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 interest 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 appreciation must be extended to our Board who volunteer their time each month and give of their vast knowledge and experience to govern our Association.
Board Members
President
Appointed in casual vacancy from 23 April until 28 October 2025.
Vice President from 24 October until 23 April 2025
Appointed to the Board 25 October 2022
Chair of Advocacy & Communications Committee
Member of Finance & Audit Committee
Personal Information
Having lived with type 1 diabetes since the age of 26, I have a strong affinity with the Association’s objectives and a personal understanding of the importance of diabetes education, awareness and research.
My professional background is in politics, public policy and government relations at a State and Federal level and I have worked for South Australian Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Members of Parliament.
I have extensive private sector and NGO experience with a demonstrated record of major public policy and advocacy outcomes across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. In addition, I have served on Federal and State political and industry policy committees.
I own and operate Outcome Advisory, a government relations and strategic advisory consultancy providing services to a diverse range of corporate and NGO clients.
I hold Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Politics) degrees from the University of Adelaide, am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Justice of the Peace in South Australia.
“I view Board membership as an opportunity to reciprocate the support that Diabetes SA has given to me and to lend my expertise to the Association’s advocacy, communications and fundraising efforts. “
Vice President
Vice President since 22 November 2022
Appointed to the Board 27 October 2020
Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee
Chair of Research Advisory Committee
Personal Information
My partner lived with Type 1 diabetes for 51 years. I recall how after visiting The Diabetic Association of South Australia (now Diabetes SA) for diabetes supplies he would emerge full of fresh confidence and knowledge. Having access to compassionate support from well-informed professionals was his lifeline. That’s why I now support the work of Diabetes SA through the Board.
I have seen first-hand how research has brought advances in technology and understanding of diabetes, and how these can be game changers in the life of a person with diabetes. That’s why I am a passionate supporter of diabetes research.
I bring to the Board my experience as a carer, knowledge of the challenges that living in a non-metropolitan area creates, up-to-date understanding of modern board governance (2023 AICD Company Directors Course), plus the professional and people skills developed through years of community involvement and my career as a public-school teacher.
My commitment is to people – those living with or at risk of diabetes, and those who care for them.
I live in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, where family, friends, singing, amateur dramatics and gardening fill my life with joy.
Treasurer & Public Officer
Treasurer & Public Officer since 27 June 2023
Appointed to the Board 26 October 2023
Chair of Finance & Audit Committee
Member of the Corporate Governance Committee
Member of Building Development Committee
Personal Information
Having experienced high blood sugar levels in my first pregnancy and being diagnosed with gestational diabetes in my second pregnancy, I experienced first-hand the valuable support of Diabetes SA in assisting me in managing my diagnosis.
Having undertaken my honours degree in health sciences and nutrition, I have a strong interest in health and wellbeing, and understanding the role that education and awareness, strong role models, and research can play in assisting individuals to manage and live with health-related matters associated with diabetes, as well as in the prevention of type 2 and gestational diabetes.
In my professional role, I use my skillset as a chartered accountant and registered company auditor to work with a range of businesses. I communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, working collaboratively to assist clients with business issues, and have a strong focus on developing individuals and teams. I am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Company Directors Course.
Board Member
Board Member from 23 April 2025
Board Member from 27 October 2020 until 14 May 2023
Past Chair Corporate Governance Committee
Personal Information
I have 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 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 not-for-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.
Board Member
Appointed to the Board 26 October 2023
Member of Advocacy & Communications Committee
Deputy Chair Research Advisory Committee
Personal Information
I am a marketing and communications professional with nearly 20 years’ experience in developing strategic marketing and fundraising campaigns that deliver results.
With extensive marketing and communications experience across a range of sectors I have worked in London, Sydney and Adelaide. An innovative and strategic thinker I have been able to identify new opportunities and resolve organisational challenges. With an analytical mindset I have been able to build on existing organisational knowledge, data and research to be able to take an idea from concept through to development, implementation and evaluation.
Bringing people together with a united vision is a challenge that I enjoy and thrive on. My approach is collaborative yet target focused, gaining results by providing practical steps that help organisations achieve their goals.
I am passionate about making a positive contribution in the community and enjoy working with organisations whose work puts the needs of their customers/clients at the centre of their operations.
I hold a Masters in Communications Management with the University of South Australia.
Board Mentee
Board Mentee
The position of Board Mentee has been designed as an observership and learning program. It is an introductory “hands-on” opportunity to learn about processes and responsibilities of being a Board Member.
The Board Mentee is selected by the Board but does not constitute appointment as a Board Member. Therefore, the Board Mentee is not entitled to voting rights, nor will they carry the legal responsibilities of an appointed Board Member.
The position includes a requirement for regular attendance at Board Meetings, and at Committee Meetings by negotiation.
The Board Mentee is provided with support and guidance from a Lead Mentor and the Board. Areas of learning include:
governance structures and processes including the role of committees.
strategic thinking and understanding of risk.
legal, ethical, fiduciary, and financial responsibilities of a Board Member.
the role of mission, vision and values in an organisation.
the function, development and review of governance policy and procedure documents.
reading and comprehending financial documents.
The position is not remunerated and does not constitute automatic placement on the Board of Diabetes SA on completion. The Board Mentee tenure is 12 months.
For further information contact ceo@diabetessa.com.au.
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.
