Our Board
Wisdom, compassion and experience… working together as one.
Our Board members each have a personal association with diabetes – either living with diabetes themselves or with a close family member who has diabetes.
Our Board represents a wealth of vision, experience and strategic acumen.
Our Board meets regularly to discuss current issues and to focus on how Diabetes SA can continue to best represent the interests of our members and all people at risk or living with diabetes. The Board are required by constitution to be members of the Association.
Sincere thanks must be extended to our Board who volunteer their time each month and give of their vast knowledge and experience to govern our Association.
Download: Candidate Statements 2020/2021
Pictured (from top left): Peter Crouch, Allan Baird, Gary Neave, John Jovicevic, Lis Burtnik; (from bottom left) Christine Bell, Lynn Bonython, Clare MacAdam, Gus Abimosleh, James Mead (Board Mentee).
Peter Crouch
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board
since 29 September 2011
President since 30
November 2015
Member of Corporate
Governance &
Remuneration Committee,
Finance, Audit & Risk
Committee & Building
Development Committee
Personal information
I retired from the South Australia Police as a Detective Inspector
with 43 years of service. I am currently undertaking work on
contract with the Federal Government on the National
Redress Scheme.
I have a Diploma in Management (Human Resources), a
Graduate Certificate in Applied Management and a Graduate
Certificate in Business Administration.
I have type 2 diabetes, which is prevalent in the adults of my
family and as such have a keen interest in assisting people with
diabetes management. I am enthusiastic about helping South
Australians affected by diabetes.
Allan Baird
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board
since 28 June 2016
Chair Corporate
Governance &
Remuneration Committee,
Member of Building
Development Committee
Vice President since 24
November 2020
Board Mentor
Personal information
With tertiary qualifications in Business, Industrial Engineering, and
Information Systems and over 30 years’ experience as a senior
manager and IT professional in both public and private sectors
in Australia and overseas, Diabetes SA has given me the
opportunity to couple my professional experience with my
understanding of diabetes.
Diabetes SA has shown its resilience and relevance in the last year
and it has been exciting to be part of the important and sustainable
changes initiated by the Board and staff to ensure that Diabetes SA
leads the way for making the life healthier and happier for people
living with diabetes and their carers.
It has been an honor to serve on the Board and be engaged in the
exciting developments at Diabetes SA for the last five years and offer
my services to the membership to serve another term on the Board.
Gary Neave
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
A member of the Board
since 24 September
2019
Chair of Building
Development
Committee
Vice President since 23 February 2021
Personal information
Living with, and sharing the life challenges of my partner, who has type 1
diabetes, for the time I have known her, is one of the primary motivators
driving my membership of the Diabetes SA Board.
Respected as a business leader and project delivery specialist over a
long and diverse career in project and business governance, recent work
with Uniting Communities, leading the client-side team in the delivery
of their U City project and working with the NSHC Board (community
housing provider) has given me strong and clear insights as to the
challenges faced by those living with disadvantage and/or disability, and
the opportunities to leverage broader industry insights to support the
businesses that support them.
I bring strong business acumen, having led infrastructure projects of
capital value exceeding $400m, managed national business units for tier
one professional services consultancy; and more recently managed the
transition of a successful Adelaide based project delivery consultancy
to become the local office for TSA, the largest project management and
advisory service in the region.
I have a real passion, and strong empathy for those that rely on the notfor-
profit sector, and bring significant relationships across government,
and industry, in support of my Board role with Diabetes SA.
John Jovicevic
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board
since 24 September
2019
Chair of Finance, Audit
& Risk Committee
Member of Building
Development
Committee
Personal information
I am a Partner of a medium sized Chartered Accounting firm with over
15 years public practice experience. I have extensive experience working
with and advising clients that operate in the profit, not-for-profit and public
sector. My experience working with a wide range of businesses and
organisations in my professional career gives me a strong appreciation of
the unique challenges that face organisations such as Diabetes SA.
I joined the Board of Diabetes SA as I have a keen interest in further
supporting programs in the areas of diabetes research and prevention
given my family history with diabetes.
My strong focus on the Board is ensuring Diabetes SA is long-term
financially sustainable and has sufficient financial resources to meet its
strategic objectives whilst also ensuring we are financially transparent and
accountable to our members.
Lis Burtnik
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board
since 24 September
2019
Member of Building
Development
Committee
Board Mentor
Personal information
As a late starter in the type 1 diabetes stakes, it took me a while to come to
terms with this chronic and at times frustrating and challenging condition.
Diabetes SA became a ‘go-to place’ for advice, encouragement, and
support. I have become a passionate advocate of the organisation and
believe in giving back where I can. Without their support I am not sure how I
would have coped in those early days.
My working life began as a pediatric nurse at the then Children’s Hospital
where diabetes was known as juvenile diabetes and there appeared little
awareness that adults of all ages could acquire this condition. There were no
disposable syringes, needles were sharpened with a whet stone and lancets
were instruments of pain. The advances including technological innovations
since that time have, to put it mildly, been mind-blowing.
I am impressed with the forward vision of Diabetes SA and its commitment
to research, education, and service. It is these elements that have motivated
me to continue as a Board Member of Diabetes SA.
My career has been varied encompassing work in the not-for-profit
sector including as CEO of a community disability service for 23 years,
as a consultant both in the government and community domains and for
a number of years I have been supporting, developing, and facilitating
workshops for families to understand the complex pathways of the National
Disability Insurance Scheme. Currently I am involved in developing a
consumer driven cooperative for people with disability in the northern
region of Adelaide. I have previously served on several not-for-profit boards
including as Chairperson of the National Council for Single Mothers and
their Children. I have also sat on numerous government committees and
reference groups representing the voices of vulnerable people and
their families.
Christine Bell
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Appointed to the Board
27 October 2020
Member of Finance,
Audit & Risk
Committee and
Corporate Governance
& Remuneration
Committee
Board Mentor
Personal information
Having worked with some of South Australia’s most vulnerable people
I have seen firsthand the impact poor diabetes management can have
on a person’s life. I joined the Board of Diabetes SA as I truly value the
role education and access to information can have in the management
of diabetes. By improving access to information and education we can
improve the health outcomes of vulnerable community groups.
My professional work experience in both the for-profit sector and notfor-
profit sectors, including community services, aged care services
and housing support, gives me great insight into the challenges
faced by vulnerable community members and how community-based
organisations like Diabetes SA can make a positive difference in
people’s lives.
I offer expertise in strategic planning, governance and business
development with a genuine understanding, passion, and enthusiasm
for working for the community of South Australia.
Lynn Bonython
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Appointed to the Board
27 October 2020
Chair of Research
Advisory Committee
& Member of
Corporate Governance
& Remuneration
Committee
Personal information
As a carer for my partner who had type 1 diabetes for 51 years,
I experienced the adventures – and occasional misadventures that are
familiar to those who share their life with a person who has diabetes.
The complexities of life become magnified by daily diabetes
management: forward planning, timing of meals and medication,
“just in case” supplies… the list goes on. This experience has led to
a passion for helping others who are in the same situation: both the
people with diabetes and those who love and care for them. Being
on the Board of Diabetes SA for the last 12 months has given me the
opportunity to do just that.
Having worked as an educator for the last 40 years, I understand the
importance of planning, structure and teamwork when working towards
the achievement of goals. I recognise that decision-making needs to
be based on sound knowledge and strong data. And I know individuals
matter. That is why I am committed to supporting Diabetes SA’s research
projects and wide-reaching evidence-based education programs
through the Board.
I currently work for a not-for-profit arts organisation in the Adelaide Hills
and am extending my knowledge of board governance and function
through ongoing study.
Gus Abimosleh
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Appointed to the Board
in a casual vacancy 28
September 2021
Deputy Chair Research
Advisory Committee
& Member of Finance,
Audit & Risk Committee
Personal information
I am a proud father of three children, two of whom are living with type
1 diabetes. My experiences as a carer have motivated me to join the
Diabetes SA Board and contribute to the meaningful services that our
organisation provides to people living with diabetes and their families.
Over the past 20 years, I have worked in a diverse range of allied
health, business, operations, and project management positions. This
experience includes the management of community and residential
aged care services, hotel services, administration, allied health, and
nursing services. I am currently leading corporate services for a
not-for-profit South Australian disability service provider.
I am committed to evidence-based practice, and have tertiary
qualifications in podiatry, rehabilitation, social science, and business
management. I have previously served on the Boards of Parkinson’s SA,
CCI Group Purchasing, Multicultural Aged Care Inc and the Australian
Unitarian Druze Community (SA) Inc and am a Justice of the Peace for
South Australia.
Clare MacAdam
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Appointed to the Board
in a casual vacancy 28
September 2021
Member of Corporate
Governance &
Remuneration
Committee
Personal information
I am an experienced Marketing Strategist and Fundraiser with more
than 25 years working in both the corporate and not for profit sectors.
I have held national roles in community welfare, environment, the arts,
and education, working from bases in Victoria, New South Wales,
ACT and Queensland. I currently work with Baptist Care SA in a senior
executive role.
I have significant expertise as a Board Director for not for profits,
specialising in Governance and Strategy and most recently concluded
my term with Shelter SA in January 2021.
My husband Richard has type 2 diabetes and the family has learnt a lot
over the past few years as they successfully manage this with him.
James Mead (Board Mentee)
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Appointed as a Board
Mentee 28 September
2021
Member of Finance,
Audit & Risk Committee
Personal information
I am a graduate audiologist with a background in health sciences, who
has a strong interest in rural and indigenous health. Diagnosed with
type 1 diabetes later in life, I have come to appreciate the resilience that
both those living with diabetes and their loved ones develop.
As a young adult, I see my responsibility to raise awareness and to
advocate for all young Australians living with diabetes.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by the Board and
are keen to learn as much as I can so that I can apply these learnings
and skills to my future role as a health professional.
I currently work for a not-for-profit arts organisation in the Adelaide Hills
and am extending my knowledge of board governance and function
through ongoing study.
Thank you
Thank to retiring Board Member Roslyn Hewlett for your contributions to the Board.
A Special Thank You
To our Women’s Auxiliary 1961 – 2010
For almost 50 years, an extraordinary group of women were responsible for raising much needed funds for our organisation by holding regular fundraising stalls and film mornings.
By the mid 1980’s the Auxiliary provided most of the volunteers for badge days, lotteries, annual Diabetes Week and the mailing of our newsletter.
In 1987 the Women’s Auxiliary launched a cookbook for people with diabetes, called ‘Easy Diabetic Recipes’. The Auxiliary collected dozens of recipes and with the help of our dietitian determined which were most suitable. Once the recipes were printed the Auxiliary sorted and bound the printed pages into a book.
The book sold out in its first week, a further 500 copies were ordered, followed by 1,000 more. By the end of February 1988 a total of 2,000 copies of the book had been distributed and another 500 were in print.
In recognition of the work the Auxiliary had undertaken in previous years, the cookbook was reviewed and recipes represented in 2015. Many of the recipes were lovingly trialled and tested – many of the originals remain, with a selection of new recipes added.
It is fitting that the organisation recognises the work of the Auxiliary, not only for their fundraising efforts over five decades but also their support, especially during the 1970’s when our organisation was facing increased costs and dwindling funds.
It is with sincere thanks that the Board and Staff acknowledge the long term commitment and work undertaken by the Auxiliary during the period of 1961 to 2010.
Without your dedication and perseverance, we would not be the organisation we are today.