Diabetes SA appoints Catherine Hughes as CEO
Diabetes SA appoints Catherine Hughes as CEO
Diabetes SA has appointed experienced health executive Catherine Hughes as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Hughes is an accomplished health leader with more than 20 years’ experience across South Australia’s health, aged care and not-for-profit sectors. She has led major system reforms, frontline services and community programs, and is recognised for building collaborative teams, engaging consumers and delivering measurable results across complex health systems.
Diabetes SA President David Scotland said the appointment marked an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
“Catherine combines deep clinical insight with proven executive experience,” Scotland said.
“She brings the skills and vision needed to strengthen Diabetes SA’s voice and grow our impact through strong advocacy, prevention programs and partnerships that deliver real benefits for South Australians.”
“The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Diabetes SA as the organisation strengthens its focus on community and stakeholder engagement.”
“Catherine’s leadership will help us expand our partnerships, enhance health literacy across the state and ensure members’ voices remain central to everything we do,” he said.
Hughes said she was honoured to take on the role at a time when South Australia faces the highest rates of diabetes in the nation.
“It is a privilege to lead Diabetes SA at this important juncture,” Hughes said.
“Diabetes remains one of our state’s biggest health challenges, highlighting the vital role of a strong, member-based organisation to support individuals and families.”
She said a major priority would be to listen and engage with members and the wider diabetes community.
“My first priority is to listen to members, people living with diabetes, clinicians and service partners.
“It is essential that Diabetes SA amplifies the voices of our Members, so our services, advocacy and partnerships reflect the specific needs of the South Australian community whether someone lives in Port Augusta, Penola or metropolitan Adelaide.”
Hughes said she was looking forward to working closely with the Board and team.
“Diabetes SA has a proud history of supporting South Australians,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to building on that legacy with the Board and our dedicated team where there is a necessity to create a sustainable business model for Diabetes SA, with a future focused approach in delivering services, championing research and reducing prevalence.”
Hughes will commence with Diabetes SA on 13 October 2025.
Media contact:
Rajanbir Singh, Acting CEO
0413 100 004| RajS@diabetessa.com.au
About Catherine Hughes
Catherine Hughes is a pharmacist by background, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an MBA from the University of South Australia. Her career includes senior leadership roles across hospital and community health, aged care and system reform.
Most recently, Hughes served as Director of Transformation at Western Hospital, including a period as Interim CEO ensuring early implementation of strategies to improve viability. Her career also includes executive roles with SA Health, where she was responsible for the rollout of COVID-19 programs in Southern Adelaide, implementation of the Hampstead aged care transition program and co-director of Rehabilitation, Aged and Palliative Care in SALHN. As a pharmacist Catherine worked and lived in regional SA and led the introduction of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for hospitals and doubled the clinical pharmacist services for regional hospitals. As Chief Operating Officer at not-for-profit Life Care, she guided reforms in aged care governance and service innovation.
She is recognised for building collaborative teams, delivering complex transformations and championing consumer-centered care and health literacy.
About Diabetes SA
Diabetes SA is South Australia’s peak, member-based organisation representing and supporting people living with and at risk of diabetes. For more than 70 years, we have worked to reduce the risk and impact of diabetes through advocacy, screening and early detection, prevention programs, self-management education and community-led research. We partner across government, health and community to improve equity and access for all South Australians.
Diabetes in South Australia at a glance
- About 120,000 South Australians live with diagnosed diabetes — the highest prevalence in the nation (6.4%).
- Around 21 South Australians are diagnosed every day.
- For every four adults diagnosed, there is one undiagnosed.
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 88% of cases.
- Prevalence is highest in socio-economically disadvantaged and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
