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.
Each member also has a strong personal connection to living with diabetes that drives their passion and dedication to the task.
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 affected by diabetes.
The Board of Management is comprised of nine members. Four of these members include the President, two Vice Presidents and a Treasurer. The remaining five positions are held by Committee Members. The Board of Management are required by constitution to be members of the Association.
Sincere thanks must be extended to our Board of Management who volunteer their time each month and give of their vast knowledge and experience to govern our Association.
Peter Crouch
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board of Management since 29 September 2011.
President since 30 November 2015.
Personal information
I retired recently from the South Australia Police as a Detective Inspector with 43 years of service. 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.
I have a keen interest in assisting people with diabetes management in all perspectives
Monika Kruger
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board of Management since 23 October 2012
Vice President since 30 November 2015
Member of the Research Grants Committee 2018
Member of the Ladies Auxiliary 1992 - 1997
Personal information
Diagnosed T1D in 1978 and commenced membership with Diabetes SA.
My work experience includes various roles with 3 banks, self-employment as a truck then van carrier, various roles with 4 commonwealth government departments. Though now retired, I remain active on general committees.
I joined the board with a strong commitment to ensure DSA remained innovative and relevant to supporting all South Australians with or at risk of diabetes, being particularly keen to support the work of Australia's best researchers and most promising projects to improve management and care for all.
A long-held vision to fund research saw us develop and commit to a research agenda and in 2018 we provided funding across the types of diabetes. The future is very exciting as we roll out our strategic direction and continue to support all people with diabetes.
Geoff Weeks
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board of Management since 28 July 2015.
Vice President since 22 November 2016.
Chair of the Research Grants Committee 2018.
Personal information
After 42 years in Banking including various senior management roles, I have now retired allowing me to provide experience and knowledge to Diabetes SA.
Having seen the effect of diabetes on my father and the assistance my mother gave him to try to deal with diabetes, I now wish to assist members and their families through the provision of services at Diabetes SA.
As a member of the Board of Management I am keen to further research and education, whilst ensuring that we have a strong Association that will enable the provision of ongoing support and services.
Colin Butterick
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board of Management since 28 June 2016.
Treasurer since 28 February 2017.
Personal information
A family history of type 2 diabetes and my diagnosis was the catalyst for my application to become a Board Member with Diabetes SA.
I have over 24 years-experience at an executive level in the financial services industry including nine years as the CEO of Powerstate Credit Union. I have held senior management positions in the Government Statutory Authorities embracing Defence, Pre-School and Child Care.
I also have extensive Board experience in organisations engaged in Financial Services, Information Technology, Aged Care and Community Services in both profit and not for profit sectors. I am currently a Director of Credit Union SA and Board Chair of Trinity Place Retirement Village.
Allan Baird
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board of Management since 28 June 2016.
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. As a person living with type 1 diabetes I want to ensure that we can continue to improve our services to people living with diabetes and their carers.
The fact that South Australia continues to have the highest per capita number of people living with diabetes than any other State or Territory, is a clear demonstration of the need for a strong Diabetes SA.
I am vitally interested in ensuring that Diabetes SA remains an important and significant contributor of quality services and support to the membership and to the broader community through education support, advocacy and the funding of research.
The changes that have been overseen by the Board in the last two years have resulted in a more focussed organisation, but there is much more to be done to ensure its reach extends to as many as possible who need our services and those who can help provide them.
I will continue to work with my fellow Board Members and the wonderful team at Diabetes SA to do what I can to ensure that no person with diabetes in South Australia goes without the services and support that we all need.
Roslyn Hewlett
Previous contributions to Diabetes SA
Member of the Board of Management since 28 June 2016.
Member of the Research Grants Committee 2018.
Personal information
With over 30 years’ experience in the health care sector, I am passionate about the delivery of client centred, evidence-based health care. I have a Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science, Bachelor of Laws and Masters in Healthcare Administration.
As the mother of a teenage girl who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 5, I know the challenges that families face and how the services offered by Diabetes SA can help.
I joined the Board to try and give back to an organisation that had supported my family and to ensure that it could continue to support tother families like my own.
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 of Management 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.