2020 Gwen Scott program.
Elizabeth is undertaking a Diploma of Counselling comprising 18 units covering topics such as the counselling relationship, methods of counselling, grief and abuse counselling, and parenting & mindfulness training.
“By doing this diploma, I feel that I will be better prepared to support families, particularly those attending Family Camp, and camp staff,” says Elizabeth.
Applications for funding support under the 2021 Gwen Scott grant program close on Monday 31 May. Successful applicants will be announced during National Diabetes Week from Sunday 11 to Saturday 17 July.
We support, empower and campaign for all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
Grant application details are available at: diabetesvic.org.au/gwenscott
For more information:
Jane Kneebone 0416 148 845 jkneebone@diabetesvic.org.au
