Celebrating Diabetes Victoria’s volunteers

We recognise every volunteer

This year’s theme, ‘Something for Everyone’, emphasises that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering.

This is particularly apt for Diabetes Victoria, as we have no shortage of diverse volunteering opportunities, and our volunteers contribute to many facets of our organisation.

Volunteers in attendance were from Diabetes Camps Victoria, our Peer Support program, Chinese Living Well, Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Making Sense program.

Brittany Neely was among the guests recognised for her outstanding contribution – a former camper herself, she has volunteered at 19 diabetes camps.

“I remember as a camper finding the confidence to live fully,” she says.

“When I was first diagnosed at 12, my life took a sharp turn, but camps helped me find my capacity.

“My experience at diabetes camps inspired me to keep coming back and give back to all the kids that maybe feel like me, because (living with diabetes) can be really hard.”

Britt says what is most rewarding is seeing the profound impact the program has on campers.

“It is incredible coming back every year and seeing the program grow and develop, and implementing new strategies,” she says. “Seeing how much these kids benefit from it, and the return campers excited to see the same volunteers and friends is rewarding.

“I’m lucky to see quite a few former campers of my own here today who have come back to volunteer.

“Knowing the community will always be there for each other and support each other is incredible.”

Rick Stanton was recognised for his 20 years of volunteering in the Peer Support program, bringing people together to share their experiences and create connections.

“I’ve seen the positive outcomes from belonging to peer support groups in learning, sharing and the long-term friendships,” Rick says.

“I also see the value our members receive, the sector knowledge from our guest speakers and enjoying the chat over morning tea.

“Members get to talk directly with the expert speakers, such as podiatrists and dietitians.

“For me, the position of convener is made pretty easy by having members that play a consistent role and others who help out with setting up the room, serving morning tea and packing up.”

Jayden Hocking, a new member of our CAC, knew almost nothing about diabetes a year ago.

“Our daughter Harper was diagnosed with type 1 in October last year, so it’s a brand-new journey for us as a family,” he explains.

“To help us get over the shock of having our lives turned upside down, I started looking for any positives that I could find.

“I wanted to ease my mind, and this led me to Diabetes Victoria on social media.

“It just so happened that there was an advertisement for the Community Advisory Committee, so I thought, why not throw yourself in headfirst and surround yourself with experts?

“I figured this will help me learn, so I can help Harper continue to live a full and healthy life just like any other six-year-old deserves.”

Volunteers on the CAC help to guide our campaigns, giving advice to the Diabetes Victoria Board and our Leadership team to ensure that lived experience informs everything we do.

“Hearing people’s stories and Harper having access to role models like the people in this room has been so important for us,” he says.

“Meeting other people in the same situation and showing Harper that she’s not alone… It’s also rewarding getting firsthand insights into the direction Diabetes Victoria is going in.

“On the outside looking in you’re not aware of what the organisation does.”

Diabetes Victoria is privileged to have a community of passionate, dedicated volunteers who share our commitment to supporting people affected by diabetes.

Our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who has generously contributed their time, energy, and experience to our organisation over the years.

We wouldn’t be where we are today without your contribution.

Being part of our research community is another form of volunteering. If you live with any type of diabetes, it’s something we encourage you to consider.

Getting involved in research can be as simple as responding to a survey – there’s many different types of studies and trials seeking insight from people with lived experience.
You can get involved in research trials via our website - see what's available today.