Annual reports
Message from the CEO
This year has been a year of transition, renewal and forward momentum for Diabetes SA. As Acting CEO, I am proud to reflect on the organisation’s achievements during the last year.
We began the year by strengthening our financial foundations and embedding greater rigour in our systems and reporting. Through disciplined budgeting, improved financial processes and proactive management of our investments, we have positioned the organisation on a more sustainable footing.
While the NDSS funding reductions early in 2025 presented short-term challenges, we responded swiftly and strategically. Our financial outlook remains positive, supported by ongoing diversification of income streams and growth in membership and retail revenue.
A major highlight of the year was the expansion of our preventive health work through successful grant partnerships. Following our 2025–26 State Budget submission, Diabetes SA secured a three-year grant from Preventive Health SA to deliver culturally tailored screening and education programs across priority Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and First Nations communities. This initiative builds on our well-established community partnerships and reflects our commitment to equity, early detection and culturally appropriate care.
Our collaboration with Flinders University on the AUS2PREVENT trial has continued to yield valuable insights into type 2 diabetes prevention. Together with our longstanding partners in Country SA PHN, Freemasons SA & NT and other community groups, we are advancing innovative models that embed preventive health into everyday community life.
Across the year, we strengthened stakeholder engagement at every level. Our partnerships with State and Federal governments, the NDSS, Preventive Health SA and other peak bodies have ensured that South Australians continue to have a strong voice in national diabetes discussions.
Transformation has also been a defining feature of this period. In-line with our commitment to providing members with a more contemporary, accessible and engaging experience, we have invested in our digital capability, including an extensive website upgrade. We have also deepened our collaboration with Diabetes Victoria through the launch of the Diabetes Essentials online shop, an important step in diversifying income and extending our reach.
We continue to listen and respond to the needs of our members and the broader community. Insights from our Your Voice Matters survey have helped shape new and enhanced member benefits, including our partnerships with hearing and podiatry solutions that expands access to expert foot and hearing care for our members. We remain focused on ensuring that everyone in our community, particularly those most vulnerable, can access the information, support and care they need for early detection, prevention and ongoing management.
Much of the work conducted this year was built of strong foundations. As such, I wish to express my gratitude to former CEO Angelique Pasalidis for her more than 20 years of dedicated service. I would also like to thank the Board for their guidance and support during this interim period.
In addition, I would like to acknowledge our members, volunteers, donors, supporters whose time, generosity and goodwill make our work possible. Together, they play an essential role in improving the health and wellbeing of South Australians affected by diabetes.
As I conclude my time as Acting CEO, I look forward to supporting a smooth transition to our incoming CEO as they lead Diabetes SA into its next exciting chapter. Together with government, our partners and our community, we will continue to advocate, prevent, detect, manage and research to reduce the impact and incidence of diabetes across South Australia.
Our achievements this year would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of the Diabetes SA team. I extend my sincere thanks to our staff for their professionalism, adaptability and care during this period of transition. Their collective resilience and focus have been a source of pride and confidence for the organisation.
Rajanbir Singh
Acting CEO
